National Autism Strategy

About the National Autism Strategy

The National Autism Strategy has been developed through a comprehensive co-design process. The strategy sets out the vision for a safe and inclusive society for all Autistic people. One where we support and empower Autistic people to thrive, in all aspects of life. This is in line with international human rights.

The strategy is a framework for improving outcomes for all Autistic people in the years ahead. It includes a vision, goal and guiding principles.

The strategy focuses on actions and enabling change in 4 key outcome areas:

• social inclusion
• economic inclusion
• diagnosis, services and supports
• health and mental health via the National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People.

Each outcome area covers a broad range of issues. The strategy includes commitments under the first 3 outcome areas. The roadmap will address the fourth key outcome area, to improve health and mental health. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing leads the development of the Autism Health Roadmap. This is through a separate process, connected to the strategy.

National Autism Strategy First Action Plan

The strategy will be supported by the National Autism Strategy First Action Plan 2025–26 (Action Plan). The Action Plan builds on what we heard through the national consultation process and the work of the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council and supporting Working Groups. This information will also be drawn on over the coming years as further actions are identified and implemented.

The Action Plan includes details of tangible actions that will support achieving the key outcomes in the strategy.

Autistic people share their stories

National Autism Strategy Oversight Council

An expert National Autism Strategy Oversight Council was established to provide advice to Government to inform on the development of the strategy. The council was co-chaired by Mrs Clare Gibellini – Autistic and autism Community member and Mr Luke Mansfield – Department of Social Services. 

How to talk about autism

We acknowledge that people use different words to talk about autism, and that each person will have a way of talking about autism and themselves that they like best. Some people in the Autistic community like to say ‘Autistic person’ (identity first language), some like to say ‘person with Autism’ (person first language), and some are fine with using either. 

We use identity first language to talk about the National Autism Strategy. This means we will be using the term Autistic person or Autistic people.

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Updates

Find updates about the National Autism Strategy on the National Library of Australia's web archive.

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