On the 14/1/2025, DSS Minister Rishworth and the federal government released ¾ of its National Autism Strategy (NA¾S)[1]. While we welcome the limited progress planned, we note that the 4th part of a full strategy, the so-called Health Roadmap for Autism, is missing. Also, DSS officials who wrote the ¾-Strategy failed to address many fundamental issues that need urgent action. In its current form, the NA¾S is deeply disappointing to say the very least.
Autistic Australians have long faced systemic neglect, with their specific needs often overlooked or diluted under broader, generalized policies. While neurodiversity has gained recognition, we must be clear: the needs of Autistic people are unique and cannot be swept under the umbrella of neurodiversity. To do so risks erasing our voices and our experiences.
Dear Minister,
As parents of an inspiring young man with Profound Autism , we have taken a keen interest in the development of the National Autism Strategy. We appreciate the efforts of many involved, and the commitment to provide a national strategy. We have contributed extensively to the Senate Select Committee on Autism and to the NAS (before and after the draft).
Evie Gallagher, 17, says primary school was tough as a girl with undiagnosed autism.
"I just felt a bit different to everyone else, because people were learning at different paces," she said.
After the Albanese government launched the first National Autism Strategy last week, Evie and her mum - ACT Labor senator and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher - decided to share their story, so other families might have a different journey.
There’s more than one way to clear a pathway. Personally, as a sworn enemy of the leaf blower, I prefer methods that aren’t loud, lazy, clunky and repetitious.
Speaking of bureaucracy, this week the federal government’s Department of Social Services released its first-ever official National Autism Strategy and corresponding action plan.
My name is Catherine and I am the Casting Director for The Assembly TV documentary series on ABC. We were in contact for S1 and I wanted to let you know that we have started casting for the second series. We are offering autistic people with an interest in journalism the opportunity to take part and I was hoping you could help me share the news.
Analysis of 50 years of research argues that there isn’t strong evidence for the academic advantages of placing children with disabilities in general education classrooms
A trio of researchers argues that it's unclear where students with disabilities learn the most and recommends that teachers and parents focus first on interventions students need.
Despite claims the government’s reform of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is focused on fraud, a third of the savings will come from pushing children off the scheme.
A concerted effort to remove children from the National Disability Insurance Scheme will reduce spending by $500 million in the next year, accounting for a third of all scheme savings booked to the federal budget bottom line over the same period.
