WORLD AUTISM DAY – 2 APRIL 2023
THE FULL AUTISM VOICE
March 30, 2023
World Autism Day is a day to appreciate the enormous contribution of autistic and autism communities.
An important milestone to recognise on World Autism Day in 2023 is Australia’s commitment to develop a National Autism Strategy[i].
We congratulate the Australian Government and Minister Rishworth[ii] for commencing this critical work in response to the unacceptable gaps identified in the report by the Select Senate Committee on Autism. This report stated that “life outcomes for Autistic Australians are unacceptably poor… and that enormous personal, social and economic costs are unfairly carried by the Autistic person, their families and carers “ [iii]
The Australian Advisory Board on Autism (AABA) is the peak body for the not-for-profit sector serving the autistic and autism community.
“Let us all celebrate World Autism Day with the aspiration that by 2024 Australia has a National Autism Strategy that will deliver for us all” said Pam Macrossan, AABA Chair.
“We are eager to see this work build on the two decades of work by the AABA as the national peak body serving the autistic and autism community, and in particular our goals for active collaboration with autistic people, their families and community to increase our collective impact”.
“Our expectation is that this work will bring together, recognise, embrace, and critically give voice to all members of the autistic and autism community, through adopting a culture of full inclusion and by truly valuing lived experiences. The AABA’s cultural qualities should be adopted by the National Strategy committee working groups.
[i] National Autism Strategy - https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/national-autism-strategy
[ii] Minister Rishworth - https://www.dss.gov.au/ministers
[iii] Select Senate Committee report on services, support and life outcomes for autistic Australians. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Autism/autism/Report
AUSTRALIAN AUTISM ALLIANCE SCORECARD
THE ALLIANCE HAS RELEASED A SCORECARD MEASURING ELECTION COMMITMENTS FROM MAJOR PARTIES.
May 13 , 2022
The Australian Autism Alliance (Alliance) welcomes the commitment from the Coalition, Labor and the Greens to introduce a new National Autism Strategy in the next term of Parliament.
The Alliance believe this will be critical in shaping the future policy agenda and help improve the life outcomes of hundreds of thousands of Autistic Australians.
The National Autism Strategy is a major step forward from the current disjointed approach that autistic people and their families face in getting the support they need and will make a considerable difference whether they are NDIS participants or accessing other support services. However, the Alliance highlights that more action is required.
For more information and links to policies and/or other sources visit the The Alliance website.
AUSTRALIAN ADVISORY BOARD ON AUTISM CALLS FOR MORE THAN JUST AWARENESS
THE NEED FOR GREATER APPRECIATION ON WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
April 2, 2022
Brisbane, Queensland – The Australian Advisory Board on Autism (AABA) is calling for World Autism Awareness Day to be recognized as an opportunity for the world to move beyond awareness towards a greater appreciation of Autism and the opportunities and challenges for people on the autism spectrum.
Research conducted by the Australian Catholic University suggests that over 85% of the Australian population have a family or other direct connection to a person on the spectrum. The AABA believe this statistic proves that while autism awareness has grown significantly, a greater understanding and appreciation of autism in the general population is needed.
AABA Chair Pam Macrossan, said “While the suggested awareness level of autism across Australian communities is to be welcomed, the complexity and variation is still not well understood. This gap in understanding can contribute to the exacerbation of the challenges facing our community and a reduction in opportunities for greater participation in all walks of life.”
“This lack of understanding is the most significant contributing factor in the preservation of many of the “myths” that surround autism.
“We hope World Autism Awareness Day can create a platform from which a more refined conversation can take place. A conversation that promotes and develops understanding, increases connection and engagement, and creates pathways to improved social and economic participation for all people on the spectrum.
“These discussions can build the foundations for inclusive and cohesive communities within which people on the autism spectrum, their families and supporters can live their best lives.”
The Australian Advisory Board on Autism is the national peak body of not for profit, evidence informed service providers for people on the autism spectrum, their families, carers and helpers.