Labor is investing $42 million in a nation-first plan to improve the lives of autistic Australians, with a new push to boost scientific research and give neurodiverse people more peer support. Source: The Australian.
Autistic people in Australia have some of the poorest outcomes when it comes to life expectancy, education, and inclusion. This strategy, to run until 2031, is designed to change that.
It includes almost $20m over four years for a peer support program, $915,000 to boost community awareness and education of autism, and $12.2m over five years to ensure there is more academic research into neurodiversity.
That research will then be used to improve policies and services related to autistic people.
The sheer existence of the strategy is described as “huge” by autistic woman Clare Gibellini, a co-chair of the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council, which helped advise the government on its development.
“It’s recognition that we have unique needs,” she said. “The research shows us that we have poor outcomes in many areas of life, so this is a significant way to recognise that and that it’s time to do something about it. The autistic community has been left behind in many ways.”
The strategy makes 22 recommendations and is underpinned by four key areas: social inclusion; economic inclusion; diagnosis, services and supports, and; health and mental health.
Its aim is to break down the barriers autistic people face in everyday life. To do that, the Government has committed to improving the data used to inform policies and address gaps in knowledge.
Alongside the strategy is a two-year action plan that will outline more practical short-term steps to deliver on those outcomes. The idea is for the plan to be evaluated and updated throughout the life cycle of the strategy.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will release the strategy and plan in Perth today.
“This is the first Australian government strategy dedicated to improving inclusion, support and life outcomes for autistic people across Australia.
FULL STORY
$42m for first national autism strategy (By Penny Timms, The Australian)
