The National Autism Strategy: What You Need to Know
What is the National Autism Strategy?
A word on language: Please note that this articles uses identity-first language. We acknowledge that diverse communities have different beliefs on person-first and identity-first language, and respect the right of all individuals to choose how they would like to be referred to.
The National Autism Strategy is a seven-year Federal Government plan aimed at improving quality of life for all autistic Australians. It outlines a coordinated national approach to enhance services and supports for autistic individuals and their support networks.
It was developed with guidance from the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council. This council consulted with various groups and individuals, including:
- autistic people and their families and carers
- the wider autism and disability community
- experts and researchers.
The strategy framework is built on three key things:
- A vision – to create an inclusive, safe society that supports and empowers autistic people to thrive across all life areas.
- A goal – to improve quality of life for each autistic person in a meaningful way for that individual.
- Guiding principles – such as ‘nothing about us, without us’, ‘self-determination and autonomy’ and ‘individualised and holistic’.
Along with the National Autism Strategy, the government has released the First Action Plan 2025–2026. Backed by $42.3 million in funding, this plan focuses on immediate actions to improve the lives of autistic people, such as:
- peer support programs
- community awareness campaigns
- resources and information to support people pre- and post-diagnosis
- peer support programs
- community awareness campaigns
Why do we need the National Autism Strategy?
Autism affects nearly 300,000 Australians, which is about 1.1% of the population (although the strategy estimates the actual number is much higher). Despite increased awareness, many autistic individuals face significant obstacles to reaching their potential.
“Attitudes, practices and structures in a neurotypical world can create barriers that impact on autistic people being able to participate fully and equally in the community,” the strategy notes.
The National Autism Strategy aims to ensure autistic people get the support they need to thrive
Statistically, autistic Australians experience poorer outcomes than the rest of the population. For example, autistic people:
- are less likely to achieve a bachelor’s degree (or higher) than people without disability (5.2% versus 35.3%)
- are six times more likely to be unemployed than people without disability
- have a death rate that is about twice that of the general population throughout their lifespan.
Autism occurs on a spectrum: some autistic people can be fully independent with minor adjustments, while others have very high support needs.
Meanwhile, access to services and supports has varied widely across the country—leading to gaps and inconsistencies.
The strategy aims to address these issues by providing a structured framework to guide policy and practice, helping ensure autistic people get the support they need.
How will it help me or my community?
The strategy and action plan focus on improving outcomes in four key areas.
1. Social inclusion
The strategy notes autistic people and their supports experience overly high rates of social isolation, violence, abuse and discrimination. To address this, it includes various commitments aimed at improving inclusion, reducing harm, and upholding the rights of autistic people. These include:
- education, awareness campaigns and better public representation of the diversity of autism
- more accessible and sensory-friendly spaces
- capacity building to help advocates and advocacy organisations challenge stigma
- creation of peer support networks to increase opportunities for social connection.
2. Economic inclusion
This is about ensuring autistic people have equitable access to employment and financial security. It aims to improve employment opportunities for autistic people, including opportunities to work as an employee, business owner, or entrepreneur.
This outcome includes commitments to:
- support employers to hire and retain autistic staff
- improve supports and services to ensure autistic people have choice and control over their education and careers.
3. Diagnosis, Services and Supports
The strategy notes early diagnosis is possible and early intervention promotes better outcomes for autistic people – including better education, social and economic outcomes, better mental health in adulthood, and less sense of shame and stigma about being autistic.
However, “The average age of diagnosis in children in Australia is about 3-4 years of age, with the most frequent age for diagnosis being 5.9 years,” the strategy notes.
Commitments to improve early diagnosis and access to best-practice early childhood interventions for autism include:
- a review of current screening and diagnostic tools
- development of resources to support autistic people and their support people throughout assessment and diagnosis
- looking at ways to make autism diagnosis and assessment more affordable
- better access to quality, timely, neurodiversity-friendly services and supports for autistic people, wherever they live.
4. Health and mental health
This part of the strategy is about improving physical and mental health and wellbeing for autistic people. It is coming via the Autism Health Roadmap, with development led by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
The roadmap aims to address the wide range of issues autistic people face within the healthcare system, focusing on six key areas. These include:
- improving support for autistic people (and their support people) within health and mental health care services
- increasing the quality, safety and availability of autism-affirming health and mental health care
- improving connections between health, mental health, and other services (including the NDIS)
- improving education and training about autism for disability and health professionals.
How will it affect my NDIS plan?
The National Autism Strategy is separate from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While the NDIS provides individualised funding for eligible participants, the strategy focuses on systemic improvements, such as service accessibility, community inclusion, and public awareness.
Individual support needs will continue to be met through NDIS plans, and the National Autism Strategy aims to achieve broader changes that support overall quality of life for autistic people.
How long will it take before we see a change?
The strategy is not designed to be a quick fix but rather a long-term one, with ongoing evaluation to ensure sustained progress.
The First Action Plan covers the period from 2025 to 2026, focusing on immediate actions to lay the foundation for long-term improvements. Some initiatives – such as public awareness campaigns, creation of peer support networks, and the development of resources for educators – may result in visible changes within this timeframe.
However, systemic changes, like improved employment outcomes and widespread societal attitude shifts, may take much longer to occur.
The Autism Health Roadmap aims to improve healthcare for autistic Australians
How does the disability community feel about the strategy?
The response from the disability community has been cautiously optimistic.
Autism Awareness Australia has welcomed the strategy but stresses the need for immediate action to address existing support gaps – particularly for children losing their packages under changes to the NDIS.
“While the Strategy’s extensive list of commitments is a great start, until they are implemented these kids are missing out on the vital support they need,” their Chief Executive Officer Nicole Rogerson said in a statement. “We need action now to fill the gaps.”
They are calling for additional resources and training for educators to support autistic students effectively.
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) also support the strategy but stress that its success relies on future action, including adequate funding. They say they will continue advocacy to end harmful NDIS reassessments and ensure fully funded plans that prioritise timely access to services for autistic individuals, including those from marginalized communities.
“To achieve lasting change, the voices of Autistic people, families, and carers must continue to guide the strategy’s development and implementation,” said PWDA Board Director Alexandra Bignell in a media statement. “We look forward to seeing clear and accurate reporting on the 2025-26 Action Plan, particularly around its outcomes and impacts, to ensure it delivers real and measurable benefits for Autistic people and their communities.”
Find out more about the National Autism Strategy
Keen to learn more about how the National Autism Strategy works and what it could mean for you? Check out the following resources:
- Department of Social Services (DSS) – National Autism Strategy overview
- Autistic people share their stories (DSS) – Real-life experiences and perspectives on the strategy
- Department of health and Aged Care – National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People
It’s still very early days for the National Autism Strategy and First Action Plan. We’ll keep you updated as it rolls out and we start to see changes.
If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact our friendly team on (02) 9161 5887, hello@activeability.com.au or via our contact form.
Get in touch
hidden
Follow Us