PEOPLE with Disability Australia (PWDA) has tentatively welcomed the release of the Australian Government’s National Autism Strategy and its commitment to improving inclusion in the community, education and employment, alongside diagnosis, services and support systems for autistic people.
However, the national disability rights and representative organisation has cautioned that these principled commitments must be matched by fully funded long-term action plans that are both autistic-led and compliant with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
PWDA deputy CEO Megan Spindler-Smith emphasised future action plans must recognise that autism is a lifelong condition and centre the choice and control and whole of person needs of autistic people.
“The autism community has been calling for stronger inclusion, improved diagnosis pathways and better access to services for years.
“The commitments in this strategy are promising, but they need to be backed by long-term action plans that are neurodiversity affirming and genuinely co-designed with autistic people.”
The release of the national strategy coincides with the launch of the first action plan, which includes funding for an epidemiological study and investment in new initiatives to reduce stigma and change attitudes, and pre- and post-diagnosis resources.
“The success of the plan’s initiatives lies on how they are framed,” Spindler-Smith said.
“Our leadership will increase the likelihood we move the dial for our inclusion and life outcomes.”
PWDA board director Alexandra Bignell emphasised that the 2025-26 action plan laid a solid foundation, but the ongoing implementation of the strategy needed firmer long-term commitments.
“To achieve lasting change, the voices of autistic people, families, and carers must continue to guide the strategy’s development and implementation,” Ms Bignell said.
“We look forward to seeing clear and accurate reporting on the 2025-26 Action Plan, particularly around its outcomes and impacts.”
