Australia Launches First National Autism Strategy to Boost Inclusion and Support

The seven-year, $42.3 million plan focuses on social and economic inclusion, better diagnosis, and health outcomes for autistic Australians.

The federal government has unveiled a $42.3 million national autism strategy, the first of its kind in Australia, aiming to improve life outcomes for autistic individuals by 2031.
The strategy includes 22 commitments across four key areas: social inclusion, economic inclusion, diagnosis and services, and health, with some health initiatives requiring a separate roadmap still under development.
Key investments include $20 million for peer support programs, $3 million for a study on autism prevalence, and resources for community education and employer support.
The plan addresses systemic barriers faced by autistic Australians, particularly underdiagnosis among women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, as well as gaps in education, employment, and healthcare access.
The initiative aligns Australia with countries like the US, UK, and Canada, which have similar national autism strategies, and its phased action plan aims to ensure measurable and effective outcomes.