On a bright blue background is an image of an iPad showing the front cover of the National Autism Strategy, with a hand scrolling through the strategy document.

Media Release: SWAN responds to the release of the National Autism Strategy

SWAN welcomes the release of the National Autism Strategy.

The overarching theme of ensuring that autistic people are fully involved in the implementation and evaluation of the strategy is very welcome, and we are cautiously optimistic that the National Autism Strategy will improve access, inclusion and outcomes for autistic people, and reduce discrimination.

While the allocation of up to $19.9 million over 4 years to develop a peer support program is welcome, the allocation works out to a maximum of $621,875 per state or territory per year, which is disappointing.

The strategy refers to improving access to diagnostic assessments, but the action plan lacks meaningful change. Only $455,000 over 1 year has been allocated to deliver resources to support autistic people and families with pre and post diagnosis information.  We need to see equitable access to the Medicare rebate for autism diagnostic assessment in line with other disability types, and need to see that access expanded to include all ages, rather than cutting off at 25 years.  Currently, only autism requires referral by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist to access the Medicare rebate, whereas all other disability types can access the rebate via GP referral.  With wait times to access Paediatricians and Psychiatrists exceeding two years in many areas, this issue urgently needs to be addressed.

Only $915,000 over 2 years ($457,500 per year) has been allocated to improve employment opportunities for autistic people, a disappointing sum when considering that the strategy also recognised that 69% of autistic people are unemployed.

Whilst education is primarily the responsibility of State Governments, we would also like to have seen greater focus on improving inclusion and reducing discrimination in education settings.

Overall, SWAN is supportive of the National Autism Strategy, but would like to see greater financial investment by the Government to implement the strategy and achieve meaningful change for autistic people.

You can read more about the financial investments by the Government to implement the National Autism Strategy at:
https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/17301

You can find the National Autism Strategy and Action Plan at:
https://www.dss.gov.au/national-autism-strategy