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National Autism Strategy: real action needed for true inclusivity

20 January 2025 

Peak body for psychologists, the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) says the National Autism Strategy is a pivotal achievement for the autistic community, but that its promises must be actioned to translate into real progress.

The strategy aims to create a society where autistic individuals are accepted and supported, shifting the focus from "fixing" to fostering a fully inclusive environment. 

AAPi believes tangible action is essential to realise this vision and tackle persistent challenges impacting the autistic community.

AAPi Director, Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro, said although the strategy aimed to create a society where autistic individuals are accepted and supported, several critical challenges remained unaddressed.

“This strategy is a positive step forward, but we cannot overlook the pressing issues that hinder the full realisation of inclusivity for autistic individuals,” she said.

“We are at a crucial moment where comprehensive action is vital for autistic individuals to receive the support they deserve. 

“The strategy is a powerful shift, promising a brighter future filled with acceptance and opportunity for autistic people in Australia, but will require decisive and swift action from the government to catalyse true inclusivity and transformative societal change.”

AAPi is calling for concrete measures to tackle the following key issues:

  • Funding cuts: Urgent action is needed to address the detrimental impact of recent cuts in funding for therapeutic supports provided by psychologists as well as cuts to other essential services for autistic individuals within the NDIS.
  • Access to NDIS: The government must resolve the ongoing difficulties faced by autistic individuals in accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), amidst reforms. Autistic individuals are waiting extended periods for eligibility decisions if they can afford the high cost of the evidence required to prove their need for access.
  • Clarity on foundational supports: There is a pressing need for clearer information regarding the foundational supports available under the NDIS and how these will fill the gaps left by the funding cuts to the NDIS.
  • Medicare assessment funding: AAPi urges the government to ensure the availability of properly funded Medicare assessment items to facilitate timely diagnosis and support. AAPi previously suggested the Medicare items under our submission to the draft strategy but these were not included in the final strategy. 
  • ADHD Senate Inquiry action: The organisation stresses the importance of taking decisive action regarding the ADHD Senate inquiry, particularly given the high prevalence of ADHD among those diagnosed with Autism, reported to be between 15% to 64.3%.
  • Assessment guidelines reform: AAPi calls for an update to current assessment guidelines to recognise the legitimacy of registered psychologists in assessing and diagnosing autism.

Professor Barbaro also welcomed key areas of the strategy.

"The guiding principles of this strategy, highlighting equal inclusion, acceptance, and a neuro-affirming approach are values we hope to see integrated rapidly into all facets of Australian society over the coming years,” she said. 

“Although more funding is desired, including more focus on the identification and diagnostic process itself, aspects of the strategy around pre and post-diagnostic support are a vital first step toward better outcomes.”

AAPi remains committed to advocating for these essential changes. 

ENDS

About Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)


AAPi is a not-for-profit peak body for psychologists that aims to preserve the rich diversity of psychological practice in Australia. Formed in 2010 by a group of passionate grassroots psychologists, the AAPi’s primary goal is to address inequality in the profession and represent all psychologists and their clients equally to government and funding bodies. Its primary mission is to lobby for equitable access for the Australian public to professional psychological services such as Medicare Better Access Scheme and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. 

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