This page is a plain language summary of Become part of the Australasian Autism Research Council in 2024
Expressions of Interest for new members for the 2024 term of the Australian Autism Research council closed on 22 October 2023.
The AARC wants to make sure that researchers understand the research priorities for autistic people and their supporters.
Who is part of the AARC and what do AARC members do?
There are autistic and non-autistic people on the AARC. The rules say there has to be at least 8 AARC members, and there can’t be more than 15. AARC members are volunteers and do not get paid.
Membership lasts for 2 years, but members can ask to keep being members after their membership ends.
The AARC holds between 3 to 5 meetings each year. The meetings don’t happen face to face so people don’t have to travel.
The AARC releases a report in November each year to share what the community thinks is important for autism research in Australia and New Zealand.
The things that the AARC talks about are private. This means you can’t talk about them with people who are not part of the AARC.
How can I apply to be on the AARC?
To join the AARC, you need to be an adult and live in Australia or New Zealand. To tell us you are interested in joining, you need to fill out a form called Expression of Interest.
We are looking for members who are:
- autistic people
- families and carers
- organisations and professionals that help autistic people
- government
- researchers
- other community members.
The AARC members will decide who they want to join the AARC. Their choices will be sent to the Autism CRC Board to be made official.
The AARC has a document called a Terms of Reference which explains what the AARC is and the rules that members need to follow. Because it’s an official document it isn’t in plain language but if you don’t know what something means you can ask someone or send an email to aarc@autismcrc.com.au.
AARC members have to agree to follow the rules in the document, so it’s important to read it before you complete an Expression of Interest.
Expression of Interest
The Expression of Interest is an online form. You will be asked for things like your name, email and postcode. You will be asked what groups in the community you are part of. You will also be asked why you want to join the AARC.
You can also ask an organisation to write a letter supporting you to join the AARC. This could be an advocacy organisation you are part of, or an organisation where you work or volunteer. You can find out more about this process on the letters of support page.
Expressions of Interest closed on 22 October 2023.
Sending us an email doesn’t count as an Expression of Interest.
People will be told if they are being invited to join the AARC by email. The emails will be sent by 1 December 2023. New members will start in January 2024.
Accessibility
If filling out an online form is not accessible for you, or you want to share your access needs or ask questions before completing the Expression of Interest, you can send an email to aarc@autismcrc.com.au. You don’t need to tell us the supports you will need before knowing if you’re joining the AARC if you don’t want to.
If you join the AARC, you will need to be able to read and comment on written documents (or use a screen reader to read them to you).
Frequently Asked Questions
People choose how they want to have their say in the meetings. There is a video call using Zoom which goes for 1 to 1.5 hours. There is also an online forum where people can write what they think. People can also choose to have their say in other ways like sending an email or making a video. The meetings are open for least a week to give people time to think and have their say.
Information about the meeting, like what the AARC will talk about, are sent out a week before the meeting.
There are 3 to 5 meetings each year.
Sometimes the AARC will also ask extra questions outside of meetings by sending an email or an online poll.
This year there are a maximum of 8 positions available.