Autism CRC is the independent national source of evidence for best practice in relation to autism across the lifespan and the spectrum.
Throughout our work, we have identified many areas of need yet to be addressed with evidence-based understanding and practice – consistently across all levels of government and service systems – including for the most marginalised, such as those in regional and remote communities and those with complex needs.
We are committed to inclusive research practices and co-production with autistic people and their supporters, to ensure our research provides practical and tangible outputs that benefit the community.
Current projects (July 2022-present)
Guideline | Assessment and diagnosis | Health and wellbeing
Assessing, differentiating, and reporting children’s functional strengths and support needs
This project aims to develop an evidence-based framework for assessing, differentiating, and reporting children’s functional strengths and support needs.
National Autism Strategy | Health and wellbeing | Lifespan
National Autism Strategy
The Australian Government has committed to the co-design and development of the National Autism Strategy. Autism CRC was commissioned by the Department of Social Services (DSS) to undertake foundational work to support the co-design and development of the Strategy.
Employment | Professional development
Online training and resource package utilising the Integrated Employment Success Tool (IEST)
This project is focussed on building capacity in employers to support evidence-based inclusive human resource and management practices. This will be achieved through the development and delivery of a co-produced online training and resource package utilising the IEST.
Guideline | Assessment and diagnosis | Professional development
Health sector capacity building – National best-practice assessment and diagnosis
This project is developing resources and protocols to build the capacity of clinicians involved in the assessment and diagnosis of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions to ensure service delivery consistent with the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia.
Adulthood
Strong and Resilient Communities – Autistic Identity and Connection Program
The Autistic Identity and Connection Program is empowering autistic people in important areas of identity and resilience, advocacy, belonging and emotional wellbeing.
Health and wellbeing | Lifespan
Co-design consultation services for the National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People
In 2023 the Australian Government began development of a National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People. Autism CRC conducted a process of co-design, research, and community engagement with its national partner network to support this work.
Guideline | Assessment and diagnosis | Health and wellbeing
National Guidelines: Update and capacity building
This project aimed to support the development of guidelines to provide guidance for practitioners, families, service providers and policy-makers around evidence-based practice and to ensure consistency in the clinical pathway from diagnosis to supports.
Health and wellbeing | Lifespan
Investigating autism research priorities
This project advanced the research priorities of the Australasian Autism Research Council (AARC), which operates under the auspices of Autism CRC. The AARC was established to review and define national priorities for autism research and identify areas of research needed for the autistic and autism communities.
National Autism Strategy | Health and wellbeing | Lifespan
Community insights and unheard perspectives
This project aimed to develop a series of recommendations for inclusive community engagement in the development of the National Autism Strategy. Through a co-design process, several population groups that may require a tailored or adapted approach to actively participate in the development of the Strategy were identified.
National Autism Strategy | Health and wellbeing | Lifespan
Research evidence and policy landscape mapping
This project aimed to provide a review and synthesis of community views, research evidence, and policy relating to key service areas to be addressed in the National Autism Strategy.
Education | School years
Removing educational barriers in Australian schools for autistic students (REBAS)
Autism CRC research identified gaps in educational practice and provided policy, research and practice recommendations to progress our education system by ensuring that appropriately tailored inclusive practices are applied nationally.
Health and wellbeing | Lifespan
Quality of life and wellbeing of autistic individuals with complex support or communication needs
This project explored how quality of life and wellbeing are defined by, and for, autistic individuals with complex support and communication needs. The project also looked at what factors may enhance or reduce wellbeing.
Guideline | Assessment and diagnosis | Health and wellbeing
Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline implementation, supports and services
Findings from the project include recommendations for implementation of the Guideline as well future approaches to autism support in Aotearoa.
Guideline | Assessment and diagnosis
Update to Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Guideline
To ensure the National Guideline for Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia continues to be relevant and useful, Autism CRC has revised the current draft.
Guideline | Health and wellbeing | Professional development
Implementation of the Supporting Autistic Children Guideline
This project developed a range of implementation resources and professional learning courses for practitioners delivering supports in community and clinical settings consistent with the National Guideline for supporting the learning, participation and wellbeing of autistic children and their families in Australia
Guideline | Assessment and diagnosis | Professional development
Microcredential courses in autism assessment and diagnosis
Autism CRC has developed a suite of credit-bearing microcredentials in autism assessment and diagnosis as part of our commitment to widespread implementation of the National Guideline for Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia.
Past projects
Early Years
School Years
