Funding commitment for National Autism Strategy

We welcome the recent funding commitments by both major parties to support the development of a National Autism Strategy, underpinned by a national research agenda and evidence-based practice. Both the ALP and the Coalition have committed $1M to its development.

In addition, both have committed funding to enable Autism CRC to support the strategy development while continuing other activities.

We look forward to working with government and all stakeholders in developing a national strategy, and continuing to play a leading role in the national coordination of research and its application in evidence-based best practice.

Image two people talking, with the caption "Autistic people empowered to use their diverse strengths and interests"

Autism CRC network – together at last!

Around 75 people attended our first Participant Day since 2019. The chance to hold face-to-face conversations with people after such a long time was warmly welcomed as our network gathered to celebrate the highlights and achievements brought about by our unique collaboration during the last nine years. Attendees included Participant representatives, Member-elect and Affiliate-elect representatives, Project Leaders, PhD scholars, Sylvia Rodger Academy alumni, Board Members, staff, and other key stakeholders. A further 30 people watched the event via live stream.

We’ve put together this short video to highlight our achievements since 2013.

Watch the video

Two images, one of two people looking at a laptop, and the other of a man reading to a toddler in his lap

Supporting Children National Practice Guideline update

Autism CRC and the Guideline Development Group warmly thank everyone who has contributed to the initial round of community consultation. Two major pieces of work have now been completed; a series of systematic research reviews and a community consultation process in which over 800 people participated. A brief overview and update on the process underway, including work completed so far and the next steps, is now available on our website.

A brief overview and update on the process underway, including work completed so far and the next steps, is now available on our website.

An icon of three people standing close to each other

Senate Select Committee on Autism Report

On 25 March, the Senate Select Committee on Autism tabled its report on services, support and life outcomes for autistic Australians. Consistent with the Committee’s terms of reference, the report reflects a comprehensive consideration of the wide-ranging and complex set of issues for autistic individuals, families and those seeking to support them. The first of the report’s 81 recommendations was that a National Autism Strategy be developed.

A young child and an adult playing with toys

SACS-R – Early Screening Tool

Research has found an early screening tool for autism developed by La Trobe University researchers – and trialled as part of an Autism CRC project – to be extremely accurate in identifying very young children on the autism spectrum. Published in JAMA Open, the five-year study of over 13,500 Victorian children found the SACS-R to be extremely accurate in identifying very young children on the autism spectrum.

Visual snapshot

Four images of people working at different workplaces

Creating inclusive workplaces in New Zealand

The Integrated Employment Success Tool (IEST) was first developed for employers in Australia and has now been adapted for New Zealand (NZ). The workplace manual aims to improve employer confidence, employee productivity, job retention and the overall workplace success of autistic people. It’s now available to NZ employers thanks to a collaboration between Autism CRC and Autism NZ. It can be used across a variety of work environments and is free to access.

Access the IEST

Five images of different people giving presentations

Latest guides for participatory and inclusive research

We're proud to announce the release of the Participatory and Inclusive Autism Research Practice Guides, which provide researchers with an overview of important participatory research principles, concepts, and practices, followed by six focussed guides addressing both participatory and inclusive research.

Access the guides

The latest published outputs from Autism CRC

GP webinar for understanding the National Guideline

A free webinar is now available on-demand to help General Practitioners (GPs) understand the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism. Join Dr James Best and Prof. Andrew Whitehouse as they highlight and explain a GPs role throughout the diagnostic process outlined in the National Guideline. The webinar is run through Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

Watch the webinar

Australasian Autism Research Council: Defining National Autism Research Priorities

Parental reporting of child development in the first year

A recent study using data from participants of the Australian Autism Biobank, sought to understand at what age parents noticed developmental differences in their children, and how and when this led to specialist consultation and autism diagnosis. The study found there was a significant diagnostic delay and that clinicians may benefit from greater education regarding the breadth of developmental areas related to autism.

Visual snapshot

Journal publication

Photograph of Andrew Davis next to an icon of microphone

Health, Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Roundtable

A report and policy brief is now available from the 2021 ASfAR Health, Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention in Autism Conference and Roundtable. Drawn from the conference and subsequent roundtable discussions, a suite of reform recommendations has been co-designed to drive improvements in how autistic people can access quality, tailored support for mental health conditions, and to ensure the research agenda into mental wellness and suicide prevention for autistic people remains focused and current.

Read report

Policy brief

Autism CRC at Parliament House

Autism CRC exhibited at the Cooperative Research Australia (formerly CRC Association) Showcase at Australian Parliament House at the end of March. The exhibit was an opportunity to highlight the work of Autism CRC to Parliament House visitors, staff and politicians during a sitting week.

Autism CRC is the world’s first national, cooperative research effort focused on autism. We take a whole-of-life approach to enhance the lives of people on the autism spectrum, from diagnosis and the early years to the school years and into adult life.