National Autism Strategy – Community Consultation now open

The Australian Government has committed to delivering a National Autism Strategy. A new National Autism Strategy will provide a coordinated, national approach to how governments and services can better support autistic people and their families.

At different points within the consultation period you can:

Contribute by providing a submission
Share your experiences through an online ideas wall
Register your interest to participate in a community consultation in person in one of 15 locations around Australia
Register to attend an online workshop.

Visit the DSS website to find out more.

Visit the DSS website

Nominations now open

Nominations for the annual Autism CRC Awards for Achievement in Autism Research are now open!

The awards recognise and celebrate research and development initiatives that are exemplary of Autism CRC’s vision, mission and values.

The awards are open to all organisations and researchers undertaking quality research in the area of autism, regardless of affiliation with Autism CRC.

Nominations close 4:00pm (AEST) Monday 2 October 2023.

Apply now

Autism CRC podcast launched

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Autism CRC podcast.

In our first series we deep dive into how you can unlock the talent of autistic individuals and neurodivergent employees, featuring recordings from this year’s Autism@Work Virtual Summit.

Hear from over 40 keynote speakers, panellists and presenters from around the world as they discuss how to grow and support neurodiverse workplaces.

You can listen to the first three episodes now on your preferred podcast app with new episodes releasing every Thursday.

George Chijara standing in front of a map showcasing his route from Adelaide to Melbourne

Support George’s Run

George’s Run is George Chijaria’s heartfelt mission to support autism research and advocacy with the goal of completing a 726km walk, run and cycle from Adelaide to Melbourne in just seven days.

George has kindly chosen Autism CRC as the recipient of his fundraising efforts to support autism research. George’s Run is not just a solo journey, it’s a collective effort to make an impact. You can:

Participate: join George and his supporters for the walk
Donate: every contribution counts!
Raise awareness: share George’s mission
Sponsor: George’s Run is looking for Corporate Sponsors.

Donate through mycause

Secret Agent Society by Social Science Translated

Getting support right in Aotearoa New Zealand

The Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline was first developed in 2008 and the Guideline is now in its third edition. However, implementation of the Guideline historically has been mixed (see research on autism diagnosis in Aotearoa).

A community views survey examined perceptions from members of the autistic and autism community of current supports and services as well as suggested approaches for the future. A total of 1,042 autistic people, parents, professionals and family members completed the survey.

A collage of people involved with Autism@Work 2023

Update to the Assessment and Diagnosis Guideline

In 2022, Autism CRC commissioned an update of the National Guideline for Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia. The Guideline Development Group has been working to update the Guideline through a review of recent research evidence and community consultation.

In May, a draft of the updated Guideline was released, and feedback invited from all members of the autistic and autism communities. We are grateful that over 300 individuals provided feedback via the online survey, along with 19 organisations.

Sylvia Rodger Academy update

Autism CRC’s Sylvia Rodger Academy has recently completed the delivery of the Autistic Identity and Connection Program, as well as published evaluation reports for three of its programs. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with one graduate commenting:

“It has changed my life... I no longer question my diagnosis. I am more aware of myself and my needs. I have learnt many accommodations I can make in my life to make things easier on myself. Mostly I learnt it's OK to be autistic and I am moving into a space where I want to be autistic and proud and educate others on autism.”

New and improved myWAY Employability

myWAY Employability is more personalised than ever, with a responsive goal builder that helps you get started on the career journey YOU want. It’s never been easier to build your support network through our enhanced dashboard, connecting you with your nominated myWAY team!

We’ve added new functionality and a new enhanced dashboard for supporters managing multiple career explorers, including evidence-based recommendations to leverage strengths and accommodate workplace preferences.

Publications

The considerations of Australian clinicians when choosing an assessment of functioning tool for children

Reports

Resources

A professional and a small child playing with blocks

Full suite of Microcredentials now available

With the release of Differential diagnosis: distinguishing autism from other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions the entire suite of credit-bearing microcredentials are now available for enrolment through The University of Western Australia (UWA). This is a great opportunity to improve your knowledge of best practice implementation of the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism.

These and more professional learning resources are available through our eLearning page.

Find out more

inclusionED: Supporting Diverse Learners

inclusionED at EduTECH 2023

The inclusionED team have been busy spreading the word about inclusive education strategies!

In a joint exhibit showcasing inclusionED, myWAY Employability and Secret Agent Society the teams were in high demand at EduTECH 2023 in Melbourne, engaging with hundreds of enthusiastic education professionals eager to learn more about inclusive teaching. The inclusionED team also delivered a presentation about the inclusive classroom, sensory needs, and how behaviour is a form of communication.

Visit inclusionED

INSAR: International Society for Autism Research

Save the date

The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting will be held in Melbourne, May 15–18, 2024.

INSAR is a scientific and professional organisation devoted to advancing the knowledge about autism by promoting the highest quality of research.

Abstract and Award submissions will be opening soon.

Find out more

Graduate Certificate in Autism Diagnosis – apply now

Applications for the now fully online Graduate Certificate in Autism Diagnosis (GCAD) are now open for 2024 and close on 31 October 2023. Develop the specialist knowledge and applied skills required to participate in team-based diagnosis of autism.

Find out more and apply now

ASfAR: Australasian Society for Autism Research

ASfAR New Zealand Conference

ASfAR warmly invites you to our 2023 conference which will be held in person 6–7 December 2023 hosted by the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Registration is free for ASfAR members.

Find out more

Established in 2013, Autism CRC is the world’s first national, cooperative research effort focused on autism. We are the independent national source of evidence for best practice in relation to autism across the lifespan and the spectrum.

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