Email from Autism CRC

Framework offers kids support to show their strengths

We’re delighted to announce the release of the National Framework for assessing children’s functional strengths and support needs in Australia.

The Framework was developed to address the current gap in knowledge and lack of consensus about how best to assess, differentiate, and report children’s strengths and support needs. It focuses on professional practice for those working with children aged 0-12 years and their families.

The Framework can be used across relevant health, education, disability and community services to support all children, irrespective of whether they have a diagnosed condition or may receive a diagnosis in the future.

New funding announced

The Australian Government has announced an additional $6 million in funding for Autism CRC to further embed evidence-based best practice resources, including the development and trial of new capacity-building programs and resources, in the health, education and employment sectors. Autism CRC thanks the Government for its continued support.

SST awarded funding

Autism CRC subsidiary, Social Science Translated, has been awarded funding under the Peer Support and Capacity Building program. These grants intend to provide important peer support for people with disability, allowing them to build their capacity and connect with others who have shared similar experiences.

Best wishes from Autism CRC

From all of us at Autism CRC, we wish you a safe and happy time over the Christmas period. We hope that you will join us again in the New Year as we continue to realise our vision – autistic people with quality of life and opportunity.

Thanks again for your ongoing support. We’re grateful for the valuable contributions of the many individuals and organisations to our national collaboration, which has allowed us to deliver so many positive impacts. You can read more about many of these in our 2023-24 Annual Report.

Autism CRC's offices will be closed from 23 December – 1 January 2025 (inclusive).

Read our Annual Report

Update your skills

Are you a professional anywhere in the world looking to update your knowledge and skills on autism assessment and diagnosis across the lifespan? Autism CRC with the University of Western Australia offer seven online microcredentialled self-paced courses. Enrol now for 2025.

See our eLearning page for these and more professional development opportunities.

Find out more

Julian Trollor recognised

Former Autism CRC Project Leader, Julian Trollor, has been named in The Australian’s 2025 Research magazine for his work in Health and Medical Sciences, for the field of developmental disabilities. Julian worked across several Autism CRC projects, including leading a longitudinal study to better understand the health and wellbeing of autistic adults. Congratulations to Julian on his achievement.

Pia wins Dean's Award

Autism CRC PhD student, Pia Bradshaw, was recently awarded the 2024 Dean’s Award for Outstanding Higher Degree Research (HDR) Thesis. Pia’s thesis, Understanding the healthcare experiences of autistic adults within Australian general practice, was conducted as part of her work on Autism CRC’s project to improve the health and wellbeing of autistic adults.

Congratulations to Pia for this outstanding achievement!

A photo of Pam Macrossan and Autism CRC CEO Andrew Davis

Pam Macrossan recognised

Pam Macrossan will retire in January 2025 after 10 years with Autism Queensland (AQ), the last five as CEO. She was presented with a small gift of thanks during the annual AQ awards ceremony.

We’re grateful for Pam’s support of Autism CRC over the years and wish her all the best for the future.

We also congratulate Frances Scodellaro on her appointment as the new CEO of AQ.