Focus Area 4: Access to supports and services

We want a clearer, more consistent and accessible service system where Autistic people and their families/carers can access the support they need, when they need it.

Navigating mainstream government services can be challenging, especially for the Autistic and autism communities. Too often, Autistic people and their families/carers are not able to access the services and supports they need and are often left to navigate the system with little assistance.

Information about autism is often difficult to find and to understand, with information available often varied and contradictory. This lack of access to clear information can also make it challenging for individuals to recognise Autistic qualities in themselves or others. For someone newly diagnosed, essential information on their diagnosis, ways to engage with supports and services and other useful information must be available as early as possible, in a range of accessible formats.

The support provided by parents and carers of Autistic people must also be considered, with many reporting the significant pressure they feel assuming the role of advocate and the fears they have for when they are no longer physically or mentally able to care for their loved ones with high support needs. The impact this has on their own health and mental health, working lives and careers, and the long-term financial implications, can be overwhelming.

Access to services and supports is also often reliant on diagnostic confirmation of autism, however access to some services, including through the Department for Education, are not strictly dependent on having a diagnosis. Barriers in accessing diagnostic assessments can often result in additional delays in accessing relevant and necessary services.

A lack of knowledge and understanding within the public sector providing these supports and services creates additional unnecessary barriers to post-diagnostic supports and highlights the ongoing need for education, training, and autism-specific knowledge.

Services must also consider Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and complex communication needs, as well as the experiences of non-speaking Autistic people. To ensure services are accessible for people with these complex communication needs, alternative communication modes must be factored into the supports provided.

“As a recently diagnosed person, I have been very overwhelmed, affecting my personal and professional life because I can’t even find information to help my own understanding and support options to inform others.” — Consultation participant

The Autistic and autism communities highlighted:

• The challenges with navigating services and understanding the complex environments both pre and post diagnosis.
• Difficulties faced with accessing relevant information, lack of communication options and lack of understanding and knowledge within the service system.
• Concerns of parents and carers for the future of their Autistic children.

Our commitments:

• Develop a centralised state information system to support access and navigation of available supports and services.
• Improve the knowledge and understanding of autism amongst professional staff.
• Work with organisations to ensure evidence and research on autism can be effectively and efficiently translated into practice.
• Ensure neuro-diversity affirming and culturally appropriate services and supports are available.