FOCUS AREA 6: Access to health and mental health services

Objective: We want to address the barriers Autistic people and their families continue to face in accessing health and mental health services.

Actions made under Focus Area 6 aim to address the need for increased training for health and mental health services staff, improved recognition of co-existing medical conditions, greater flexibility to book and attend appointments and greater awareness and understanding of Autistic-qualities for first responders and emergency services staff.

• Commitment 1: Improve the knowledge, understanding and acceptance of autism amongst health practitioners, medical staff and first responders.
• Commitment 2: Improve the experiences of Autistic people of all ages navigating and engaging in health and mental health services.
• Commitment 3: Improve the accessibility of health and mental health services, especially in regional and remote communities.