Autistic people and their families across Australia will soon have more opportunities to make social connections in safe, supported environments.
The Albanese Government is providing more than $19 million over four years to Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) to create a national social connections network for Autistic people, as part of the National Autism Strategy.
The network will harness the power of lived experience to offer understanding, tailored advice and support.
ASPECT will partner with Reframing Autism (an Autistic-led organisation), other Autistic-led organisations and Autistic people to develop an Improving Social Connections Framework, and a self-service hub including tools, resources and training videos to support Autistic people to participate as facilitators.
The network will build connections and provide funding to local community groups.
These Community Partners will co-design and deliver local peer support programs and activities across Australia.
Social connection activities will provide supportive and accessible environments where Autistic people and their families and carers can connect with others and participate in community life.
Autistic people will be meaningfully employed across the project in leadership, decision-making and advisory roles.
This will embed lived experience and Autistic leadership at every stage of the program design, implementation and evaluation.
This funding is being provided under the National Autism Strategy, to support and empower Autistic people so they can thrive in all aspects of life.
The Autism community has called for more assistance to facilitate inclusive and accessible social connection and peer support options, in consultations to develop the National Autism Strategy 2025-31.
Families and carers will also benefit, with peer supports designed to help them thrive in their caring roles and allow them to share their experiences with others.
Quotes attributable to NDIS Minister, Senator Jenny McAllister:
"Everyone should be able to experience the joy of being part of a community, especially Australians with Autism.
"That's why this new social connections program is being funded to create safe and inclusive spaces to empower and help people to share useful information and advice.
"Crucially, Autistic-led organisations and Autistic people will have a say in how Community Partners are funded to deliver local peer support programs and activities across Australia."
