Autistic people are significantly overrepresented in the justice system and face systemic barriers to accessing justice services equitably.
The Autism In-Justice program will equip staff across youth justice detention centres, community youth justice settings, and the children’s court, with the knowledge and practical tools to better understand Autistic communication and behaviour.
Training content will be grounded in lived experience – co-designed with Autistic people and First Nations representatives while working directly with youth justice staff, clinicians and children’s court staff – ensuring the program reflects the voices of those with the deepest stake in its success.
Autism In-Justice is being developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project and Rachel Rowe Neurodiversity Training & Consultancy and will be underpinned by Autistic people’s lived experience.
The program is funded under the First Action Plan of the National Autism Strategy 2025-31, released by the Australian Government in January 2025 – Australia’s first dedicated national framework for improving life outcomes for all Autistic people, their families, carers, and communities. The program will be managed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Beyond its impact on youth justice staff, Autism In-Justice has the potential to improve experiences and outcomes for Autistic young people and their families navigating the justice system, while also informing many associated areas, such as police, justice education, justice health, child protection, victim support, community youth response and diversion, and bail accommodation support services.
“Autistic young people deserve to access the justice system on equal terms – not to be disadvantaged by a system that simply doesn’t understand them,” says Reframing Autism CEO Sharon Fraser. “The Autism In-Justice program will equip youth justice staff with the knowledge and practical tools to change that across Australia. This is an extraordinary opportunity to effect real systemic change.”
Released in January 2025, the National Autism Strategy is Australia’s first dedicated national framework aimed at improving life outcomes for all Autistic people, their families, carers and communities. The First Action Plan includes a focus on improving social connections, reducing stigma and changing attitudes about Autism, supporting the Autism diagnosis journey, improving employment and knowledge translation. For further information about the Strategy, visit: National Autism Strategy | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The Reframing Autism team would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we have the privilege to learn, work, and grow. Whilst we gather on many different parts of this Country, the RA team walk on the land of the Awabakal, Birpai, Whadjak, and Wiradjuri peoples.
We are committed to honouring the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this Country, and the diversity and learning opportunities with which they provide us. We extend our gratitude and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to all Elders past and present, for their wisdom, their resilience, and for helping this Country to heal.
Donate
