On this Autistic Pride Day, we celebrate Autistic identity, community, and the strengths that come from embracing neurodiversity.
Therefore it feels apt that today we can share a win for Autistic lived experience. The Australian Government has awarded multiple grants to Reframing Autism under the National Autism Strategy 2025-31.
As an Autistic-led organisation, we believe that Autistic people should be at the heart of any government initiative that affects our community.
Thanks to these grants, Autistic voices will be leading critical discussions regarding support for people through Autism assessment and diagnosis, social inclusion in the youth justice system, and improving social connections.
Autism assessment and diagnosis can be a time-consuming, costly and emotionally confronting experience.
This grant will let us and our partners develop new Autistic-led, trauma-informed, non-pathologising resources designed to help Autistic people navigate this overwhelming process and the complex support pathways offered post-diagnosis.
“We will create the kind of resources that we would have liked when we were first diagnosed.” – Sharon Fraser, CEO
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.
“Autistic young people deserve to access the justice system on equal terms – not to be disadvantaged by a system that doesn’t understand them.” – Sharon Fraser, CEO
Peer support programs across Australia can help Autistic people create meaningful social connections that reduce social isolation, enhance wellbeing, and build a sense of belonging.
Yet many Autistic people experience barriers that prevent community participation.
We are pleased to partner with Aspect on the Improving Social Connections initiative, a nationwide framework to support community-led engagement.
The initiative will establish national infrastructure to support sustainable, peer-led social connection opportunities, while enabling local delivery through funded community partners across the country.
Reframing Autism will play a central role in governance, co-design and stakeholder engagement, helping ensure the program remains grounded in Autistic leadership, lived experience and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
“Autistic people must be meaningfully involved in shaping the systems, supports and opportunities that impact our lives.
This partnership presents an incredible opportunity to ensure genuine co-design that reflects the diversity, strengths and priorities of the Autistic community across Australia.” – Sharon Fraser, CEO
Are you interested in opportunities to share your lived experience and help influence research, policy and practice? Join our Engagement List to hear about opportunities that match your interests and experiences, including:
By joining, you can help ensure Autistic voices remain at the centre of the decisions that affect our community.
We look forward to ensuring Autistic lived experience remains the essential expertise shaping better systems, services and outcomes.
Neurodiversity Pride Day (16 June) and Autistic Pride Day (18 June) both recognise the importance of neurodivergent perspectives. June is also Pride Month, celebrating the strength, diversity and civil rights of LGBTQIA+ communities.
As we celebrate identity and community, we also celebrate the growing recognition that lived experience is expertise.
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
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
