Nearly two decades after changing Australia’s understanding of autism, one of the country’s most recognised autism organisations has today unveiled a new identity and a new mission to fix the systems that continue to fail autistic Australians.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for autism policy in Australia, as governments implement the National Autism Strategy, reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme and roll out new initiatives such as the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline and Information Supports program.
The organisation says these reforms present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve outcomes, but only if the voices of autistic people and their families remain central to policy and decision-making.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Nicole Rogerson said the new name reflects both how Australia has changed and how the organisation has evolved.
“When we established Autism Awareness Australia in 2007, awareness was desperately needed. Autism simply wasn’t part of the national conversation in the way it is today.
“Awareness changed attitudes. It didn’t change systems.
“Families are still fighting for timely diagnosis, appropriate supports, inclusive education and services that work. Autistic adults continue to face barriers to employment, health care and community participation.
“Australia has made enormous progress in recognising autism. Now we need to ensure the systems around autistic people work better.”
Founded in 2007, Autism Awareness Australia helped transform public understanding of autism, challenged misconceptions, and built one of Australia’s most trusted sources of evidence-based autism information for families.
Today, the organisation says Australia’s greatest challenge is no longer awareness. It is action.
Ms Rogerson said the organisation’s new name better reflects the role it plays nationally.
“An association doesn’t simply observe. It brings people together. It represents. It advocates. It works alongside governments, researchers, professionals, autistic people and families to create lasting change.
“Every day, we empower families navigating autism. Every week we work with governments, researchers, and sector leaders to improve the systems those families rely on.
“This isn’t simply a new logo or a new name. It’s a public commitment to the next chapter of our work.
“We are particularly focused on the transition to Thriving Kids, and how we can support both autism families and the government to get this program right, and deliver the best outcomes for Australian families.
“We will continue providing the trusted, evidence-based information Australian families know us for, while strengthening our national advocacy to ensure policy translates into practical improvements in people’s lives.”
While the organisation’s name and visual identity have changed, its purpose remains the same: improving the lives of autistic Australians and the people who support them.
Autism Association of Australia will continue to deliver its trusted, evidence-based resources, webinars, and education programmes, including Autism: What Next?, Navigating Autism, and Australia’s largest online autism resource hub for families.
