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It is estimated that 1 in 70 Australians are autistic. Learn more about autism and download fact sheets and other resources below.
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition – not an illness – that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others and experiences their environment.
DownloadThe terminology around autism is complex, changing and often discipline-specific. This guide to ‘talking about autism’ has been prepared with input from our expert advisory group.
DownloadThese quick tips, from the National Autistic Society (UK), may help you to communicate more effectively with autistic people, whether they be your child, pupil, colleague or friend.
DownloadMany autistic people have difficulty interacting with others and can find it challenging to initiate interactions, respond to others or keep conversations going. They may also miss non-verbal cues or the nuances of a social situation.
DownloadMany autistic people have difficulty processing sensory information. Too much sensory input (hypersensitivity) can cause stress, anxiety and even physical pain. Low sensitivity (hyposensitivity) can also cause issues such as not recognising pain or temperature.
DownloadAutistic people can find the world an unpredictable and confusing place. Sticking to routines, schedules and rules can provide comfort through predictability. Unexpected changes to routine can cause extreme anxiety.
DownloadMany autistic people have intense and highly-focused interests. These may (or may not) relate to their study, work or community participation. Special interests provide a way to relax and de-stress, a sense of structure and order, and a way to start conversations.
DownloadMany autistic people engage in repetitive behaviours, like hand flapping, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, fidgeting with objects or vocalisations. These behaviours may calm their anxiety, focus their concentration, or help them deal with overwhelming sensations or emotions.
DownloadA comic by Rebecca Burgess
Autism is a spectrum and each autistic person is an individual with different strengths and challenges. Hear from a range of autistic voices as they share their stories and experiences with autism.
Learn moreThrough research, advocacy and a range of supports and initiatives we seek to build a more inclusive society where autistic people are supported to reduce barriers and recognise and celebrate strengths.
Learn moreOur research into public understanding and acceptance of autism and autistic people’s lived experiences is helping to develop resources and practices that enable autistic people to thrive.
Learn moreJoin us online for an EYE on Autism panel session to explore everything you ever wanted to know about autism with our panel of autistic people.
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