When a community is inclusive, everyone:

• can take part
• feels like they belong.

Many Autistic people face challenges that stop them from being able to live how they want to.

Sometimes Autistic people are told they can’t take part in certain activities.

Many people don’t understand Autism.

This means sometimes Autistic people don’t get the support they need.

Information about Autism supports is often hard to understand.

This means some Autistic communities are more at risk.

For example, First Nations Autistic people.

It can be harder for Autistic people to find somewhere to live that:

• is safe
• they can afford.

Autistic people are also more likely to be treated unfairly in the justice system.

This happens because people who work in the justice system might not understand Autism.

Our justice system includes:

• prisons
• the courts
• police
• the law.

Some Autistic people might experience different treatment because of intersectionality.

This is when people treat you differently because of more than one thing about who you are.

For example, because you:

• are an Autistic person
• and
• come from a different background.

Many Autistic people also feel like they have to mask their Autism.

When you mask your Autism, you change how you behave to fit in with people who aren’t on the Autism spectrum.

You might do this:

• without meaning to
• to keep safe.

Our Strategy could focus on supporting people to better understand:

• Autism
• the different ways people can experience Autism.

When something is accessible, it is easy to:

• find and use
• understand.

We need to make information about Autism more accessible.

This includes information about support that Autistic people and the families might need.

Our Strategy could also focus on:

• supporting Autistic people to have choice and control over where they live

• creating spaces where Autistic people feel safe

• improving our justice system to better support Autistic people

• better supporting First Nations Autistic people throughout their lives.

What has stopped you from taking part in your community?

How can we improve services so you can:

• take part in the community?
• live the life you want to?

How can we help the community to understand Autism better?

What does including Autistic people in the community:

• look like?
• feel like?