It can be hard to get an Autism diagnosis.

An Autism diagnosis is when a doctor:

• checks your health
• says if they think you are on the Autism spectrum.

Sometimes Autistic people have to wait a long time to get a diagnosis.

So they might not get the support they need when they are young.

Getting a diagnosis can also cost a lot of money.

It’s common for Autistic people to:

• be given the wrong diagnosis
• not be diagnosed with Autism.

Some Autistic people experience this more often.

For example:

• women and girls

• People living far away from cities and towns often experience this.

It is also challenging for Autistic people to get the support they need after they get a diagnosis.

This includes support that their families and carers need.

Sometimes the services that support Autistic people don’t:

• understand Autism

• provide support in a way that is safe for every culture.

Your culture is:

• your way of life
• how you think or act now because of how you grew up
• your beliefs
• what is important to you.

It can be hard to get information about support services.

This means it can be hard for Autistic people to make the right choice about the support they need.

Early intervention doesn’t always support Autistic children in places like their home and school.

Early intervention is when people get services and support:

• as early as possible in their lives
• when they get a diagnosis.

We need more research about:

• the experiences of Autistic people from different backgrounds

• how well different supports work.

Our Strategy could focus on making it easier for Autistic people to get:

• a diagnosis

• the support they need after they get a diagnosis.

Our Strategy could also focus on:

• supporting services to understand Autism

• supporting Autistic people to find and use early intervention services

• supporting First Nations Autistic people to get a diagnosis and support.

Our Strategy could also focus on:

• building a website where people can find Autism services and supports

• creating a plan to do more research about Autism.

What has stopped you from:

• getting a diagnosis?
• finding and using the right services and supports?

What has helped you to get:

• a diagnosis?
• the support you need?

How can we provide support in a way that is safe for every culture?

Are there other ways that we can support Autistic people in these areas?