Public consultations on the development of the National Autism Strategy are underway and meetings will be held in Melbourne and Ballarat in the first week of October. There will also be online workshops and forums on 9 and 12 October. The consultations will continue until 30 October.

The consultation process has been designed to ensure autistic people and their families, the autism sector, health professionals and researchers have a say on the strategy. As well as the online and face-to-face meetings, consultation includes written and guided submissions. To help you, there is a discussion paper and other resources.

The federal government announced the development of the National Autism Strategy last year to address issues among the growing number of Australians on the autism spectrum and with other neurodevelopmental conditions.

The strategy covers key reform areas, including access to services, healthcare, education and employment. It will help guide a more coordinated, national approach supporting autistic people at each stage of life.

The Melbourne forums are at the Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth Street. The Ballarat forums are at the Eastwood Leisure Complex. The Autistic Voices forums are open only to autistic people.

• Melbourne Community forum
  Tuesday 3 October, 9:30am to 12:00pm
• Melbourne Autistic Voices forum
  Tuesday 3 October, 1:00pm to 2:30pm
• Ballarat Community forum
  Thursday 5 October, 9:30am to 12:00pm
• Ballarat Autistic Voices forum
  Thursday 5 October, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

For those who cannot attend the face-to-face meetings, there are online community workshops and Autistic Voices forums on Monday 9 October and Thursday 12 October.

Victoria also has a five-year Autism Plan to ensure autistic Victorians enjoy equal opportunities and participation in the community. NDS is currently participating in a refresh of this plan. We will give you more information on this when it comes to hand.