University of Melbourne researchers to help improve autism assessment and diagnosis experiences
Researchers from the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Education are helping lead a nationally significant project aimed at improving the experiences of autistic people and their families during assessment and diagnosis.
The initiative has received $455,000 in funding through the Australian Government's National Autism Strategy and will be delivered through a consortium led by Reframing Autism, in partnership with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education Neurodiversity Project, and League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues.
The project will explore how autism assessment and diagnosis processes can become more accessible, respectful and responsive to the needs of autistic people, their families and support networks.
Announced this week by NDIS Minister Senator Jenny McAllister, the project is an initiative funded under the National Autism Strategy and reflects a growing national commitment to improving outcomes for autistic Australians.
“Autistic people, their families and carers should be given the tools they need to navigate the Autism assessment and diagnosis process,” said NDIS Minister, Senator Jenny McAllister.
“This is one of a number of grants being provided under the National Autism Strategy, to support and empower Autistic people so they can thrive in all aspects of life.”
Associate Professor Matthew Harrison, Neurodiversity Project, said the project brings together lived-experience advocates, researchers and practitioners to address long-standing challenges within assessment and diagnostic systems.
"As a neurodivergent-led research team, we are proud to be working with our partners to help improve the experiences of diagnosis for every Australian child and to hopefully help create the conditions for a more inclusive society. This is a great day for our community,” said Associate Professor Harrison.
The Neurodiversity Project's Dr Jess Riordan will help lead the research translation component.
The project also brings together expertise from across the University, with colleagues from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences’ Healthy Trajectories initiative and Mindful contributing to the advisory group.
Importantly, the project places lived experience at the centre of its design, working closely with autistic people, families, clinicians and service providers to develop recommendations that improve the quality and accessibility of assessment and diagnosis pathways.
The project is expected to contribute directly to national conversations about autism assessment, diagnosis and support, helping inform future policy and practice under Australia's National Autism Strategy.
