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Supporting Children with Anxiety: A Guide for Parents & Teachers
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Understanding ADHD in Children: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
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Common Co-Morbidities of ADHD in Children: A Guide for Parents & Educators
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Key Updates
National Autism Strategy
The National Autism Strategy 2025-2031 is Australia's inaugural comprehensive plan dedicated to enhancing the lives of Autistic individuals. Launched on 14 January 2025, the strategy was developed through extensive consultations with Autistic people, their families, carers, experts, and the broader community.
Key Outcome Areas:
Social Inclusion: Promoting acceptance and participation of Autistic individuals in all aspects of society.
Economic Inclusion: Ensuring equal employment opportunities and support for Autistic people in the workforce.
Diagnosis, Services, and Supports: Improving access to timely and accurate diagnoses, as well as enhancing the quality and availability of services.
Health and Mental Health: Addressing the unique health and mental health needs of Autistic individuals through the forthcoming National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People, led by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
First Action Plan (2025-2026):
To initiate the strategy, the government has outlined the First Action Plan, detailing immediate steps to achieve the strategy's objectives. This includes a $42.3 million investment focusing on:
Peer Support Programs: Allocating $20 million over four years to provide lived-experience advice for Autistic individuals.
Community Awareness: Investing $915,000 to increase understanding and acceptance of autism within the broader community.
Research Initiatives: Committing $12.2 million to study neurodiversity, which will inform future policies and services.
The strategy emphasises a coordinated national approach to dismantle barriers to inclusion and ensure Autistic people have access to the support they need to thrive. It reflects the government's commitment to creating a more inclusive Australia where Autistic individuals are understood, empowered, and supported.
For more detailed information, including the full strategy and action plan, please visit the Department of Social Services' official website www.dss.gov.au.
Autism Education Strategy
The Victorian Government has committed over $19 million across four years to implement the Autism Education Strategy, aiming to enhance learning and wellbeing outcomes for autistic students. This initiative is part of the broader Disability Inclusion investment, which allocates nearly $1.6 billion towards fostering inclusive education in Victoria.
Six Strategic Pillars:
Promote and Celebrate Autism Inclusion and Diversity at the Whole School Level:
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Assist school leaders and teachers in creating welcoming environments for autistic students.
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Enhance staff and student understanding and appreciation of autism.
Build the Capability of School Leaders and Staff to Meet the Educational Needs of Autistic Students:
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Provide coordinated, system-wide professional development in inclusive education, autism inclusion, and legal obligations.
Involve Students, Families, and Experts in Collaborative Educational Planning:
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Support collaborative planning among schools, students, families, and professionals to tailor educational experiences.
Support Autistic Students' Health and Wellbeing:
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Offer specialist programs and resources to aid social and emotional development, positive behavior, and mental health.
Support Autistic Students' Individual Educational Needs:
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Employ a strengths-based approach to identify and address individual needs, facilitating smooth transitions.
Strengthen Accountability and Transparency for Students with Disabilities:
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Enhance data collection and information management to better understand and improve outcomes for autistic students.
Diverse Learners Hub:
A central component of the strategy is the Diverse Learners Hub, a center of excellence dedicated to supporting schools in educating diverse learners, with a particular focus on autistic students. The Hub provides evidence-based advice, resources, and coaching to equip educators with the necessary tools to meet the learning and wellbeing needs of these students.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement:
The strategy includes mechanisms for ongoing monitoring to ensure it effectively addresses the evolving needs of autistic students. This involves regular assessments and the incorporation of new initiatives to support its strategic pillars.
By implementing this comprehensive strategy, the Victorian Government aims to create inclusive school communities where autistic students are welcomed, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential.
For more detailed information, including the full strategy and action plan, please visit the official website schools.vic.gov.au