The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Colin Pettit has produced a report on the views of Western Australian young people with autism as the State’s response to a Senate Select Inquiry into the need for a National Autism Strategy.
Mr Pettit said almost 9,000 Western Australians were currently diagnosed with autism.
“Children and young people with autism have the right to timely, effective services and support and should have a say in the interventions they receive,” Mr Pettit said.
“It is important for WA children and young people to be part of the current discussion around a National Autism Strategy.”
He said all of the 12 children and young people who participated in interviews had positive experiences of autism and the support to help them overcomes challenges.
Mr Pettit said the main issues important to them were being listened to; encouraged to make decisions and to contribute; having an autism diagnosis; having access to health and mental health services that understood autism; and inclusion and support in education.
Also important were equal access to employment and fair treatment in the workplace; support to live an independent and successful life; social connections; and access to community activities.
Mr Pettit said the children and young people also advocated for having greater understanding of autism in the wider community; wanted support people who were respectful, well-informed and capable of taking action; and believed the National Disability Insurance Scheme should be more effective in its response to autism.
“I thank each of the young people who shared their views and their families who supported them in doing so,” Mr Pettit said.
The Commissioner’s 22-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
