Autism prevalence in Australia: What we know so far
Posted inIdentification and diagnosis News SACS

Autism prevalence in Australia: What we know so far

There have been no systematic studies on the prevalence of Autism in Australia. Accurate prevalence data allows for planning necessary services and supports, and also helps to build community understanding for Autistic Australians. We know that Autistic individuals make up approximately 30% of people accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), however without accurate prevalence data, it is difficult to know what proportion of Autistic individuals are receiving funding.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of our research that aims to understand the prevalence of Autism in Australia. OTARC researchers have conducted four studies that have created a clearer picture of the situation and highlighted areas where more attention and support may be needed.

Posted inHealth and wellbeing Learning with OTARC Mental Health

Facing Stress: Coping Strategies, Resilience and Mental Health Outcomes in Autistic Adult

Coping Strategies, Resilience and Mental Health Outcomes in Autistic Adults

There is consensus surrounding the poor mental health outcomes experienced by many in the Autistic adult population. While the non-autistic literature suggests that high stress represents a key contributor to poor mental health and well-being, individual resources such as coping and resilience have the potential to mitigate the negative effects of stress, accounting for individual differences across mental health outcomes. Despite emerging research showing high stress in Autistic adults, investigations of coping and resilience in this population remain limited. 

A woman and a child sitting together, focused on using a laptop in a cozy indoor setting
Posted inAutism supports Identification and diagnosis Supports and practices for daily living

Seven Essential Tips for Parents Evaluating Autism Interventions

With over 400 therapies and services available, choosing the right autism support for your child can feel overwhelming. How do you navigate this growing landscape of options? In this post, we share seven essential tips to help parents evaluate autism supports, from identifying daily living needs to understanding diagnosis practices.