Announcing the 2026 AARC

We are pleased to announce the membership of the Australasian Autism Research Council (AARC) for 2026. We received over 200 expressions of interest for AARC membership. Interest came from across Australia, with applicants representing a rich and diverse range of experience, perspectives and expertise.

We welcome back members serving again this year and newly elected members Sarah Harvey, Nick Philipson, Jolene Stockman and Dr Olivia Gatfield.

School is back

To help kick-start 2026, we’ve selected a range of inclusionED resources and practices that can help with organising your classroom to support your students getting into the learning zone.

One of the best things you can do is to conduct a sensory audit of the learning environment with our inclusionED Guide to Classroom Sensory Audits for both primary and secondary educators.

These checklists make it easy to review your classroom’s sensory environment and quickly create a more inclusive, supportive space for all students.

National Autism Strategy Reference Group formed

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has announced community representatives for the newly formed Strategy Reference Group. The Reference Group will provide strategic advice to the Department on prioritisation and implementation of actions under the First Action Plan. It will advise on the development of the evidence and evaluation framework of the Strategy. The group will also monitor evaluation processes including reporting on implementation and development of future Action Plans.

We congratulate those appointed to the Reference Group and look forward to assisting their work as best we can.

Thriving Kids report released

Autism CRC welcomes the agreement between the Commonwealth and state governments on joint-funding to deliver Thriving Kids, along with the Advisory Group report handed down in February​. The program’s design framework has been informed by extensive stakeholder input and best-practice evidence.

Thriving Kids is to deliver general parenting supports, local information, advice and navigation, and targeted supports from allied health professionals and other appropriately skilled workers – based on each child and family’s strengths and support needs. Importantly, Thriving Kids aims at strengthening multiple pathways for early identification of children with developmental delay or differences and connecting them with the right supports.

Do you know a Secret Agent Society (SAS) Cadet?

Our friends at Social Science Translated are inviting current and past SAS Cadets to share their own custom designs for relaxation gadgets for a chance to win a $100 gift card and help others!

The winning creation could also be incorporated into the SAS Small Group Program and shared with Cadets worldwide.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to relaxation, and sharing a unique style could help others find what works for them!

Competition closes 8 April 2026.

Assessment and diagnosis courses

Enrol today in online microcredentials developed by Autism CRC with The University of Western Australia (UWA). These flexible, self-paced courses provide 1-2 Professional Development Points upon completion, with a Certificate of Achievement and a Professional Development Transcript.

Congratulations to the team at UWA, who were recently recognised for their work on developing and delivering the microcredentials. They received a UWA Team Award for Excellence and Innovation in Learning and Teaching in the Digital Transformation category.