2021 Annual Report

President’s Report The demand for our services saw continued growth in the last 12 months, resulting in expansion in all service areas. We also continued our work with the disability sector in Western Australia, as well as nationally and internationally. The advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic had a significant impact on operations and required us to adapt our services to the uncertainty of the times. Despite the many challenges, however, high quality service delivery was maintained, and we delivered on our strategic priorities, including strengthening and expanding our service options to individuals and families. This included Therapy and Clinical Services for all ages, Early Intervention for newly diagnosed children, School Age Services, Positive Behaviour Support, community-based support for children and adults, home and living support, employment options and diagnostic services. We also expanded our Children’s Diagnostic Clinic and Youth Diagnostic Clinic in response to ongoing demand. We furthered our work in East Java as part of the Sister State initiative between the West Australian Government and East Java. This contributed to community development best practice support for people with Autism. It was again a strong year for the Board as we considered and reviewed the significant changes and challenges of the environment in which we now operate. In the coming 12 months we will continue on our strategic path of service development and infrastructure development to support planned growth. In concluding this report, I would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to the State Government through Disability Services Department of Communities for their wide-ranging support. I would also like to acknowledge other funding bodies including the Commonwealth Government Department of Social Services. Our thanks also go to Lotterywest for their continuing invaluable support. I would also like to acknowledge and thank all of our staff, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Joan McKenna Kerr, for the significant work undertaken this year and their dedication to the Autism Association’s mission on behalf of people with Autism and their families.

2020-21 marked another great year for the Autism Association.This has been another year of significant work supporting individuals with Autism and their families.

Dr Rob Storer President and Chair of the Board

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2021 15