Autism Association 2024 Annual Report

Since commencing this project, we have established a co-design team comprising individuals with Autism, their families, caregivers, and health professionals who have identified key areas for improvement in the healthcare sector. These insights have guided the development of workshop topics, resources, and training initiatives which are now being delivered to a range of health providers, including hospitals, mental health services and dental health services. Additionally, we have facilitated initiatives aimed at improving the patient experience in emergency healthcare settings, such as Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital. The team also presented at a conference hosted by the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA) sharing the systemic barriers and enablers to oral health care for Autistic individuals. Our partnership with the Curtin School of Oral Health continued into its fourth year, providing Autism-specific training to third year Oral Health Students and hosting oral health therapy clinics for individuals with Autism. Interest in these clinics continues to grow with 113 Autistic children and adults attending appointments across 4 clinics. This year, our Youth Diagnostic Clinic Consultant Psychiatrist once again received invitations from the WA Branch of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and the WA Metropolitan Psychiatry Training program, to deliver seminars to psychiatry trainees completing their Psychiatry Training Program. We are pleased to see this Autism-specific content form part of the program curriculum. for Autistic people. This project is funded by the Department of Communities through the Western Australia State Disability Systemic Advocacy Program. This year marks the second year of a three-year project working with health professionals to improve access to health care services

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