Autism Association 2025 Annual Report

President’s Report

2024/2025 was another year of significant work in supporting Autistic people and their families.

A significant undertaking this year has been preparation for the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in November. We will bring together individuals from over 28 countries, including academics, families, Autistic people, educators, researchers, community leaders and medical professionals, to join with us in Creating and Inspiring the Future Together . Our work and achievements over the last 12 months would not have been possible without the support of our stakeholders, including the community, service-users, Autistic people, families, the State Government through the Department of Communities, as well as other State and Federal bodies. I would also like to thank the Board for their significant work during the year to advance the mission of the Autism Association of Western Australia. To conclude, I would like to acknowledge and thank all staff, led by our Chief Executive Officer, Joan McKenna Kerr AM, for their instrumental role in supporting individuals with Autism and their families.

The demand for services continued to grow but staff shortages in some programs held us back. However, we are very pleased to report that we expanded services in a range of areas including Individual Support Services, Community Living Services, Diagnostic Services, Inclusive Employment and others. We began a new service for out-of-home care for uniquely vulnerable individuals, and we look forward to progressing this service in the coming year. We worked with many community organisations and healthcare providers throughout the year. The work involved creating opportunities to improve the lives of Autistic children and adults through inclusion and greater sensitivity to their needs. We supported service provision in regional Western Australia and continued our international work with East Java to promote best practice initiatives for Autistic people and their families. We progressed a range of infrastructure work, as part of our five-year plan, to respond to service needs and to expand service provision. In addition, we progressed a range of digital transformation projects to streamline communication and support to individuals and families.

Dr Rob Storer President and Chair of the Board

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