Impact Partner Program Proposal 2025

Impact Partner Program

Autism is lifelong and ageless, impacting individuals from early childhood through to adulthood. This inclusive message helps broaden public understanding and highlights the ongoing need for support, acceptance, and services at every stage of life. By partnering with us, your organisation can play a vital role in driving this campaign forward - amplifying awareness, supporting meaningful change, and making a lasting impact in the lives of autistic individuals and their families across Western Australia.

Most diagnoses occur before age but many adults are diagnosed later in life. 14

1 in 100

1

In Australia

It is estimated that people in Australia have Autism.

of autistic individuals need help with at least one daily activity. 84%

In WA

WA children are diagnosed with autism by age 6. 1 in 200

290,900

2

In 2022 there were Australians with Autism, a 41.8% increase from the 205,200 in 2018.

2.5

Autism is common in males than in females. 3.5 3

Aboriginal children are times more likely to be diagnosed with autism or intellectual disability than non Aboriginal children.

times more

MALES FEMALES

1 Autism Association WA – What is Autism 2 ABS SDAC 2022 – Autism in Australia 3 ABS SDAC 2018 – Autism in Australia.

Who We Are

The Autism Association of Western Australia is one of Australia’s leading specialist service providers for Autistic children and adults. Established in 1967, the Autism Association is a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting families across Western Australia who are navigating the autism journey, starting from diagnosis through to adulthood.

We offer:

Navigation support through complex systems like the NDIS

Family and sibling support after diagnosis

Advocacy

Community education and neurodiversity

Diagnosis and early intervention

Autism-friendly playgroups and inclusive events

training for workplaces

Why We Exist

When someone is diagnosed with autism, whether in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, it can be overwhelming, not just for the individual but for their whole family. Many are left to navigate a complex, underfunded system with limited guidance, support, or connection.

At the Autism Association, we are here to change that.

We provide support across all stages of life, helping individuals and families build confidence, find community, and access the services they need to thrive. We walk alongside families from the moment of diagnosis, helping them find clarity, a community, and lasting care. We offer practical support, early intervention and a place to turn so no one has to face the journey alone.

While a diagnosis can be a turning point for families, it’s only the beginning of their journey and the gap between diagnosis and support has never been wider as more and more people look for assistance.

Each month, we receive hundreds of enquiries from families and professionals seeking guidance, support, or services, and the demand is growing.

Some of the key challenges we face include:

Families often face months of delay before accessing NDIS funding Children are missing vital early support, social connection, and advocacy Our team is overextended, we urgently need more Autism and diagnosis therapists to meet the growing need in the community

Our fundraising objectives aim to:

Provide subsidies to families for autism resources Increase community engagement and support

Your Impact Level

The Autism Association Impact Partner Program is a dedicated initiative that invites businesses and organisations to join us in creating a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered future for autistic individuals and their families.

LIGHTHOUSE

PATHFINDER

ANCHOR

CHAMPION

$50,000+ $20,000+ $10,000+ $5,000+

$50,000+

Recognition on Autism Association WA’s website (supporter list)

All Lighthouse benefits, plus:

All Pathfinder benefits, plus:

All Anchor benefits, plus:

“Major Partner” recognition on website & event signage

Featured article/interview in newsletter/blog

Logo in annual report & selected materials

“Proud Supporter of Autism Association WA” digital badge

Strategic CSR alignment meetings

Invitations to stakeholder/ advocacy events

Co-branded social media spotlight

Invitation to annual donor thank you event

Invitation to co-develop a signature initiative

Co-branded corporate volunteering opportunities

Site visit or guest speaker opportunity

Executive engagement (roundtables, briefings)

Guest presentation by Autism Association WA at a company event

Joint media/PR opportunities

Tailored Giving Opportunities The Autism Association welcomes tailored support for specific projects or initiatives where your impact can be meaningfully recognised. These opportunities can be customised to suit your organisations goals and may include naming rights, co-branding, or hands-on engagement. Current priority areas include:

Our Vision With your help, we can address these critical needs for autistic West Australians and their families.

New Joondalup Hub Centre

Accommodation Support for group home improvements, or new builds

Help us fit out the centre with play equipment or other child friendly resources

Family Support Programs

Funding will help us: •

Provide post-diagnosis counselling for parents, siblings, and extended family members; helping them process the emotional impact of a diagnosis and develop tools to navigate their new reality with confidence, compassion, and connection. • Launch early access networks to support families caught in the difficult ‘gap’ between receiving a diagnosis and accessing NDIS funding; connecting them with peer groups, advocacy services, and interim support so no child is left waiting without help during this critical time.

Diagnostic Clinic

Funding for specialised programs and facilities (naming opportunities available)

Indigenous Programs

Inclusive Community Experiences Sponsor initiatives like quiet rooms in shopping centres or sensory-friendly events such as special Santa visits

Partner with us to expand culturally safe autism services for Aboriginal communities

First Nations Autism Programs

We aim to co-design culturally safe programs in partnership with Aboriginal communities and other charities but need startup funding to begin this important work.

Other opportunities to get involved include:

Employ Someone with Autism

2025 Asia Pacific Autism Conference

Employee Giving

Why Partner with the Autism Association? Partnering with us gives your organisation a real, visible way to:

Gain recognition across social media, events, and local media

Create positive social impact aligned with ESG values

Demonstrate community leadership

Engage employees in meaningful initiatives

Aligning with Your ESG Strategy

Workplace inclusion & neurodiversity training Autism awareness events & volunteering Support for culturally safe and community-driven programming Inclusion, Equity & Community Engagement Social

Transparency & Impact Governance

Sustainable Impact Environmental

Full transparency in reporting and fund allocation Annual impact reports tailored to your ESG metrics Executive-level involvement

Solar panels on numerous supported residential dwellings Sustainable use of assistive technology in family services

opportunities (e.g., ambassador roles)

Together, we can help Western Australian individuals and families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Let’s talk! With your support, we can reach more families, sooner, with greater care and together, we can build a future that is inclusive, connected, and full of possibility.

Let’s connect and explore how your organisation can be part of a brighter future for the Autism community.

Contact details

Paul Baird Executive Manager of Business Operations 0408 097 441 M E Paul.Baird@autism.org.au Carol Wallbank Fundraising Specialist M 0408 201 610 E Carol.Wallbank@autism.org.au

As unique as you

Free call 1800 636 427 T (08) 9489 8900 F (08) 9489 8999 E autismwa@autism.org.au Locked Bag 2 SUBIACO WA 6904 215 Stubbs Terrace Shenton Park 6008 autism.org.au