Autism Association of WA 2026 Annual Report

across Perth. We are proud of the strong outcomes achieved and the valuable contribution Autistic people continue to make to the workforce. This year, we hosted the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC 2025) in Perth, bringing together more than 1,500 delegates from over 30 countries. We are very pleased with the lasting opportunities it created for learning, collaboration and innovation. The knowledge, connections and momentum generated through APAC 2025 was an especially important experience for those with lived experience. We were also very proud this year to host several international delegations seeking to learn more about our services and service delivery. I would like to thank all our stakeholders, partners and donors, whose continued support and collaboration contribute to our work in advancing our mission. I would like to recognise our Board, led by Dr Rob Storer, our Chair, together with the Autism Association staff, for their unwavering dedication throughout the year. A special thanks to Autistic individuals and their families whose experiences lie at the heart of our work, guiding and inspiring all that we do.

of the Positive Behaviour Support Academy, several practitioners successfully graduated from the academy this year, increasing access to Positive Behaviour Support services. To support lifelong wellbeing, independence and quality of life for all Autistic individuals, we started the Ageing in Place Project to better respond to the emerging needs of Autistic adults as they age. This is an incredibly important piece of working addressing aging in an Autism context. Our Nursing team also coordinated annual health assessments for individuals in Community Living, delivered in their own home with their team of supporters. We supported 67 Community Living homes this year, providing full-time support to individuals in Shared Living. We also built partnerships with community organisations to create opportunities for social participation, volunteering and work experience to facilitate ongoing learning and meaningful connections throughout adult life. As the only Autism specialist provider in Australia delivering the new national Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program, we expanded our reach by opening new offices in Rockingham and Mandurah, providing employment support to more than 540 jobseekers

Joan McKenna Kerr AM Chief Executive Officer

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