Autism Association of WA 2026 Annual Report

A Community for All

and Exhibition Centre to provide consultancy and advice on establishing a breakout and sensory room that considers the needs of Autistic individuals who may attend the venue. We continued working alongside Ocean Heroes to enhance the knowledge of staff and volunteers in supporting Autistic individuals to safely and confidently enjoy ocean activities. In the lead up to Christmas, we once again hosted sensory-friendly Santa visits creating welcoming festive experiences for families at shopping centres across Perth before opening and after closing hours. During World Autism Month in April, we supported our community to come together with our biggest Light Up the Spectrum to date, with more than 60 buildings and landmarks across Western Australia lighting up to show their support.

with the show in the ways that made sense to them – making sounds, moving and fidgeting, using noise cancelling headphones, and taking breaks on the beanbags by the stage or in the on-site quiet room as needed. We were also pleased to support the City of Victoria Park in opening the Mildred Creak Playground , a playground purpose-built for neurodiverse children and their families. Featuring a sensory-friendly design and communication board, the playground provides an accessible and inclusive environment where children of all abilities can play and enjoy the space in their own way. In addition to these initiatives, we continued to advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility through our involvement in advisory panels including the Optus Stadium Disability Inclusion Advisory Panel and Perth Airport Access and Inclusion Panel . We also engaged with Perth Convention

and foster more inclusive local cricket clubs across Western Australia. The program now includes 12 Endorsed Inclusive Clubs committed to creating welcoming environments and meaningful opportunities for Autistic players on and off the field. There were also a further 10 community clubs supported throughout the season to build their confidence and strengthen inclusive sporting practices. We also championed inclusion in sport beyond cricket, working with Volleyball WA to develop a suite of resources, and providing training and advice to Tennis West to promote participation in the game. In partnership with Disney Theatrical Group , Aspect, and Crown Perth, we hosted a sensory-friendly, relaxed performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Crown Theatre. Designed to create an accessible and enjoyable theatre experience for all, the performance encouraged individuals and families to engage

Through strong partnerships and new collaborations, we continued to build awareness and understanding of Autism in the community. Working with Autistic people and their families, we fostered greater connection and belonging, working to ensure every person is given the opportunity to participate in the activities, events and experiences that matter to them. Our Autism in Cricket program is now in its eighth year and continues to grow, providing opportunities for Autistic children and young people to participate, connect and thrive through sport. Over 200 children attended our annual Come and Try Session this year, joining Program Ambassador Adam Gilchrist, WA State Players and Autism Association staff on the historic WACA Ground to give cricket a go in an inclusive and supportive environment. Through our valued partnership with WA Cricket and the WA Cricket Foundation, we are helping to grow grassroots cricket

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