Former Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, discusses the importance of a national autism strategy in Australia. She shares her personal journey with autism diagnosis and advocates for better support and inclusion. The podcast dives into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and the need for open dialogue to understand and support autistic individuals.
Understanding autism beyond stereotypes and misconceptions is crucial for creating a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals.
The lack of systemic support in areas like employment, healthcare, and education contributes to negative outcomes for autistic individuals such as higher rates of suicide and homelessness.
Deep dives
Grace Tame's Autism Diagnosis Journey
Grace Tame shares her emotional journey of receiving an autism diagnosis, recounting how a picture book led her to realize her neurodivergence. Despite the relief of clarity, the stigma surrounding autism added to her struggles, emphasizing the need to understand autism beyond stereotypes and misconceptions.
Challenges Faced by Autistic Individuals
The podcast highlights the systemic challenges faced by autistic individuals, pointing out the lack of support in various aspects of life such as employment, healthcare, and education. These inadequacies have led to negative outcomes like higher rates of suicide and homelessness among autistic individuals due to environments that do not cater to their needs.
National Autism Strategy Critique and Recommendations
The discussion delves into the recently released national autism strategy, with a focus on both positive and critical perspectives. While acknowledging the inclusivity of autistic voices in the strategy formation, there are concerns about deficit-focused narratives and the need for practical actions like reforming discrimination laws and enhancing education and employment opportunities for autistic individuals.
Grace Tame knows how to advocate. Her campaigning for survivors of sexual assault and abuse helped to create real change and pushed powerful institutions to be better.
Now, Tame is turning her focus onto something she has lived with her whole life and which is now on the agenda in Canberra, – autism and neurodivergence.
Today, former Australian of the Year and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Grace Tame, on Australia’s first attempt at a national autism strategy – and why we must get it right.