Reframing Autism

30/08/2026

Flourishing is not about becoming the version of yourself that others expect you to be.

Flourishing means having the freedom to discover who you are and;

🌟 Pursuing interests that bring you joy
🌟 Honouring your boundaries without feeling guilt
🌟 Building meaningful relationships with people who accept you and celebrate you for who you are

We thrive when we have the freedom, support and acceptance to be more fully ourselves 💛

🔗 To view Kristy Forbes - Autism & ND Support's video on 'Flourishing with Acceptance' on our website, click here: https://reframingautism.org.au/kristy-forbes-flourishing-with-acceptance/



[ID: Against a burgundy background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the lower right corner, white text reads, 'Flourishing is having the freedom to become more fully yourself'. Beneath the text is an image of a hummingbird, hovering midair near a flowering plant, with soft purple and green flowers blurred in the background].

26/08/2026

Sometimes it feels as though the world is built around one way of communicating, one way of learning, one way of moving, one way of thinking.

When environments are built on a narrow set of expectations, it creates barriers for people who navigate the world differently.

As a society, when we broaden our understanding and embrace different ways of being, we can begin to remove these barriers, creating environments where more people can participate, belong and thrive. 💫



[ID: Against a grape background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the lower right corner, white text reads, 'When environments don’t meet people’s needs, barriers can become greater'. Beneath the text is an image of wooden figures standing around a rectangular frame, with one red figure centered on a blue background, suggesting a target or barrier in a group setup.]

25/08/2026

We’re sharing this beautiful reminder from Ginny Grant, featured in our Autistic Welcome Pack. ✨

Autistic people often receive messages about what we need to overcome or do differently. But being Autistic is not something that needs fixing.

We all bring our own unique experiences, strengths and perspectives and every Autistic person has something meaningful to contribute.

To every Autistic person reading this today: The world is a better place because you're in it. 💜

🔗 You can access our free Autistic Welcome Pack via this link:
https://reframingautism.org.au/service/welcome-pack/



[ID: Against a magenta background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the lower left corner, white text between large quotation marks reads, "You have so many strengths – strengths that come from being Autistic. The world needs people like you. The world needs Autistic people" - Ginny Grant, citing the clinician who conducted her Autism diagnosis.]

23/08/2026

Every parent of an Autistic child knows the heartbreaking feeling of seeing their child left out or excluded.

Whilst it might be tempting to try to help your child 'fit in', the goal isn’t to help your child become someone else in order to be included. It’s to help them find people who value them exactly as they are.

💫 People who appreciate their way of communicating.
💫 People who happily make space for their needs.
💫 People who understand that differences are something to value.
💫 People who make them feel like they belong, without having to change.

Everyone deserves friendships where they don’t have to shrink, mask or change themselves to be welcomed and celebrated. 🫶



[ID: Against an aqua background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the lower left corner, white text reads, 'The goal isn’t to help your child fit in. It’s to help them find people who value them exactly as they are'. Beneath the text is an image of a child sitting alone with a sad expression on her face, while two other children in the background exclude her].

19/08/2026

Content Note: self harm, pain

When you're already managing sensory overload, executive functioning fails and the everyday effort of navigating a world that isn't designed for you, menstruation can add another layer of challenge!

In our latest article, Autistic educator, Jac Lai, offers practical strategies for managing that time of the month, autistically.

♾️ Read it here: https://reframingautism.org.au/periods-unpacked-practical-tips-from-an-autistic-educator/



[ID: 1. Pink title graphic featuring the Reframing Autism logo and the heading "Periods Unpacked: Practical Tips from an Autistic Educator. Written by Jac Lai. Available to read at reframingautism.org.au/resources." The Reframing Autism knotwork quadrant appears in the lower right corner. 2. A promotional graphic featuring a quote from Autistic educator Jac Lai: "Understanding these changes can make it easier to plan ahead, reduce self-blame and recognise when additional support may be needed." Beneath the quote is a photo of a woman lying on a couch holding a hot water bottle against her abdomen, suggesting menstrual pain. The Reframing Autism knotwork quadrant appears in the lower left corner.]

19/08/2026

‼️ Support needs don’t disappear when funding is cut ‼️

When support funding is reduced, one of two things happens: either unpaid carers - often women - take on more of the support, or those needs go unmet. And when support needs go unmet, the consequences can be devastating.

🗯️ The disability community is telling the Government clearly what these NDIS cuts will mean. The short-sightedness of this bill is deeply concerning. The so-called “savings” won’t necessarily be savings at all - the costs will simply be shifted elsewhere, through increased demand for crisis, mental health, medical and other supports because disabled people’s needs have not been adequately met.

And the greatest cost won’t be measured in dollars. It will be paid in people’s lives - by disabled people who are already doing everything they can just to get by, and by carers who are being asked to carry even more when they are already carrying far too much.



[ID: Against a burgundy background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the lower right corner, white text reads, 'The cost of NDIS cuts won’t just be measured in dollars. It will be measured in lives'.]

18/08/2026

We’ve spent the past few days reflecting on the devastating events surrounding Jason Arday and thinking carefully about what we wanted to say.

There is much that could be said, but this post from Tigger Pritchard: Neuroaffirming Advocate, Consultant and Trainer articulates some of the feelings and concerns we have been grappling with. It is so important to reflect on the devastating human cost of the scrutiny, ridicule and public humiliation that Jason experienced as a Black, Autistic person.

You'll be seeing Jason Arday's mentioned across the social networks and news today and for many more to come.

From my fellow Neurokin with far more eloquent words than myself.

I'm not posting to debate his educational or personal achievements, the situation around the accusations against him and what was or wasn't true. I'm also posting with the information we have so far.

I'm posting because I saw a black, Autistic individual, a fellow human being, my Neurokin, incredibly scrutinised, hounded, ridiculed, humiliated, who's mental health was completely disregarded, where the media and others continually drove a campaign of personal and professional destruction, racist and abelist, with no care for how this ended.

Accountability, yes that discussion was ongoing, But this? Jason Arday became "public property" in the most detestable way, and so many organisations, institutions and individuals made his absolutely utter hell, and for why?

Its not the first time we've seen this, and sadly I fear it won't be the last.

Just think if this was you.....

My thoughts go out to this family and friends.

I detest social media sometimes.

17/08/2026

Following the Senate Committee’s recommendation that the NDIS Amendment Bill be passed, we’re sharing the The Australian Autism Alliance's response.

We’re alarmed and frustrated that this recommendation has been made despite significant concerns raised throughout the Inquiry about evidence, readiness, safeguards, accountability and the potential for harm; particularly for people who are already most vulnerable and at risk of being adversely impacted by these changes.

You can read the Australian Autism Alliance’s full response via the link in their post.

📢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗. 𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗.
After six days of public hearings and thousands of submissions, the Senate Committee has recommended that the NDIS Amendment Bill be passed.

The Australian Autism Alliance is 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 by that conclusion.

𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
✓ We support NDIS reform.
✓ We support sustainability.
✓ We support strong action against fraud, exploitation and waste.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆.

Throughout the Inquiry, we tested some fundamental questions:
🔹 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 — Are the systems people will be expected to rely upon actually ready?
🔹 𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 — Are the assumptions underpinning major reforms supported by evidence?
🔹 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦 — What protects someone if Government gets a decision wrong and the harm cannot easily be reversed?
🔹 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 — Who is accountable if reform produces poorer outcomes?
🔹 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 — Where is the other side of the financial ledger — including costs transferred to families, health, education, housing, justice and income support?
🔹 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦 — And fundamentally, how will we know whether people with disability are actually better off?

🛠️ 𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗢 𝗣𝗨𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦.
Our evidence to the Inquiry proposed practical ways to strengthen reform — including testing legislative assumptions against evidence, sequencing change against demonstrated readiness, putting safeguards and accountability in place before harm occurs, identifying alternative efficiencies and savings, and assessing the true whole-of-government costs and benefits of reform.

𝗪𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

These questions — and the solutions we put forward — have not gone away because the Inquiry has concluded.

𝗦𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.
🤝 𝗪𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀.

➡️ 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧
We are moving Systems That Work into its next phase:

🔷 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘
𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱. 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀.

We will apply the methodology to the reforms now before Australia — not only asking what Government intends, but demonstrating what safe and accountable implementation should look like in practice.

We will assess:
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 | 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 | 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦 | 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 | 𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 | 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦

And we will publish what has been addressed, what remains unresolved and what still needs to change.

Because:
⚠️ 𝗔 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁.
🛡️ 𝗔 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱.
📊 𝗔 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗦 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮.

🔗 Read our full response: https://australianautismalliance.org.au/media-releases/senate-report-leaves-critical-ndis-reform-risks-unresolved/

𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙𝗙.
𝗜𝗙 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬, 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬.

12/08/2026

💡 What if recruitment measured someone's ability to do the job – not their ability to perform in an interview?

📖 Our new Neuro-Affirming Recruitment Guide shares practical ways employers can remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining high standards. Accessible recruitment benefits everyone.

♾️ Read it here: https://reframingautism.org.au/neuro-affirming-recruitment-reframing-autisms-perspective-on-best-practice/



[ID: 1. Against an aubergine background with Reframing Autism logo in the top left and knotwork quadrant in the bottom right, white text reads: "Neuro-Affirming Recruitment: Reframing Autism's Perspective on Best Practice. Available to read at reframingautism.org.au/resources" 2. Against an aubergine background with Reframing Autism logo at the bottom, is a white text box with a photo of Reframing Autism's CEO, Sharon Fraser. Beneath is a quote from her, "When Autistic people are appropriately accommodated, we bring some really impressive gifts to any workplace. – Sharon Fraser, CEO, Reframing Autism."]

11/08/2026

Reframing Autism is creating training for youth justice staff across Australia, and we want it to reflect the real experiences of Autistic young people.

We're looking for:
🔹 Autistic young people aged 14–17 (diagnosed or self-identified), Parent/guardian consent is also required
🔹 Autistic adults aged 18–25 (diagnosed or self-identified)
who have current or past experience with the youth justice system.

💡 We want to learn about your experience of the youth justice system and how it could work better for Autistic young people. Learning from your experiences can help us to improve the system. Please note that what you tell us won't be shared with people making decisions about your case.

💵 You'll be paid for your time and input.

Participation is voluntary and if you choose to take part but later change your mind, you can stop at any time. You do not need to give a reason for your decision.

If you're interested in taking part, we'll give you some more information about the project for you to decide if it's still right for you.

Youth justice systems might include (but are not limited to):

🔸 The court and legal system, including family group conferencing
🔸 Youth detention centres and holding facilitates
🔸 Community supervision, parole and bail
🔸 Offending rehabilitation and therapy services

🔗 For further information, download the Participant Information Sheet via our website using this link: https://reframingautism.org.au/downloads/7825/

To express your interest, please fill out an expression of interest form.

You can do this by:

🔗 Filling out the online form using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z6W5TV7

📩 Ask us some questions first (by email or a chat) or get some help to sign up by emailing: [email protected]



ID in first comment.