About Us

Autism Awareness Australia is a not-for-profit organisation, which was founded in February 2007. Since then, we has grown into one of the nation's largest autism education and advocacy organisation, dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in our community.

Most recently, we were proud to host the first National Autism Summit and ‘Light it up blue” campaign in Sydney during World Autism Awareness month in April 2011. During this time, Autism Awareness was granted NGO membership to the United Nations Department of Public Information, a huge honour, and one that gives us the opportunity to partner with a global network of organisations to promote our common goals.

Some of our many successful events and campaigns to date include;

• Two television community service announcement campaigns 
• Distribution of 'The Early Warning Signs-childhood development’ booklet to all paediatricians and medical centres nationwide
• “What are you doing?” – a short documentary film for school aged children
• A series of free Autism Information Days in regional QLD, VIC, NSW, NT and TAS
• 3 free Autism Expos in Sydney
• “Building Positive Outcomes” - a parent and professional development seminar series
• Hosting ‘Altered State’ a concert to raise funds and awareness for ASD 
• Creation of a comprehensive nationwide online directory of professionals and services
• 1000hours campaign – advocating a minimum of 1000hours of government funded early intervention per year for all children on the autism spectrum

In Australia, 1 in 110 children are on the autism spectrum. It is our nation’s most common developmental disorder, and more children are diagnosed with ASD than childhood AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. 

It is our hope that increased awareness and understanding of ASD within the community will lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments, helping to reduce the impact autism has on a child and their family.

To view a copy of our 2009 annual report click here

Autism Awareness Australia and the United Nations

In 2011, Autism Awareness Australia was welcomed as an NGO member of the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI).  We are proud to be the only Australian autism related NGO, and one of only a handful of autism organisations globally, to have been accepted as a member of the UNDPI.

Autism Awareness Australia was invited to present as an inspiring NGO, and leading autism education and advocacy organisation, at the annual NGO Orientation Program in June 2011 at the UN headquarters in New York.   

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