Autism in Australia 2009

4428.0 - Autism in Australia 2009, has just been released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It aims to present an overview of the prevalence of autism in Australia and the impact it has on the everyday lives of those with the condition. 

The report includes diagnoses changes, state and territory data for the epidemiology of autism, education and labour force participation and the need and receipt of assistance.  The data indicated that people with autism were "struggling with economic participation, with lower levels of post-school qualifications and labour force participation compared to other people with disabilities."  It concludes, "Autism is a very restrictive condition requiring a high level of support on a daily basis. While schools in Australia are providing some support to help children with the condition, 2009 data indicates more needs to be done to help them into further education and to the labour force."