Autism in Health
A project by the Autism Association of WA, working with the health sector to improve access to healthcare services for Autistic people in Western Australia.
Improving Health Outcomes for Autistic People
We are excited to be conducting a project to improve the knowledge and skills of health professionals and ensure all individuals with Autism have fair access to healthcare services. This includes primary health care, allied health care, oral health care and mental health care.
About the project
What are the aims of the project?
The Health Project aims to:
- Build the capacity and health literacy of people with Autism and other complex communication needs, and
- Build the capacity of health professionals to deliver quality health services to Autistic people.
Who are we working with?
We are working with individuals with Autism, their families and caregivers, health professionals and peak bodies to co-develop resources, training and professional development packages, and new service delivery models.
This project is provided by the Autism Association of WA and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities.
Oral Health Familiarisation Clinics
We are pleased to have an ongoing partnership with the Curtin University Oral Health Therapy Clinic. With the support of staff from the Autism Association of WA, students in their final year of Oral Health Therapy training run clinics specifically for individuals with Autism.
We offer Autistic children and adults the opportunity to attend an appointment at these clinics, at no cost. Appointments are flexible and allow participants to familiarise themselves with the dental clinic environment at their own pace. Students work with participants to complete dental check-ups and offer treatment.
All clinics are held at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia in Nedlands, and each appointment runs for 75 minutes.
To assist with travel expenses, Curtin University offers vouchers to individuals and families attending the clinics. As part of this process, please enter your postcode as prompted when completing an expression of interest. You will receive your voucher when you attend your clinic appointment.
Appointments are extremely limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Upcoming Clinics
Expressions of interest for 2026 clinics are now closed.
Due to refurbishments, our September and October 2026 clinics will no longer take place. We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back to the space when clinics resume in 2027.
To be the first to hear about 2027 clinic dates, please complete the expression of interest form here or linked below.
In the meantime, you can access dental resources, including visuals and social stories, in our Resource Library here.
Health and Dental Autism Training Program
The Autism Association is proud to have launched the first online training program for health and dental professionals in Australia.
Alongside a number of dentists and health professionals throughout Perth, we have developed a training program for the health and dental sectors to provide health and dental professionals with knowledge and resources to improve access and health care experiences of people with Autism.
The training program includes a catalogue of resources that fall under the headings detailed below. Once you have finished the training modules, you will receive a certificate of completion.
This project is an NDIS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) initiative. Access to this online training comes at no cost and we invite you to share it with your colleagues.
Autism Online Training Modules
The training consists of 5 online training modules for you to complete at your own pace.
- Understanding Autism
- Strategies
- Inpatient Care
- Outpatient Care
- Discharging a Patient
Program Awards
- Finalist for the Excellence in Innovation Award, 2021 WA Disability Support Awards
- Winner of the Excellence in Innovation Award, 2026 WA Disability Support Awards
Autism in Mental Health
The Autism Association is excited to share information and resources regarding Autism and Mental Health.
It has been identified that finding information and resources on Autism and co-occurring Mental Health conditions can be difficult. This resource has been designed to collate the latest research and resources for both individuals and professionals to access. In addition to this, new resources have been developed by Dr Kelly McKenna-Kerr, Consultant Psychiatrist for use by Autistic people, as well as professionals working in the Mental Health Sector.
This online resource has been developed as part of the work of a Systemic Advocacy Project funded by the Department of Communities (WA), by Clinical Psychiatrist, Dr Kelly McKenna-Kerr.
From our Resource Library
Resources
We have developed and collated a range of resources for mental health professionals, Autistic individuals, and carers.
Staff Training Request
Our Health Project team offers on-site training throughout the Perth Metropolitan area, as well as online training to services throughout Western Australia. To make a request for staff training, please click on the button below to fill out the form or email us at health.project@autism.org.au.
Find Out More
For more information on the Autism Association’s collaboration with healthcare and the initiatives above, contact the Health Project team at health.project@autism.org.au.