19/09/2025
This is definitely an issue for young school leavers
For many autistic young people, finishing school doesn’t bring opportunity, it brings uncertainty. Too often there is no clear path to work, and families are left trying to fill the gaps.
The NDIA’s 6th Provider Quarterly Report on School Leaver Employment reveals that despite years of programs, employment outcomes remain poor. Transition support comes too late, work experience is scarce, and employers are not given the tools they need to include autistic workers. Unless customised employment and discovery are properly funded across the NDIS, schools, training and employment services, young people will keep leaving school into exclusion rather than opportunity.
The National Autism Strategy represents a chance to change this. We cannot keep letting autistic young people fall through the cracks just as their adult lives are beginning.
Link to the full NDIA report in comments.
