Autistic people and their families often face significant barriers when accessing healthcare – from communication differences and sensory sensitivities to social misunderstandings and systemic gaps in understanding. These barriers can result in distressing or unsafe experiences and poorer health outcomes.
Nurses and midwives are central to ensuring safe, compassionate and equitable care for all patients. With the right knowledge and support, they are uniquely positioned to improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for Autistic people and their families.
To address this need, Amaze and ANMF (Vic Branch) are collaborating on a statewide, initiative focused exclusively on improving understanding of Autism in clinical practice. This project will support nurses and midwives to better recognise and respond to the needs of Autistic patients, carers and their families.
Together with Amaze, the Branch will co-design and pilot practical, evidence-informed training to build confidence in neuroinclusive care. The training will be developed with input from nurses, midwives and Autistic people with lived experience, and delivered through in-person workshops and a flexible on-demand format accessible across Victoria.
As part of the initial research/information gathering stage of the project, we are inviting all ANMF (Vic Branch) nurses and midwives to complete a short survey (it should take about five to 10 minutes) exploring current practices, workforce needs, and barriers when supporting Autistic patients and families.
Your insights will directly inform the design of new training to strengthen confidence in neuroinclusive care – ensuring safer, more compassionate, and equitable healthcare for all.
The survey closes 8 November. Complete the survey now
Once the survey responses are tallied, we’ll be holding focus groups (in person and online options) to refine our analysis, before using these insights to help design course content. The aim is to have initial workshops for members in the first half of 2026.
