Aspect marks World Autism Understanding Month with a call for greater inclusion
Sydney, NSW - New independent YouGov research commissioned by Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) has found that nearly one in four Australians (24%) expect Autistic people to adapt their behaviour in order to fit into society, highlighting the urgent need for greater autism understanding across Australia.
Released to mark the start of World Autism Understanding Month on 2 April, the findings reinforce Aspect’s call for Australians to move beyond awareness and build a more informed, inclusive society where Autistic people are better understood and supported.
Jacqui Borland, Aspect CEO, said the results reveal why autism understanding still matters so much.
“With at least 1 in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum, autism is part of everyday life in our schools, workplaces and communities,” said Ms Borland. “But too many Autistic people still feel pressure to change their behaviour just to be accepted.
“That can be exhausting, isolating and damaging. Building more inclusive communities is not just the responsibility of Autistic individuals, it’s something we all need to contribute to. It means creating environments, spaces and everyday interactions where different ways of thinking, communicating and being are understood and respected.”
Ms Borland explained that these findings build on Aspect’s 2025 YouGov research, which found only half of Australians believed they had a good understanding of autism, and a third said they would not know what to say if someone disclosed they are Autistic.
“Last year, we saw that many Australians were unsure how to respond to or support Autistic people,” said Ms Borland. “This year’s findings suggest those gaps in understanding may shape attitudes about who is expected to change.
“This World Autism Understanding Month, we are asking Australians to reflect on their own assumptions, learn more about autism, and take practical steps to create a society where Autistic people feel seen, respected and supported.”
Michael Theo, Autistic actor and autism consultant at Aspect, said the research reflects a reality many Autistic people experience every day.
“For a lot of Autistic people, there is constant pressure to fit in at work, at school, in social situations and in public,” Mr Theo said.
“When people expect you to adapt all the time, it sends the message that who you are is the problem. That is why understanding matters. When people make the effort to learn and listen, it can make a huge difference.
"People on the spectrum don't want special treatment; we just want the same things as everybody else. To be loved, valued and accepted by others - and not just by family and friends, but by the world,” said Michael.
Ms Borland said World Autism Understanding Month is an important chance to encourage deeper understanding of autism across the community. “Many Autistic people tell us they still feel like they are navigating spaces that were not designed with them in mind.
“Real inclusion starts when we stop asking Autistic people to change in order to belong, and instead ask what we can do differently as a society.”
Aspect is encouraging Australians to take part in World Autism Understanding Month by accessing resources, learning more about autism, and considering the practical role they can play in building a more inclusive Australia.
For more information, visit https://www.aspect.org.au/waum
Note to editors
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. 2026 study: Total sample size was 1,016 Australian adults aged 18 years and older. Fieldwork was undertaken online between 12th-16th March 2026. 2025 study: Total sample size was 1004 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken online between 10th -12th February 2025. The surveys were weighted by age, gender and region to reflect ABS population estimates. Significant differences are reported at the 95% confidence interval.
For more information: Karen Keech. karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. Celebrating 60 years in 2026, we are a not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in
evidence-based practices.
