A tsunami of need

What is the problem?

97,000 talented Australian adults are struggling, facing years of isolation, mental health issues and a lack of fulfilling employment. Why? Because they have high functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger's disorder (AD), and according to a recent report called "We Belong" released by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), they aren't getting the support they need to achieve their goals and aspirations.

"I hate looking stupid. It's the one thing I'm not. I hate having something valuable to say, but no one listens because I can't get it out. I hate feeling like I am walking in sand but leave no footprints so there is no evidence I was ever here at all." Alison, survey respondent, aged 44, QLD.

Around 1 in 100 people have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Around 60 per cent of people with an ASD fall into the HFA or AD group. Applying the '1 in 100' prevalence rate to the Australian context translates to around 220,000 people nationwide, of whom 130,000 can be considered high functioning. Of these, approximately 97,000 are aged 18 years and over and they're the people whose experiences we investigated when we undertook the study and who represent a tsunami of unmet need.

We Belong is an Australian first report that provides this talented group of people with the opportunity to have their say about the services and supports they need to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Key We Belong findings include:

· Very high levels of mental health and well-being issues.

· Inadequate levels of support during education years and in the workplace.

· Over one-quarter of people in this category are involuntarily unemployed.

· Respondents indicated high levels of ongoing support needs in many areas of their lives including:

o Social interactions and relationships (77%)

o Finding a job (67%)