2026 National Autism Parent and Caregiver Survey - have your say
Parents and caregivers of autistic children, young people and adults experience Australia's autism supports first-hand.
Have your say about what's working, what isn't and what families like yours need next.
We're working with CliniKids, part of The Kids Research Institute Australia, and the University of Western Australia on the 2026 National Autism Parent and Caregiver Survey. It takes about 30 minutes, online, and is completely anonymous (we don't collect any identifying information).
Your experience and answers will help turn the things families face every day into evidence for better policy, supports and services.
FAQs
Who can take part?
You can take part in the survey if you:
- are aged 18 or over
- are an Australian parent or caregiver of an autistic child, young person or adult.
Your child can be any age or at any life stage. They might have a formal autism diagnosis, self identify, or are yet to start their diagnosis journey.
How do I participate?
The survey is completed online, takes about 30 minutes and only needs to be completed once.
What you share will help researchers better understand the experiences and support needs of parents and carergivers across Australia.
How long is the survey running?
The survey opens on Monday 14th September 2026. It closes at 11:59pm AEST, Monday 5th October 2026.
How will my voice make a difference?
Your responses will help inform autism policy, supports and service design. The findings are expected to be published in a national report in January 2027.
The findings will also inform the first phase of COMPASS — COMmunication through Personalised ASsessment and Support — a five-year CliniKids research program. COMPASS is developing more personalised ways to understand each autistic child's strengths and support needs and connect them with evidence-based clinical and community supports.
How is my privacy protected?
The survey is anonymous. No information that identifies you will be collected.
Your responses will be stored securely and can only be accessed by members of the research team. The information will only be used for this research project.
The findings may be published or presented in reports, research publications and presentations, but you will not be identified.
Research data will be stored securely for seven years, in line with the Western Australian University Sector Disposal Authority. It will then be destroyed.
Because your response is anonymous, the research team will not be able to identify and withdraw it after you submit the survey.
Looking after yourself
The survey includes questions about parent and caregiver mental health and wellbeing. Some people may find these questions upsetting.
If difficult feelings do come up while you're completing the survey, free and confidential support is available:
- Lifeline chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or call 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114.
- Beyond Blue website or call 1300 22 4636
Want to know more about the research?
To find out more about the research or what taking part involves, contact Dr Rhylee Sulek:
Email: rhylee.sulek@thekids.org.au
Phone: (08) 6319 1133
The University of Western Australia has approved this research through its ethics review and approval process.
If you have an ethics concern or want to make a complaint about the research, contact the University's Human Ethics Office:
Email: humanethics@uwa.edu.au
Phone: (08) 6488 3703