Autism and your rights

Being autistic comes with unique challenges and opportunities.

Individuals on the autism spectrum and their families need to understand their rights and the reasonable adjustments available to them. This knowledge empowers them to advocate effectively in various aspects of life, from education and employment to accessing services and participating in community activities.

Autistic individuals have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else, including being treated with dignity and respect, freedom from abuse and neglect, and the ability to make their own decisions and manage their finances. They are entitled to fair treatment in employment, access to education with necessary modifications, participation in community and public life, timely and appropriate healthcare, and privacy of their personal information. Additionally, they have the right to access support services and freely express their views and preferences, ensuring they can live fulfilling and autonomous lives.

These rights are protected under various National and State legislations, such as The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and State and Territory human rights laws.

Disability discrimination

Disability discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably or denied the same opportunities as others due to their disability. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) is a pivotal piece of legislation in Australia that protects individuals with disabilities from such unfair treatment across many areas of public life. These include employment, education, services, housing, and access to public places.

The DDA covers a broad range of disabilities, including:

• Physical, intellectual, sensory, neurological, and learning disabilities
• Diseases, illnesses, and work-related injuries
• Physical disfigurement and medical conditions
• Both temporary and permanent disabilities

The Act also protects individuals from discrimination based on past or potential future disabilities and disabilities that people are perceived to have.

Under the DDA, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person with a disability in various scenarios:

• Being accompanied by an assistant, interpreter, or reader
• Being accompanied by a trained animal, such as a guide dog
• Using equipment or aids like wheelchairs or hearing aids

Additionally, the DDA prohibits discrimination against someone because they associate with a person with a disability.

Direct and indirect discrimination

Direct discrimination happens when a person with a disability is treated less favourably than someone without a disability in similar circumstances.

Indirect discrimination is subtler. It occurs when policies or practices that seem neutral disadvantage people with disabilities. This can happen if a requirement or condition:

• Applies to everyone but disadvantages those with disabilities
• Is unreasonable in the given circumstances

An example of indirect discrimination might be a job requirement that requires employees to all use the same software without considering that it might not be accessible to someone with a visual impairment. Or a workplace policy that requires all employees to participate in open-plan office meetings without considering that this environment might be overwhelming and distracting for someone with autism who may benefit from quieter, more structured settings.

Employment rights

The DDA makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in employment, including recruitment processes, employment terms and conditions, promotion, transfer, training, dismissal, or any other detrimental treatment.

This protection extends to all types of employment relationships, including full-time, part-time, casual workers, apprentices, and trainees. It also includes recruitment processes managed by employment agencies.

Discrimination and harassment at work

Everyone deserves to work in an environment free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination, including people with autism. It's important to understand your rights and what you can do if you face unfair treatment at work.

Your rights and actions to take

You have the right to a safe and fair workplace. If you experience discrimination or harassment, you can take action:

• Report it: Inform your supervisor, HR department, or use your company’s formal complaint procedure.
• Seek support: Talk to a union representative or an advocate who understands your rights.
• File a complaint: If your workplace doesn’t address the issue, you can file a complaint with your local Work Safe/Safe Work authority or the Australian Human Rights Commission.
• Seek legal advice: If necessary, consult with a lawyer or legal advisor who specialises in employment law and disability rights to explore your options and ensure your rights are protected.

Employers' responsibilities

Employers are legally required to prevent discrimination and harassment. They should:

• Implement policies: Have clear policies against discrimination and harassment.
• Provide training: Educate employees about autism and respectful workplace behaviour.
• Make reasonable adjustments: Adapt the workplace to support employees with autism, such as providing a quieter workspace or flexible hours.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments refer to changes or accommodations that help an individual with a disability perform their job or participate in activities on an equal basis with others. Examples of reasonable workplace adjustments include allowing flexible working hours, providing written instructions for tasks or creating a quiet space for breaks.

When is disability discrimination not against the law?

If an individual with autism cannot meet the essential requirements of a job, even with reasonable adjustments, it may be lawful to refuse employment. For instance, if the job requires a high level of spontaneous social interaction, that is crucial to the role and cannot be reasonably adjusted. Or, if providing a quiet, low-stimulation work environment for an employee with autism would impose significant operational difficulties or expense on the employer, it may be considered an 'unjustifiable hardship'.

Reasonable adjustments in education

Educational institutions are required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to learning. Adjustments might include:

• Modifying assessment methods
• Providing assistive technologies
• Adjusting the physical environment
• Providing access through online or distance study options to accommodate different learning needs or preferences
• Offering hybrid options, where students can combine in-person and online learning for greater flexibility and support

Students should discuss their needs with a Disability Practitioner, who can recommend appropriate adjustments based on legislative guidelines and medical documentation.

Understanding your rights and the concept of reasonable adjustments is crucial for individuals on the autism spectrum. It ensures they can advocate for themselves effectively in various areas of life, from education and employment to accessing services and participating in the community. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and other relevant legislations provide a robust framework to protect these rights, fostering an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Here are some helpful resources for individuals seeking more advice or experiencing disability discrimination:

• Australian Human Rights Commission: Provides comprehensive information on disability rights, including how to make a discrimination complaint.
• Fair Work Ombudsman: Offers guidance on workplace discrimination, including what constitutes discrimination and how to address it.
• JobAccess: Information for People with Disability: Provides support and advice for people with disabilities, including employment services and workplace adjustments.
• Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA): Connects individuals with advocacy services across Australia, helping people with disabilities navigate issues related to discrimination and rights.
• Disability Gateway: Provides a wide range of information and services for people with disabilities, their families, and carers. It includes resources on employment, education, rights, and advocacy, making it a comprehensive portal for support and advice.

Driving and autism

Driving can be a key part of independence for many people, including those with autism. Understanding the rules about driving with autism is crucial to ensure safety and compliance with the law.

Reporting your diagnosis

In Australia, if you have a health condition or disability that might affect your driving, you are legally required to inform your state’s licensing agency. In some states, for example, in QLD, it is mandatory to report an autism diagnosis, regardless of whether it impacts your driving ability. Failure to disclose this information can lead to significant fines and the potential loss of your licence. However, in other states, a diagnosis of autism may only need to be reported if it affects your ability to drive safely. It’s important to check with your state licensing authority for the specific requirements in your area.

• Varied impact of symptoms: Autism symptoms can range widely. Some people may have no issues that affect their driving, while others might face challenges that could make driving unsafe.
• Learner drivers: For those learning to drive, the same rules apply. If your autism symptoms might affect your driving, you need to report this. If the symptoms are mild and do not interfere with safe driving, there is no need to inform the licensing agency.‍
• Existing drivers: If you have autism and already hold a licence, reporting requirements vary by state. In QLD, you’re legally required to notify the licensing agency of your diagnosis, even if your driving is unaffected. In other states, you may only need to report if your symptoms affect your driving. Check with your local authority for specific rules.

It’s important to regularly assess whether your symptoms could impact your driving ability. This ensures your safety and the safety of others on the road. Visual disturbances and processing challenges are common for autistic individuals and can affect driving. Regular medical check-ups and professional assessments can help determine if you are safe to drive.

Driving is a significant responsibility, and understanding how autism might impact this can help you make informed decisions. Remember, the goal is to ensure safety for yourself and others, so take the necessary steps if your symptoms change. By being proactive and informed, you can enjoy the independence that comes with driving while staying safe.