Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) says its priority is to “keep fighting for a world that values and protects all of us”.  

Murdoch University has several ongoing research projects and internal and external advocacy initiatives to help create an inclusive and accessible learning environment.  

Step Up for Autism 

An innovative exercise program co-designed by Murdoch University researchers, children with autism and their families, is breaking down barriers for enjoyable movement. 

‘Step Up for Autism’, funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group through a Telethon Trust Grant, invited autistic children aged five to twelve to share which activities they most wanted to include in a personally developed exercise program. 

The ‘choose your own adventure’ style program was designed to increase exercise engagement, build motor skills, increase confidence and relieve symptoms of anxiety. 

At the core of the project’s success was a neuroaffirming environment where children were completely free and encouraged to be themselves. 

“Each session was focused on a specific activity requested by the child, for example learning to ride a bike or play tennis – enabling us to build on each child's existing strengths and abilities, in a fun and safe environment,” Associate Professor Timothy Fairchild said. 

Associate Professor Fairchild worked alongside Project Officer Stephanie Bovell, Associate Professor Brook Galna and Dr Shu Yau from Murdoch University’s School of Allied Health and industry partners to design each exercise program in collaboration with children and their families. 

Yoga for reducing anxiety symptoms in autistic children 

Murdoch University PhD candidate Tundi Loftus believes yoga is a powerful tool in managing anxiety symptoms experienced by autistic children. 

As part of her PhD thesis, Tundi is trialling a purpose-designed novel yoga intervention that she hopes will “help change the narrative of interventions for autistic children”.   

While interventions are often aimed at addressing symptoms of autism, Tundi said many autistic individuals didn’t want to change these traits, and instead required support with other symptoms they may experience – such as anxiety.   

“With over 80 per cent of autistic children experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is important to provide them with a lasting strategy to reduce these to enhance their quality of life,” Tundi said.   

Tundi’s yoga program used a co-designed structure to meet the specific needs of autistic children.  

Her hope is that it will be able to be used in the home, school and clinics – and will be an affordable strategy for families to integrate into their lives.   

Disability and Neurodiversity Advisory Group 

Murdoch University’s Disability and Neurodiversity Advisory group provides advice and recommendations to the University on how to support key diverse communities at Murdoch.  

Made up of self-nominated staff and students with relevant backgrounds and experiences, the group contributes to equity strategy discussions, raises concerns and leads initiatives for support across the University.  

The group’s contributions were pivotal in helping to develop the University’s 2023-2030 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.