Mind the Gap: Aligning Autism Research with Community Priorities and Community Experiences

What we did

We examined whether autism research and funding are addressing the priorities identified by autistic people, families and communities.

Drawing on more than 1,500 consultation submissions, research priority studies, published research and funding investments from 2018 to 2025, we mapped areas of alignment and identified gaps between the community-identified issues, research activity, funding and knowledge translation.

What we found

We identified important gaps between the issues autistic people, families and communities say matter most, the research being conducted, the areas receiving funding, and the evidence available to inform policy and practice.

While some community priorities were reflected in research and funding, others received limited attention. We also found gaps in how evidence is translated into everyday practice, meaning that research does not always lead to meaningful change for autistic people and communities.

Strengthening alignment between community priorities, research activity and funding, and system reform so as to improve real-world outcomes for autistic people is not simply about increasing research or funding volume.

The findings highlight the need for stronger alignment between research investment, community priorities and policy goals, alongside greater focus on translating evidence into everyday practice.

Why this matters

Despite substantial investment in autism research, many autistic people continue to face barriers to services, inclusion and participation.

By identifying where research, funding and community priorities align, and where critical gaps remain, this work can help governments, funders and researchers focus investment on areas of greatest need and support more meaningful outcomes for autistic people and their communities.

Project team

Dawn Adams, Megan Walsh, Timea Molnar, Halle Wiblen, Kate Simpson, Chris Paradisis, Simon Bury, Larah van der Meer, Chanelle Moriah, Jac den Houting and Abby Sesterka.