Autistic people are currently not allowed to immigrate to Australia. This is because they are thought to be a burden on the rest of Australia's health care, or take up too many of the country's resources, which is ridiculous as autistic people are affected by the same health problems as the general population.

Every year more people are diagnosed with autism. In fact, in 2015 there were 164 000 people with autism in Australia, which was a 42.1% increase from 2012. In the next few years this number will only continue to increase, and at this point, to not allow them entry into our country is inhumane at best.

My cousin is autistic and currently lives in the UK, but they would like to live in Australia. If the Australian government changes the laws, my cousins and many other people’s families  will be able to immigrate here.

In addition to this, having more international autistic children in the country, can result in more research funding being provided from international bodies into Australian universities, to study medications for them, possibly resulting in a better understanding of autism.

If you take a moment to sign my petition, we can make a change together and for good.