We recently made a submission on Tasmania’s Disability Strategy 2025 – 2027 (‘Draft Strategy’) that contained our recommendations on:
- supported decision making
- dispute resolution & remedies
- justice intermediaries
- rural and remote focus & increased specialist access
- accessible technology
We included several client stories in our submission and have summarised Steven’s experience below.
Steven’s situation is one that many Tasmanians can relate to. Despite showing signs of autism throughout his childhood and adulthood, Steven didn’t receive a formal diagnosis until he was 30 years old, in August 2023. His ADHD, which went undiagnosed due to being homeschooled, compounded the challenges he faced, leaving him to navigate a childhood filled with trauma, anxiety, depression, and complex PTSD.
There are significant barriers for Tasmanians to access pathways for diagnosis and access to services, which are often expensive and difficult to go through. With a severe shortage of psychologists and clinicians in Tasmania, especially in rural areas, Steven was forced to get his diagnosis through a telehealth consultation with an interstate psychiatrist. However, face-to-face support remains out of reach for him.
Unfortunately, Steven is not alone. People across Tasmania, particularly in rural areas, face long waitlists—sometimes as long as six months or more—for much-needed services.
Many are left with no choice but to either relocate interstate or continue living with poor quality of life, despite their diagnoses.
Our advocates hear similar stories daily. Providers across the state are at full capacity or not accepting new clients, leaving so many without access to crucial care.
If you are facing similar challenges, please reach out to us.
Advocacy Tasmania
Our service is free, independent, and confidential, please get in touch if you need us:
1800 005 131 (free call)
0457 806 963 (text)
contact@yoursaytas.org