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Argument, Think Autism Melbourne 2026
Autistic founders are succeeding despite the systems, a Melbourne panel said
In short
Asked at Think Autism Melbourne in 2026 whether autistic entrepreneurs succeed because of systems or in spite of them, Will Rosewarne asked which systems, and Rebecca McCash said the national strategy had not delivered what McCash expected.
Read it instead, 4 minutesThe transcript
The story
Kyriakos Gold, who hosted the session, asked Will Rosewarne at Think Autism Melbourne on 30 May 2026 whether autistic entrepreneurs were succeeding because of systems or despite them. The answer drew laughter from the room. “I think I need to respond by asking what systems?”
Rosewarne then explained that the National Autism Strategy’s first action plan included a market scan to understand what the market environment actually looked like. “And I’ve also found out they haven’t started that work yet.” With very little support designed for the neurodivergent brain, Rosewarne concluded, autistic founders were succeeding despite the lack of structure and support, and despite closed market opportunities that strangle the early stage cash flow of many new entrepreneurs.
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Sources the story draws on
- National Autism Strategy 2025 to 2031, First Action Plan 2025 to 2026 (opens in a new tab), Department of Social Services
- National Autism Strategy 2025 to 31: First Year Implementation Update 2025 (opens in a new tab), Australian Government (health.gov.au)
- Self Employment Assistance factsheet (opens in a new tab), Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
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