Aspergers Victoria was founded in 1991 by a group of families with lived experience, with a vision to inspire, empower, and support Aspergers-identifying autistic individuals. Since then, we’ve grown into an organisation supporting a diverse community of autistic and neurodivergent people, their families, peers, and supporters across social, professional and systemic environments. Over time, our purpose has evolved: from a small peer-led group to a recognised, national organisation advocating for autistic strengths, fostering inclusion, and supporting self-determination. We recognise that our name no longer reflects all that we are and seek to be.

Why Change Our Name?

In recent years, language, diagnosis, and community preferences have shifted significantly. In 2013, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), widely used in Australia, removed Asperger’s Syndrome as a separate diagnosis, incorporating it into the broader autism spectrum. At the same time, the neurodiversity movement has gained momentum—advocating for greater recognition, inclusion and celebration of a wide range of neurodivergent experiences including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

While the term Aspergers still holds personal significance for some in our community, others find it increasingly outdated, exclusionary, or problematic—particularly in relation to historical concerns about Hans Asperger. The term may also create confusion in professional and workplace contexts, as it no longer reflects current diagnostic frameworks used in Australia.

The Journey So Far

This is not a change we are making lightly. Through extensive efforts, we have:

• Hosted multiple member forums and consultations, receiving thoughtful feedback from across our diverse community.
• Reviewed over 100 potential names, drawing on suggestions from members, staff, Board, branding specialists, and sector experts.
• Refined these to a dozen strong options, and now, following extensive engagement and evaluation, we’ve arrived at a final shortlist of three names:

→ Autism Voices
→ Autism Valued
→ Autism View

These names were chosen based on specific feedback and criteria developed through community and expert input. Most importantly, they reflect:

• A strong preference from members for retaining a diagnostic reference (such as “autism” or “autistic”) in the name, to clearly reflect who we support.
• A preference not to include a geographic reference like “Victoria”, in recognition of our growing reach and aspiration for national impact.
• The mission of our organisation: to create a world where the strengths of autistic people are recognised, realised, and celebrated.
• Alignment with current diagnostic standards such as the DSM-5.
• Continuity with our identity: including the familiar acronym “AV”, our visual branding (colours and brain icon), and existing member recognition.
• Legal and practical considerations: all shortlisted names are protectable under Australian trademark law, and are available for business and domain name registration without conflict with other organisations in the autism sector, nationally or globally.

What’s Next?

We’re entering the final stage of our name change process. Community consultation remains central to this journey, and we are grateful for the insight and support many of you have already shared.

We invited Members to continue being part of this transition. We want our new name to reflect who we are—and who we’re becoming—as an organisation deeply committed to peer connection, inclusion, and neuro-affirming practice. 

Together, we are building a future that values every autistic voice, perspective, and contribution.