Actions in progress

Focus Area 1: Pathways to diagnosis

Breaking down barriers to accessing an autism diagnosis

Throughout 2024, two Autism Assessment and Diagnostic Services have commenced operation to improve access to an autism diagnosis for those most vulnerable. These services will:

• provide autism assessments with no out of pocket expenses to vulnerable clients of the Department of Human Services
• prioritise students in northern Adelaide most as risk of being disengaged from education, students from low socio-economic backgrounds and those currently awaiting an autism assessment through the public system.

These services have been made available by the Department of Human Services, the Department for Education and the Office for Autism.

Focus Area 2: Positive educational experiences

Building knowledge within our educational settings

From Term 1 of 2023, all government primary schools are receiving an allocation for an Autism Inclusion Teacher to support Autistic children and young people to have the best start to their schooling.

In addition, the Government of South Australia, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Flinders University and Tabor College is boosting disability and inclusion studies in South Australian teaching degrees from Semester 1, 2024 and will also see preservice teachers undertake practical autism training developed by Positive Partnerships.

Focus Area 4: Access to supports and services

Achieving positive change for Autistic South Australians

In a nation-first, the Office for Autism, led by an Autistic Director, has been established to:

• collaborate with government agencies to support the implementation of the Autism Inclusion Charter
• partner with the private sector and the broader community to improve employment, wellbeing and community connection
• provide a centralised hub of information through a dedicated website: Office for Autism - Information and Resources
• promote ‘Autism Works’ public awareness campaign : Office for Autism - Autism Works
• address barriers to assessment and diagnostic services in South Australia.

Focus Area 5: Participation in the community

Autism inclusion in our major events

The 2023 VAILO Adelaide 500 was the most inclusive Supercars race in the state’s history with the introduction of a dedicated sensory space and shining a light on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. The event featured a dedicated Hidden Disabilities Sunflower entrance and exit located at Gate 9, and a sensory space featuring the MFS Sunflower Fire Truck on display.