Focus Area 6: Immediate actions - first 12 months
Commitment 1: Improve the knowledge, understanding and acceptance of autism amongst health practitioners, medical staff and first responders.
Target
Promote autism inclusion across health and mental health services.
Action
Develop and co-design a suite of resources to break down the barriers experienced by Autistic people accessing health services.
Lead: Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) and Department for Health and Wellbeing
Action
Collaborate with Metropolitan Fire Service to promote Hidden Disabilities fire truck and Autism Works public knowledge campaigns.
Lead: Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)
Target
Provide autism awareness and understanding to healthcare professionals and first responders to effectively support Autistic people during emergency services.
Action
Deliver Autism Awareness and Understanding training to first responders, medical and health professionals across emergency services, including to SA Health, South Australian Ambulance Services and South Australian Police staff to better support Autistic people accessing health, mental health and emergency services.
Lead: Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)
Action
Provide subject matter expertise for health and disability advocacy organisations.
Lead: Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)
Commitment 2: Improve the experiences of Autistic people of all ages navigating and engaging in health and mental health services.
Target
Ensure health and mental health services and supports are tailored to the individual.
Action
Improve the Connected Kidz navigation service, which supports navigation within health and supports.
Lead: Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN)
Target
Consult with Autistic people and subject matter experts when developing and reviewing health and mental health supports, services and facilities.
Action
Develop resources in partnership with the Autistic and autism community and the Office for Autism relating to Hospital Emergency Departments.
Lead: Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) and Department for Health and Wellbeing