Focus Area 1: Immediate actions - first 12 months
Commitment 1: Create clearer and more consistent pathways to diagnosis for Autistic people of all ages.
Target
Review the autism assessment and diagnosis landscape in South Australia.
Action
Conduct a review of the autism assessment and diagnosis landscape to inform future projects.
Lead: Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)
Action
Establish the SA Autism Assessment and Diagnosis Advisory Group to bring together representatives in medical professions to provide advice regarding opportunities to improve autism assessment and diagnosis in South Australia.
Lead: Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)
Target
Raise public awareness regarding diagnostic pathways and ensure all information and resources are accessible and easy to navigate.
Action
Provide updates through the Women's Information Service and Haven Community Partners to support women seeking clear, accessible information on pathways and requirements for autism diagnosis, including on funding rebates.
Lead: Department of Human Services
Target
Implement early intervention screening programs with autism specialists to support Autistic people.
Action
Scope opportunities for specialist services to have a presence on a higher education campus and build referral pathways to support Autistic students in both metropolitan and regional areas.
Lead: TAFE SA
Commitment 3: Consider ways to reduce the occurrence of undiagnosed autism amongst girls and women and within the Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Target
Provide updated resources and information for staff to better understand and support people seeking autism diagnostic services.
Action
Develop an updated Inclusive Advice Guide to equip site leaders and key staff with clear, culturally safe and practical guidance to support Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse families and young people navigating the autism assessment process.
Lead: Department for Education
Action
Incorporate Working with Diversity information and/or workshop sessions into the Child and Family Support System (CFSS) Community of Practice, including about disability and autism, to support staff working with diverse cohorts.
Lead: Department of Human Services
Target
Provide updated resources and information for staff to better understand and support people seeking autism diagnostic services.
Action
Review and update the Practice Guide on Autism and Girls to ensure it provides autism inclusive guidance to school staff that accurately reflects the experiences and needs of Autistic girls in preschool and school settings.
Lead: Department for Education
Commitment 4: Improve the post-diagnostic referral process and accessibility of accurate information and resources.
Target
Develop clear and accessible resources for Autistic people accessing post-diagnostic services and supports.
Action
Develop an information sheet about further services and supports for Autistic people post-diagnosis.
Lead: Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)
Target
Ensure training and resources on post-diagnostic services and supports are continually updated.
Action
Develop a webinar to equip child protection case workers, family-based carers and child protection residential carers with an understanding of how to support Autistic children and young people who are in care.
Lead: Department for Child Protection
Action
Enhance assessment processes that support the identification of autism and/or disability needs for children referred to Child and Family System Pathways Services.
Lead: Department of Human Services