The SA Austism Strategy 2024-2029

The Autistic and autism communities have long advocated for improved community knowledge, understanding, support and acceptance for Autistic people.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) data indicates that autism remains the largest disability group in South Australia, followed by intellectual disability. South Australia is also consistently above the national average for NDIS participants with autism as a primary diagnosis.

There is a significant gap between the life outcomes experienced by Autistic people and the rest of the population. In addition, the gap between Autistic people and people with other disability(ies) continues to increase. With the rates of autism diagnosis increasing each year, the gap will only continue to grow unless meaningful change is created, and a dedicated focus is prioritised.

In response to the growing call for inclusion from the Autistic and autism communities, the South Australian Government committed to the development and implementation of the SA Autism Strategy (the Strategy), which was officially launched in June 2024.

The Strategy is the first of its kind to be delivered and implemented in South Australia. It sets out a five-year roadmap for the government to help improve the lives of Autistic people of all ages and their families. The State Plan and the Strategy will work alongside and interact effectively with each other to align efforts, reduce unnecessary duplication and ensure the needs of diverse disability and neurodivergent communities are addressed.