South Australia is leading the way when it comes to Autism inclusion. For the first time in our State's history the government of South Australia has established the Office for Autism to place Autistic voices at the heart of decision making and work towards improving outcomes for Autistic and autism communities in South Australia.

Through the development of policies and initiatives that support access, inclusion, awareness, opportunity, connection and belonging, the Office for Autism is working towards a state where Autistic individuals can live their best lives, and their families and communities are supported and valued.

What we do

The Office for Autism will work towards achieving positive change by:

  • supporting increased knowledge and understanding about autism
  • fostering greater connection and belonging for Autistic people, their families and communities
  • collaborating with government agencies to support the roll out of the Autism Inclusion Charter and State Autism Strategy. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has led the development of the state's first draft Autism Strategy. Public consultation on the draft Autism Strategy occurred in March 2024, and DHS is now finalising the State's Autism Strategy, ready for anticipated release later in 2024.
  • proactively partnering with the private sector and the broader community to improve employment, wellbeing and community connection
  • addressing barriers to assessment and diagnostic services in South Australia.

Led by an Autistic director, the Office for Autism will promote positive change that is informed by lived experience and reflects community need.

South Australia's first Autism Inclusion Charter

The Office for Autism will drive the development and launch of the State's first Autism Inclusion Charter (the Charter) which will guide a whole of government approach to supporting Autistic and autism communities.

See the Charter here

Our Team

Emma is a passionate professional with extensive experience in education, research and training. Emma is widely published in both academic journals and books for Autistic individuals, their families and associated professionals. Her work on interoceptive awareness to increase engagement in learning and education is available nationally through the Student Wellbeing Hub’s autism section. As a published author, Emma’s contributions have long benefited Autistic communities. Emma uses a strengths-based approach to find solutions to issues. Emma is Autistic and leads the Office for Autism, placing lived experience alongside professional experience and translational research at the heart of decision making.

Maggie is a dynamic individual with practice wisdom in policy and program design, and advocacy for the betterment of systems. As a qualified social worker, Maggie champions respectful curiosity to work towards equitable access and inclusion. As an Autistic person, Maggie combines lived and professional expertise to advise on strategic reform.

Tanya is an energetic professional with expertise in project management and program implementation in the disability sector. She has empathy and understanding for the diverse breadth of people’s lived experience.  Tanya brings a solutions based approach to this role and is a passionate champion for equitable social inclusion.