Autism Works Employment Summit

Autism Works Employment Summit 2025

Wednesday 30 April 2025, 8.15 am until 3.30 pm - Adelaide Convention Centre

Autistic people and the and autism community represents a significant employment opportunity in South Australia.

Despite the varied and diverse skillset of Autistic people, which could prove invaluable to employers, data shows the unemployment rate for Autistic people is still more than three times the rate for people with other disabilities and almost six times the rate of people without disability.

The Office for Autism recognises that many South Australian employers are eager to learn how to create more inclusive workplaces and provide effective support for Autistic employees. Employees, too, are seeking workplaces that champion inclusivity and diversity.

This full-day event will bring together key industries, including defence, property, mining & energy, construction, tourism, advanced manufacturing, and IT, to explore strategies for enhancing autism inclusion in the workforce.

The program will feature:

Panel discussions with industry leaders sharing their experiences with inclusive practices
Pathways for organisations to access autism awareness training
Presentations from recipients of the Office for Autism ‘Autism Works in the Community’ 2024 grants program
Information on applying for the 2025 grants program
The Office for Autism’s renowned Autism Awareness and Understanding training
Exhibits from a range of organisations

Speakers on the day will include:

The Premier of South Australia, the Honourable Peter Malinauskas MP
The Honourable Emily Bourke MLC, Minister for Autism
Dorian Tisato from Australian Traffic Network as Master of Ceremonies
Keynote speaker from the United Kingdom - Sir Nick Hine, KCB, Chief Executive, Marine | Babcock International, & Autistic advocate
Professor Colin Stirling, Flinders University
Sam Weavers, Sam's Popcorn
Bruce Djite, Property Council of Australia
Nick Addison, Adelaide Oval