‘Autism Works’ is a public education campaign that champions autism inclusion in the South Australian workforce. It is an essential part of the State Government’s commitment to enhancing engagement and action for the benefit of Autistic people and their families.
The Autistic and autism communities have strongly advocated for greater community understanding, support and inclusion in employment. Community perceptions or lack of understanding has meant Autistic individuals face barriers in gaining employment and establishing a career. The Autism Works campaign tackles these perceptions and lack of understanding.
The Autism Works campaign describes how adapting employment conditions (from the recruitment process to induction and the working environment) can assist both Autistic people and an organisation to thrive.
The Autism Works campaign features real stories from five Autistic South Australians who provide insight into the challenges Autistic people face and their observations of how they are perceived in the community. Through sharing their own experiences, they prove Autistic people can succeed in a career (aligned with their strengths) and that they are living examples of how they are achieving and contributing as an integral part of the South Australian workforce.
"Everyone's autism is so unique. It affects all people differently. I didn't think I was worthy or capable of anything. And now I've built a successful career in community relations."
Deanna, Community Relations Manager
This campaign is led by the Office for Autism with support from the Department for Education and Department of Human Services.
To learn how autism can work in your business check out the free resources and information on our website.
To learn more about this campaign, view our fact sheet here or in a more accessible format here.
We welcome you no matter where you are on your journey towards autism inclusion. We are here to help! Contact the Office for Autism for more information about how you can build on inclusive strategies that support Autistic and autism communities.
Autism Works for the community
Bianca runs her own business supporting other Autistic people
[Start of testimonial – Bianca]
As an Autistic individual, the world perceives you as difficult, challenging, less than, you’re not capable. Whereas if you actually sat and spoke to an Autistic individual what they bring to the community is a different perspective. It’s a different way of seeing the world.
And here I am with my own business, supporting other Autistic individuals.
Hey it’s really …. [voice trails off, music volume increases]
Find out, how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Bianca]
[Start of testimonial – Deanna]
Everyone’s Autism is so unique. It’s really damaging when we are made to feel that we’re not capable of thriving.
They’re different, they don’t belong. They don’t fit the norm.
I didn’t think I was worthy. I didn’t think I was capable.
And now, I’m the community relations manager for five cinemas and a restaurant.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Deanna]
[Start of testimonial – Dorian]
Workplaces often miss that hidden potential, not giving the Autistic people that chance to really shine. I knew that was going to be a huge challenge. It took a lot of hustling and a lot of hard work.
[receives green folder and unidentified person walks across screen in front of Dorian]
Thanks, mate. And here I am broadcasting to thousands of people every day across radio and TV.
[Dorian stands up and walks to speak into microphone]
Good morning, Dorian Tisato here [voice fades out]
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Dorian]
[Start of testimonial – Malcolm]
If people move to accept Autism more and just got to know people as they were, then they probably find that their misconceptions are mostly unfounded.
Everyone on the spectrum is so different. Someone might be able to bring a skill in art or in the way they see things. The type of mind I have is very good at problem solving.
And here I am, working on some of SA’s most iconic construction projects.
[as Malcolm stands up, an unidentified male helps him put on a high-vis vest and hands him a hard hat and goggles] Thanks, mate.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Malcolm]
[Start of testimonial – Rebecca]
Employers don’t know enough about Autistic adults. There isn’t one set way to be an Autistic person.
People think that we are difficult to communicate with. They might think that we don’t have the planning or the ability to carry through. So they don’t know what it is possible for us to achieve.
[Student walks in to view and sits down with their back to the camera]
And here I am, working as a teacher, making a difference with amazing kids like these.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Rebecca]
Autism Works in management
Deanna's ability to connect has led to a career in community relations
[Start of testimonial – Deanna]
Everyone’s Autism is so unique. It’s really damaging when we are made to feel that we’re not capable of thriving.
They’re different, they don’t belong. They don’t fit the norm.
I didn’t think I was worthy. I didn’t think I was capable.
And now, I’m the community relations manager for five cinemas and a restaurant.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Deanna]
[Start of testimonial – Dorian]
Workplaces often miss that hidden potential, not giving the Autistic people that chance to really shine. I knew that was going to be a huge challenge. It took a lot of hustling and a lot of hard work.
[receives green folder and unidentified person walks across screen in front of Dorian]
Thanks, mate. And here I am broadcasting to thousands of people every day across radio and TV.
[Dorian stands up and walks to speak into microphone]
Good morning, Dorian Tisato here [voice fades out]
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Dorian]
[Start of testimonial – Malcolm]
If people move to accept Autism more and just got to know people as they were, then they probably find that their misconceptions are mostly unfounded.
Everyone on the spectrum is so different. Someone might be able to bring a skill in art or in the way they see things. The type of mind I have is very good at problem solving.
And here I am, working on some of SA’s most iconic construction projects.
[as Malcolm stands up, an unidentified male helps him put on a high-vis vest and hands him a hard hat and goggles] Thanks, mate.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Malcolm]
[Start of testimonial – Rebecca]
Employers don’t know enough about Autistic adults. There isn’t one set way to be an Autistic person.
People think that we are difficult to communicate with. They might think that we don’t have the planning or the ability to carry through. So they don’t know what it is possible for us to achieve.
[Student walks in to view and sits down with their back to the camera]
And here I am, working as a teacher, making a difference with amazing kids like these.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Rebecca]
[Start of testimonial – Bianca]
As an Autistic individual, the world perceives you as difficult, challenging, less than, you’re not capable. Whereas if you actually sat and spoke to an Autistic individual what they bring to the community is a different perspective. It’s a different way of seeing the world.
And here I am with my own business, supporting other Autistic individuals.
Hey it’s really …. [voice trailing off, music volume increasing]
Find out, how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Bianca]
Autism works for media
Dorian turned his way with words into a broadcasting career
[Start of testimonial – Dorian]
Workplaces often miss that hidden potential, not giving the Autistic people that chance to really shine. I knew that was going to be a huge challenge. It took a lot of hustling and a lot of hard work.
[receives green folder and unidentified person walks across screen in front of Dorian]
Thanks, mate. And here I am broadcasting to thousands of people every day across radio and TV.
[Dorian stands up and walks to speak into microphone]
Good morning, Dorian Tisato here [voice fades out]
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Dorian]
[Start of testimonial – Malcolm]
If people move to accept Autism more and just got to know people as they were, then they probably find that their misconceptions are mostly unfounded.
Everyone on the spectrum is so different. Someone might be able to bring a skill in art or in the way they see things. The type of mind I have is very good at problem solving.
And here I am, working on some of SA’s most iconic construction projects.
[as Malcolm stands up, an unidentified male helps him put on a high-vis vest and hands him a hard hat and goggles] Thanks, mate.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Malcolm]
[Start of testimonial – Rebecca]
Employers don’t know enough about Autistic adults. There isn’t one set way to be an Autistic person.
People think that we are difficult to communicate with. They might think that we don’t have the planning or the ability to carry through. So they don’t know what it is possible for us to achieve.
[Student walks in to view and sits down with their back to the camera]
And here I am, working as a teacher, making a difference with amazing kids like these.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Rebecca]
[Start of testimonial – Bianca]
As an Autistic individual, the world perceives you as difficult, challenging, less than, you’re not capable. Whereas if you actually sat and spoke to an Autistic individual what they bring to the community is a different perspective. It’s a different way of seeing the world.
And here I am with my own business, supporting other Autistic individuals.
Hey it’s really …. [voice trailing off, music volume increasing]
Find out, how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Bianca]
[Start of testimonial – Deanna]
Everyone’s Autism is so unique. It’s really damaging when we are made to feel that we’re not capable of thriving.
They’re different, they don’t belong. They don’t fit the norm.
I didn’t think I was worthy. I didn’t think I was capable.
And now, I’m the community relations manager for five cinemas and a restaurant.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Deanna]
Autism Works for construction
Malcolm's built a career out of finding solutions
[Start of testimonial – Malcolm]
If people move to accept Autism more and just got to know people as they were, then they probably find that their misconceptions are mostly unfounded.
Everyone on the spectrum is so different. Someone might be able to bring a skill in art or in the way they see things. The type of mind I have is very good at problem solving.
And here I am, working on some of SA’s most iconic construction projects.
[as Malcolm stands up, an unidentified male helps him put on a high-vis vest and hands him a hard hat and goggles] Thanks, mate.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Malcolm]
[Start of testimonial – Rebecca]
Employers don’t know enough about Autistic adults. There isn’t one set way to be an Autistic person.
People think that we are difficult to communicate with. They might think that we don’t have the planning or the ability to carry through. So they don’t know what it is possible for us to achieve.
[Student walks in to view and sits down with their back to the camera]
And here I am, working as a teacher, making a difference with amazing kids like these.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Rebecca]
[Start of testimonial – Bianca]
As an Autistic individual, the world perceives you as difficult, challenging, less than, you’re not capable. Whereas if you actually sat and spoke to an Autistic individual what they bring to the community is a different perspective. It’s a different way of seeing the world.
And here I am with my own business, supporting other Autistic individuals.
Hey it’s really …. [voice trailing off, music volume increasing]
Find out, how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Bianca]
[Start of testimonial – Deanna]
Everyone’s Autism is so unique. It’s really damaging when we are made to feel that we’re not capable of thriving.
They’re different, they don’t belong. They don’t fit the norm.
I didn’t think I was worthy. I didn’t think I was capable.
And now, I’m the community relations manager for five cinemas and a restaurant.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Deanna]
[Start of testimonial – Dorian]
Workplaces often miss that hidden potential, not giving the Autistic people that chance to really shine. I knew that was going to be a huge challenge. It took a lot of hustling and a lot of hard work.
[receives green folder and unidentified person walks across screen in front of Dorian]
Thanks, mate. And here I am broadcasting to thousands of people every day across radio and TV.
[Dorian stands up and walks to speak into microphone]
Good morning, Dorian Tisato here [voice fades out]
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Dorian]
Autism Works in teaching
Rebecca shapes our future generations every day
[Start of testimonial – Rebecca]
Employers don’t know enough about Autistic adults. There isn’t one set way to be an Autistic person.
People think that we are difficult to communicate with. They might think that we don’t have the planning or the ability to carry through. So they don’t know what it is possible for us to achieve.
[Student walks in to view and sits down with their back to the camera]
And here I am, working as a teacher, making a difference with amazing kids like these.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Rebecca]
[Start of testimonial – Bianca]
As an Autistic individual, the world perceives you as difficult, challenging, less than, you’re not capable. Whereas if you actually sat and spoke to an Autistic individual what they bring to the community is a different perspective. It’s a different way of seeing the world.
And here I am with my own business, supporting other Autistic individuals.
Hey it’s really …. [voice trailing off, music volume increasing]
Find out, how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Bianca]
[Start of testimonial – Deanna]
Everyone’s Autism is so unique. It’s really damaging when we are made to feel that we’re not capable of thriving.
They’re different, they don’t belong. They don’t fit the norm.
I didn’t think I was worthy. I didn’t think I was capable.
And now, I’m the community relations manager for five cinemas and a restaurant.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Deanna]
[Start of testimonial – Dorian]
Workplaces often miss that hidden potential, not giving the Autistic people that chance to really shine. I knew that was going to be a huge challenge. It took a lot of hustling and a lot of hard work.
[receives green folder and unidentified person walks across screen in front of Dorian]
Thanks, mate. And here I am broadcasting to thousands of people every day across radio and TV.
[Dorian stands up and walks to speak into microphone]
Good morning, Dorian Tisato here [voice fades out]
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Dorian]
[Start of testimonial – Malcolm]
If people move to accept Autism more and just got to know people as they were, then they probably find that their misconceptions are mostly unfounded.
Everyone on the spectrum is so different. Someone might be able to bring a skill in art or in the way they see things. The type of mind I have is very good at problem solving.
And here I am, working on some of SA’s most iconic construction projects.
[as Malcolm stands up, an unidentified male helps him put on a high-vis vest and hands him a hard hat and goggles] Thanks, mate.
Find out how Autism can work for your business at AutismWorks.sa.gov.au
[End of testimonial – Malcolm]
