The Office for Autism has been established to place Autistic voices at the heart of decision making so we can work towards improved outcomes for Autistic and autism communities. There are a range of initiatives being delivered by South Australian Government departments that will support our journey in becoming the autism inclusive state. This is just the beginning of what is possible when we work together:

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.

South Australia’s first Autism Strategy

The State Government, through the Department of Human Services, is working on the State’s first Autism Strategy (the Strategy), an important step towards creating a more inclusive and knowledgeable society where Autistic people can meaningfully participate in the community. Over 1200 people (33% Autistic) have already engaged to co-design and inform the Strategy.

Department of Human Services Autism Strategy Advisory Committee

For the first time in our State’s history, an Autism Strategy Advisory Committee has been established by the Department of Human Services to provide strategic advice, and a strong voice for Autistic and autism communities to help shape the development and guide the implementation of the Strategy and Charter. The Committee consists of up to 13 members (Autistic people and parents/carers of an Autistic person), is chaired by the Assistant Minister for Autism the Hon Emily Bourke MLC and is attended by representatives of the Department of Human Services and the Office for Autism.

Autism Inclusion Teachers

Every public primary school, including reception to year 12 schools, have received funding to appoint an Autism Inclusion Teacher (AITs).
The role of the AIT is to:

• provide support to fellow educators on how to best support and educate Autistic students
• drive improved practice relating to autism that works for their school.

The Department for Education will monitor the outcomes of the Autism Inclusion Teacher initiative to inform any future expansion of the role, including for high schools.

Staff in preschools with autism qualifications

A qualification in supporting Autistic children (or equivalent experience) is now a preferred criterion when employing preschool staff so that staff working in preschools are ready and confident when it comes to supporting Autistic children.

More specialist staff in schools

Department for Education are employing 100 additional specialist staff to support South Australian schools and preschools. This includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and counsellors, who will support children and young people with additional needs, including Autistic children.