SA leads nation with Autism Strategy, driven by those with experience of the spectrum

The South Australian Government has committed to co-designing the state’s first Autism Strategy and Charter to drive meaningful cultural change through consulting with, listening to, and creating open dialogue with the autistic and autism communities.

An Autism Strategy Advisory Committee is also being established to provide strategic advice, and a strong voice for the autistic and autism communities in the development and implementation of the state’s first Autism Strategy and Charter.

The Committee will consist of 10-12 members (autistic people and parents/carers of an autistic person) and will be chaired by the Assistant Minister for Autism. Committee members will be recruited via an expression of interest (EOI) process. 

The Strategy will support a dedicated whole-of-government approach to create a fairer and more inclusive society. The development and creation of the Strategy is viewed as an important step towards creating a more inclusive and knowledgeable society where autistic people can meaningfully participate in the community.

To start the consultation and co-design process, the State Government is looking for feedback on its Discussion Paper, “in your words, with your stories and your experiences”.

Submissions are sought from the autistic and autism communities that will shape the Strategy and Charter, and provide meaningful insight into the priority areas which autistic and autism communities consider to be most important. 

Eight topics have been included to start the discussion:

Topic 1: State autism strategy

Topic 2: Defining autism

Topic 3: Rights, autonomy and diversity

Topic 4: Community attitudes

Topic 5: Access to government services

Topic 6: Health, mental health and wellbeing

Topic 7: Education, employment and the workforce

Topic 8: Spaces and the built environment.

This Discussion Paper and YourSAy survey (open until 23 February 2023) is the start of public consultation and co-design for the Strategy and Charter with ideas and questions that will help shape them. Public forums will also be held in support of the initiatives. 

For further information or support, please email [email protected]