South Australia releases state’s first autism strategy

The South Australian Government has released the state’s first Autism Strategy which provides a five year roadmap to support the government to improve the lives of autistic people of all ages.

The SA Autism Strategy 2024-2029 was launched by Premier Peter Malinauskas at Adelaide Zoo on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, fulfilling an election commitment by the sitting government to develop the State’s first Autism Strategy – a Strategy where the voices, goals and aspirations of South Australia’s Autistic and autism communities have been the driving force in its development.

The Strategy features seven focus areas:

• Pathways to diagnosis
• Positive educational experiences
• Thriving in the workplace
• Access to supports and services
• Participation in the community
• Access to health and mental health services
• Interactions with the justice system.

“One in four Australians has an autistic family member and this government made a commitment to help make South Australia the autism inclusive state,” the Premier said.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will commence further consultation to develop seven action plans aligned to these focus areas, a process which will include wide consultation on the action plans to ensure they are dynamic documents which respond to the needs and aspirations of the autism community.

The new SA Autism Strategy 2024-2029 is available online here.