The state government says it’s time to move beyond talking about creating autism awareness. 

Instead it is time to build knowledge, understanding and acceptance to create lasting, and long overdue, cultural change across the South Australian community. 

It will design the state’s first autism strategy, in conjunction with autism communities, with a charter for change.

The strategy intends to support a dedicated whole of government approach to create a fairer and more inclusive society. 

This is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and knowledgeable society where autistic people can meaningfully participate in the community. 

Through public consultation, the state government has invited public submissions from relevant communities that will shape the strategy and charter. 

It is looking for personal stories and experiences that give useful feedback on an initial discussion paper, to start the process. 

The feedback will provide meaningful insight into the priority areas which autistic and autism communities consider to be most important. 

Eight topics have been listed 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.

People can have a say on any or all of the eight topics until 20 February. Go to the state YourSay website for full details of the strategy and discussion paper and how to take part.

The state government is also calling for expressions of interest  in joining its Autism Strategy Advisory Committee, which will consist of 10-12 members.

The committee will be chaired by the state’s first dedicated Assistant Minister for Autism, Emily Burke.

Once the first consultation period finishes in February 2023, the Department of Human Services will draft the strategy and charter and ask for further feedback.