SA ‘leading the way’ for autistic community

South Australia is ahead of the game in recognising the needs of the autistic community, says the state’s peak for neurodiverse people.

Responding to last week’s Australia-first appointment of Emily Bourke as Minister for Autism, Autism SA CEO Helen Graham told Government News: “South Australia is leading the way with the appointment of the very first minister for autism.”

In what was hailed as a world-first, Bourke had previously held the role of assistant minister for autism for three years. “Promoting the autism portfolio to cabinet demonstrates the SA state government’s commitment to the autistic and autism community,” Graham said.

However, Graham told GN the cabinet appointment must extend beyond tokenism. “This must be an ongoing commitment, not just a priority for a single government term.”

Helen Graham (supplied)

Moving forward, Autism SA will meet regularly with Bourke to raise any concerns and share feedback from the autistic and autism community.

“We are committed to ensuring that autistic people and their families know how they can contribute their voices to government decision-making,” she said. “We regularly share opportunities for engagement through our communication channels to encourage direct community involvement.”

Autism SA hopes to see the government invest in education which, Graham said, “will be essential to improving inclusion of neurodiverse people. This includes environmental and communication adjustments, reducing stigma, and promoting the celebration of neurodiversity.”

Autistic people face significant barriers across various aspects of life:

  • less than half (45%) of autistic people in Australia complete Year 12, limiting future opportunities
  • the unemployment rate for autistic people is 18.2% – six times higher than the general population
  • limited access to adequate services severely impacts well-being, contributing to alarming rates of poor mental health and suicide
  • around half of autistic individuals report avoiding social interactions due to fear of negative judgment.

“The autistic community often shares with us that one of the biggest barriers is societal attitudes – negative judgment and a lack of understanding. Instead of making assumptions about autistic behaviours, we need to embrace neurodiversity and work toward inclusivity in all domains of life,” Graham said.

The federal government is also making moves to focus attention on neurodiversity by funding a National Autism Strategy, which sets out a vision “for a safe and inclusive society for all autistic people”.

Describing it as “a great first step”, Graham told GN, “we sincerely hope it leads to meaningful, long-term improvements in the lives of autistic individuals and their families and carers. We welcome the $42.3 million investment and applaud the commitment to peer-led programs, access to diagnostics, and the emphasis on social and economic inclusion.”

Graham said such government initiatives will encourage a culture of understanding of neurodiverse people that we can all learn from. “Everyone can play a role by becoming more informed about neurodiversity and choosing to be open, supportive, and non-judgmental. Instead of making assumptions, offer support. Most importantly, moving beyond acceptance and into valuing our autistic community.”

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