In response to Autistic and autism communities’ advocacy for improved understanding and acceptance, the South Australian Government committed to the development and implementation of South Australia’s first Autism Inclusion Charter (the Charter). The South Australian Government is driven to realise its goal of being a world leader in autism inclusion and be courageous in its efforts to improve the life outcomes of Autistic and autism communities.
In consultation with Autistic and autism communities, the Charter has been developed to put forward our shared values and intentions, and the spirit in which we will view change and growth towards autism inclusion. The Charter will enhance activities guided by the State’s first Autism Strategy and champions genuine engagement with lived experience to maximise opportunities for innovation and progress for the benefit of all South Australians.
The South Australian Autism Inclusion Charter was officially launched on 2 April 2024 - World Autism Day. At this event representatives of South Australian Government agencies marked their commitment to the Autism Inclusion Charter by signing the Charter and participating in Autism Awareness and Understanding Training, delivered by the Office for Autism.
South Australian Autism Inclusion Charter
The Charter reads as follows:
The Government of South Australia is committed to improving outcomes for Autistic people. A whole-of-government approach will enable a knowledgeable and inclusive state where Autistic and autism communities can thrive.
This Charter benefits not only Autistic people, but all South Australians because when we welcome neurodiversity and bring together different minds, skillsets, ways of working and contributing, we maximise opportunity for innovation and progress.
As a signatory to the South Australian Autism Inclusion Charter we acknowledge:
- Autistic strengths and support needs are unique to each individual
- Outcomes are most meaningful when we work together through genuine engagement and collaboration
The South Australian Autism Inclusion Charter sets out four principles to guide the Government of South Australia as we build:
1. Knowledge and understanding
We will build our knowledge and understanding of autism to inform the way we work
2. Wellbeing
We will work towards neurodivergent and culturally affirming practices
3. Connection and belonging
We will build welcoming and connected communities to support authentic autism inclusion
4. Employment and opportunity
We will work to remove barriers to education and training, employment and volunteering opportunities for Autistic individuals
This Charter was signed on 4 March, 2024, by:
Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP - Premier of South Australia
Hon. Emily Bourke MLC - Assistant Minister to the Premier, Assistant Minister for Autism
Damien Walker - Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet in South Australia
FREE - Autism Awareness and Understanding Training for Government of South Australia employees
To support the delivery of the Charter, the Office for Autism has developed a range of free training activities and resources that are freely available for employees of the South Australian Public Sector.
Click here to learn more and access these resources.
Free resources
We understand that people can be afraid to ask questions because we don't want to offend or be unhelpful. This can limit our learning.
To provide helpful information and guidance so people can make a meaningful start to building knowledge and understanding required to becoming truly autism inclusive, we have developed some free resources. These resources can be freely downloaded from this page.
South Australian Autism Inclusion Charter 2024 - 2029
Printable resource - South Australian Autism Inclusion Charter 2024 - 2029 - Principles for progress
Factsheet - What is autism
Printable resource - Actions for autism inclusion
These free resources are also available to download in multiple languages and in Easy Read format. Click here for access.
