Appendix A: DHS Autism Strategy Action Plan 2025–2029

On this page:

    Background

    The SA Autism Strategy 2024-2029 (Strategy) is South Australia’s commitment to a more inclusive community where Autistic people, and their families and carers, are supported. Building on the Strategy, the SA Autism Strategy Action Plan 2025-2029 (Action Plan) turns ideas into actions. Released in September 2025, the Action Plan sets out the practical steps the South Australian Government will take to deliver on the commitments made across the Strategy’s seven Focus Areas.

    Led by the Department of Human Services (DHS), the state’s Action Plan was shaped in collaboration with the Autistic and autism communities, and 23 key state government departments identified as having lead responsibility for implementing the Strategy. Together, the department has worked collaboratively to ensure the voices of those with lived experience are at the centre of every decision.

    Since its release, DHS has partnered with state government departments to support the development and implementation of their own Action Plans, ensuring a whole-of-government approach to autism inclusion in the services and supports the government provides.

    Why is this included?

    • The Strategy aligns with the State Disability Inclusion Plan (State Plan) and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) to minimise duplication of efforts and ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to improving access and inclusion for people with disability and / or neurodivergence.
    • While the Strategy is a separate body of work and a distinct initiative in its own right, existing State Plan and DAIP reporting processes will be the mechanism in which state government departments will report on the actions they have developed and committed to under the Action Plan. This approach streamlines accountability and supports whole-of-government progress.

    The Action Plan should be read in conjunction with the SA Autism Strategy on the Inclusive SA website.

    Our Action Plan commitments

    DHS supports the wellbeing and safety of the South Australian community by delivering and coordinating essential services, including disability services that promote inclusion and independence, service delivery for children and families, youth justice, domestic and family violence prevention, homelessness and housing support, and a range of community supports. In addition to service delivery, the department leads policy development, including leading the development of the state’s Action Plan, to drive inclusion and promote a fair and safe for all South Australians.

    This DHS Action Plan outlines dedicated actions for the department, supports the broader Strategy and ensures the effective implementation of its priorities through to 2029, providing continuity and strong focus on delivering actions and measures designed to enhance autism-inclusion across multiple aspects of services and supports at DHS.

    The department is committed to addressing the barriers experienced by Autistic people, and their families and carers, and to improving the lives of Autistic and / or neurodivergent communities. To date, some key achievements at DHS include:

    • development and release of the SA Autism Strategy 2024-2029 and subsequent whole-of-government SA Autism Strategy Action Plan 2025-2029
    • ongoing coordination of the State Autism Strategy Advisory Committee since its establishment in 2023, which is comprised of up to 13 Autistic people and/or carers of Autistic individuals
    • commitment to the South Australian Autism Inclusion Charter in 2024, led by the Office for Autism, ensuring the department’s workforce undertakes autism awareness training
    • 25% of DHS employees identified as neurodivergent in our 2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey, compared to 7% of all state government employees in the 2024 People Matter Employee Survey
    • establishment of the Autism Assessment and Diagnostic Service in collaboration with peak bodies to provide autism assessments for vulnerable clients of DHS.

    DHS is committed to delivering key actions across the following Focus Areas for the 2025-2029 period.

    Focus Area 1: Pathways to diagnosis

    Objective: We want to create a clear and equitable approach to diagnosis in South Australia.

    Commitments within Focus Area 1:

    1. Create clearer and more consistent pathways to diagnosis for Autistic people of all ages.
    2. Improve the availability and access of diagnosis, especially in regional and/or remote areas.
    3. Consider ways to reduce the occurrence of undiagnosed autism amongst girls and women and within the Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
    4. Improve the post-diagnostic referral process and accessibility of accurate information and resources.

    Commitment 1: Create clearer and more consistent pathways to diagnosis for Autistic people of all ages

    Target: Raise public awareness regarding diagnostic pathways and ensure all information and resources are accessible and easy to navigate.

    Action one

    Provide updates through the Women's Information Service and Haven Community Partners to support women seeking clear, accessible information on pathways and requirements for autism diagnosis, including on funding rebates.

    Target date: Immediate (12 months)

    Measure: Women’s Information Service and Haven Community Partners updated, ensuring autism inclusive advice for women.

    Responsibility: Office for Women

    Data source: Website content update

    Action two

    Develop and promote information, where appropriate, on autism to assist people and their families to access services, for example:

    • assessment and diagnostic services
    • counselling and support following a diagnosis
    • autism and disability-specific information
    • supports for parents with disability, including autism.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of autism-related information sources* developed, promoted and / or delivered to assist people and families to access autism-related services such as assessment, diagnosis, counselling, and parent supports.

    *Sources include resources, online content, brochures, survey material.

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Disability Policy and Reform
    • Child and Family Support
    • Communications and Engagement
    • Office for Ageing Well
    • Office for Women.

    Data source: Internal records and website analytics

    Commitment 2: Improve the availability and access of diagnosis, especially in regional and / or remote areas 

    Target: Expand autism assessment services and supports for children and young people and their family and carers, especially in regional and remote areas.

    Action

    Provide autism assessment and diagnosis referrals for young people connected with the youth justice system, and for family members receiving support from Safer Family Services through the Autism Assessment and Diagnostic Service.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Measure: The number of autism assessment and diagnosis referrals per year.

    Responsibility: Exceptional Needs Unit (Disability and Specialised Services)

    Data source: Action Plan annual reporting

    Commitment 3: Consider ways to reduce the occurrence of undiagnosed autism amongst girls and women and within the Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities

    Target: Provide updated resources and information for staff to better understand and support people seeking autism diagnostic services.

    Action

    Incorporate Working with Diversity information and/or workshop sessions into the Child and Family Support System (CFSS) Community of Practice, including about disability and autism, to support staff working with diverse cohorts.

    Target date: Immediate (12 months)

    Measure: Working with Diversity information has been incorporated into CFSS Community of Practice.

    Responsibility: Child and Family Support

    Data source: Internal records and workshop information

    Commitment 4: Improve the post-diagnostic referral process and accessibility of accurate information and resources

    Target: Ensure training and resources on post-diagnostic services and supports are continually updated.

    Action

    Enhance assessment processes that support the identification of autism and/or disability needs for children referred to Child and Family Support System (CFSS) Pathways Services.

    Target date:  Immediate (12 months)

    Measure: Assessment processes are enhanced to support the identification of autism and / or disability needs for children referred to the CFSS Pathways Service.

    This will be demonstrated by an increased prevalence in the identification of autism and/or disability needs in children referred to the CFSS Pathways Service.

    Responsibility: Child and Family Support

    Data source: CFSS data

    Focus Area 3: Thriving in the workplace

    Objective: We want a diverse, inclusive and welcoming South Australian workforce where the strengths and skills of Autistic people flourish.

    Commitments within Focus Area 3:

    1. Improve knowledge, understanding and awareness of autism across the workforce.
    2. Create an accessible, inclusive and welcoming public sector where Autistic people can thrive.
    3. Increase opportunities for Autistic people to gain meaningful and lasting employment.
    4. Consider alternative employment initiatives when transitioning from education to employment.

    Commitment 1: Improve knowledge, understanding and awareness of autism across the workforce

    Target: Ensure public sector employees undertake Autism Awareness and Understanding training.

    Action one

    Ensure in-person and online Autism Awareness and Understanding training is completed across the DHS workforce.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of staff who undertook Autism Awareness and Understanding Training:

    • online
    • in-person

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: MyHub

    Target: Increase awareness of autism across the public sector workforce and the strengths and benefits of employing Autistic people.

    Action two

    Outline the initiatives completed to promote autism inclusion in the workplace.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments:  The number of initiatives* completed to promote autism inclusion in the workplace.

    *Initiatives include events, days of significance, internal staff communications/newsletters, social media

    Note: This action aligns with State Disability Inclusion Plan Measure 1.2.1 – The number of initiatives undertaken to promote disability inclusion and improve community attitudes towards people with disability in the community.

    Responsibility: Communications and Engagement

    Data source: Internal communications, social media

    Action three

    Engage Autistic employees and employees with disability to provide advice and inform inclusion activities, including to assist in promoting days of significance.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number and proportion of lived experience staff engaged to inform inclusion activities.

    Note: This action aligns with State Disability Inclusion Plan Measure 1.2.1 – The number of initiatives undertaken to promote disability inclusion and improve community attitudes towards people with disability in the community.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Employee-led Network

    Commitment 2: Create an accessible, inclusive and welcoming public sector where Autistic people can thrive

    Target: Embed autism inclusion into workplace policies and practices.

    Action one

    Review recruitment policies and processes to ensure they support reasonable adjustments and are responsive to the alternative ways Autistic employees can engage throughout the recruitment and training processes.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number and proportion of recruitment and training policies and processes that are reviewed to ensure they support Autistic and / or neurodivergent staff.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Policy registrars

    Action two

    Review and implement reasonable adjustments procedures and flexible workplace arrangements that support all staff, including Autistic employees and parents and carers of Autistic people.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number and proportion of reasonable adjustment and flexible workplaces arrangement procedures to support staff, including Autistic staff, that are:

    • reviewed
    • implemented.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Procedure registrar

    Action three

    Review and update, where applicable, new starter forms to include an opportunity to identify as Autistic and / or neurodivergent to enable more accurate reporting and awareness in the public sector workforce.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of onboarding forms used to identify Autistic and / or neurodivergent staff that are reviewed and updated.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Objective

    Target: Develop strategies to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Autistic public sector employees.

    Action four

    Design office spaces that are inclusive of Autistic and / or neurodivergent staff through implementing evidence based Neuroinclusive Design Guidelines, aligning with current Government of South Australia Office Accommodation Guidelines 2024 in all new fit outs and refurbishments.

    Target date: Immediate (6-12 months)

    Measure: Reflected in improved user experience outcomes related to autism specific workspace needs following occupation.

    Responsibility: Infrastructure

    Data source: Neuroinclusive Design Guidelines and staff feedback

    Action five

    Identify appropriate mechanisms, including clear confidentiality, to ensure Autistic employees feel safe, supported and confident to disclose that they are Autistic at the commencement of employment and through the employment lifecycle.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments:  The number of support mechanisms* available to ensure Autistic and / or neurodivergent staff can disclose confidentially.

    *Support mechanisms include secure IT systems, privacy principles and the number of support mechanisms available to support Autistic and/or neurodivergent staff.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Internal records

    Action six

    Continue to promote and provide EAP services that are inclusive, culturally appropriate, neurodiversity-affirming and in a range of modes and formats to support the diverse communication styles of Autistic employees.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: Are Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services being promoted? Y/N

    Responsibility: People and Partnerships

    Data source: Internal records

    Commitment 3: Increase opportunities for Autistic people to gain meaningful and lasting employment

    Target: Develop programs and resources that support Autistic people to transition into meaningful employment in the public sector.

    Action one

    Deliver programs that target diversity and inclusion for Autistic people to gain practical workplace experience while undertaking higher education to support them into employment long-term.

    Target date: 2029

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of programs* that target diversity and inclusion for Autistic and/or neurodivergent people to gain practical workplace experience while undertaking higher education.

    *Whilst DHS is not the lead department for workplace experience programs, initiatives include reviewing existing DHS workplace experience opportunities to ensure they are inclusive of Autistic and / or neurodivergent people that support practical workplace experience.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Program data

    Action two

    Review and implement opportunities for supported transition into employment programs for Autistic people transitioning into employment in the public sector to receive tailored supports, ensuring that Autistic people are supported initially and ongoing.

    Target date: 2029

    Mandatory measure that applies for all state government departments:

    1. the number of employment transition programs that support Autistic and / or neurodivergent people are reviewed, and
    2. the number of Autistic and/or neurodivergent people those programs, supports or initiatives accessed.

    Measure:

    1. Collect feedback from employees identifying as Autistic and / or on how well their transition to employment was supported (initially and ongoing).

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Employee-Led Network and survey feedback

    Target: Provide alternative workplace training and volunteer options that support Autistic people entering the public sector workforce.

    Action three

    Review and implement alternative and accessible workplace training options to support Autistic employees, including in a range of accessible formats and learning styles.

    Target date: 2029

    Mandatory measure that applies for all state government departments:  The number of alternative and accessible workplace training options available to support Autistic and/or neurodivergent staff.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: MyHub

    Action four

    Identify volunteering opportunities for Autistic people across DHS.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies for all state government departments: The number of volunteering opportunities for Autistic people.

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Office for Women
    • Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Volunteer program data

    Action five

    Review existing peer support or mentoring programs to ensure they are inclusive of Autistic employees.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies for all state government departments: The total number of peer support and/or mentoring programs and, of those, the proportion reviewed to ensure they are inclusive of Autistic staff.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Program registration and evaluations

    Commitment 4: Consider alternative employment initiatives when transitioning from education to employment

    Target: Develop programs or supported pathways for Autistic students transitioning from education settings to employment across the public sector.

    Action

    Review existing graduate programs to expand pathways for Autistic graduates from education settings to employment.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments:  The number of expanded pathways* for Autistic graduates engaging in graduate programs.

    *While DHS is not the lead agency for graduate programs, expanded pathways include reviewing existing DHS graduate programs to ensure they are inclusive, and support Autistic graduates in transitioning from education to employment settings.

    Responsibility: Organisational Development and Learning

    Data source: Program data

    Focus Area 4: Access to supports and services

    Objective: We want a clearer, more consistent and accessible service system where Autistic people and their families and carers can access the support they need, when they need it.

    Commitments within Focus Area 4:

    1. Develop a centralised state information system to support access and navigation of available supports and services.
    2. Improve the knowledge and understanding of autism amongst professional staff.
    3. Work with organisations to ensure evidence and research on autism can be effectively and efficiently translated into practice.
    4. Ensure neurodiversity-affirming and culturally appropriate services and supports are available.

    Commitment 1: Develop a centralised state information system to support access and navigation of available supports and services

    Target: Ensure resources and information about supports and services are updated, easily accessible and autism inclusive.

    Action

    Deliver or review initiatives, platforms and systems to connect Autistic people with information in various accessible formats across DHS supports and services.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of initiatives, platforms and systems made to connect Autistic people with information in various accessible formats.

    *Initiatives, platforms and systems include: website content, accessible formats (for example Easy Read).

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Disability Policy and Reform
    • All (relevant) directorates

    Data source: Action Plan annual reporting

    Commitment 2: Improve the knowledge and understanding of autism amongst professional staff

    Target: Provide Autism Awareness and Understanding training to front-line workers to effectively support Autistic people accessing services.

    Action one

    Coordinate Autism Awareness and Understanding training for service providers funded by the DHS in order to support the delivery of inclusive services for Autistic people and the broader autism community.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Measure: The number of DHS-funded service providers who have attended training sessions.

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Community and Partnerships, and
    • Office for Autism (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)

    Data source: Training reports

    Action two

    Review and work with specialist homelessness services to identify opportunities during intake that could indicate Autistic traits.

    Target date: 12 Months

    Measure: The number of DHS-funded service providers who collect data on presentations of people with a diagnosis of autism.

    Responsibility: Homelessness Systems and Partnerships (Community and Aboriginal Partnerships)

    Commitment 3: Work with organisations to ensure evidence and research on autism can be effectively and efficiently translated into practice

    Target: Embed autism inclusion into programs, supports and services.

    Action one

    Develop a guide that focuses on supporting practitioners working with children and families of present with disability and/or neurodivergence, inclusive of autism-specific information.

    Target date: Immediate (12 months)

    Measure: A practice guide has been developed (and routinely reviewed and updated) to support Safer Family Services practitioners working with children and families with disability and/or neurodivergence.

    Responsibility: Child and Family Support

    Data source: Published practice guide on DHS website

    Action two

    Review and adapt existing information and programs to address the identified needs of parents and carers of Autistic children and young people, supported by data and lived experience groups.

    Target date: Immediate (12 months)

    Measure: The number of adapted information sources to address the identified needs of parents and carers of children and young people with autism.

    Responsibility: Child and Family Support

    Data source: Internal records

    Action three

    Collaborate with Government of South Australia agencies to share ideas, strategies and projects that support best practices and culturally appropriate support services for Autistic people.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Measure: The number of DHS-led Action Plan Community of Practice meetings held.

    Responsibility: Disability Policy and Reform

    Data source: Meeting attendance records

    Target: Collaborate with subject matter experts when developing and implementing supports and services for Autistic people.

    Action four

    Conduct a review of the Companion Card program in consultation with other states and territories offering the Card, medical professionals, and lived experience groups, including the Autistic and autism communities.

    Target date: 2026

    Measure:

    1. Completion of the review within set timeframe.
    2. Reduced application turnaround time.

    Responsibility: Concessions and Interpreting Services

    Data source: Salesforce

    Action five

    Collaborate with autism-specific organisations, where relevant, when developing and implementing policies, supports and services for Autistic people.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of autism-specific organisations* engaged when developing and implementing policies, supports and services for Autistic people.

    *This includes the number of policies, supports and services consulted on that are relevant to Autistic people.

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Disability Policy and Reform
    • All (relevant) directorates

    Data source: Action Plan annual reporting

    Target: Collaborate with the Autistic and autism community throughout the planning, development and implementation phases to ensure services are neurodiversity-affirming and are effectively meeting the needs of Autistic people.

    Action six

    Consult with reference groups and lived experience groups, where relevant, on autism-related matters to provide insights and guidance on identifying and addressing barriers to accessing services provided by the Government of South Australia.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of reference and / or lived experience groups engaged to identify and address barriers to accessing services on autism-related matters.

    Responsibility: Disability Policy and Reform

    Data source: State Autism Strategy Advisory Committee meetings

    Commitment 4: Ensure neurodiversity-affirming and culturally appropriate services and supports are available

    Target: Improve existing services to ensure they are streamlined, effective and efficient to meet the individual needs of Autistic people.

    Action one

    Review and implement opportunities to develop and embed standardised contractual requirements for DHS-funded services regarding autism inclusion into relevant future contracts and monitor through contract management processes.

    Target date: 2026

    Measure:

    1. Standardised autism inclusion requirements are developed in consultation with subject matter experts.
    2. Standardised autism inclusion requirements are included in DHS-funded service contracts.

    Responsibility: Procurement

    Data source: Internal contract records

    Action two

    Implement a disability consultant to provide professional support and mentoring to family service practitioners with assessment, case coordination and system navigation for DHS clients who are Autistic and/or have other disability.

    Target date: 2026

    Measure: A position of Child and Family Support Disability Consultant has been established in the Safer Family Services Directorate.

    Responsibility: Child and Family Support

    Data source: HR data source

    Action three

    Ensure all new services, operational programs, and policies are reviewed with an autism inclusive lens to ensure services are neurodiversity-affirming and culturally appropriate.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Measure:

    1. The number of services, operational programs and policies reviewed annually.
    2. The number of autism-related services, operational programs and policies reviewed annually with a cultural lens.

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Disability Policy and Reform
    • All directorates

    Data source: DHS Strategic Plan reporting and Employee-led Networks

    Action four

    Review and update, where relevant, the customer service areas and experiences to ensure Autistic people feel supported when accessing services.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of customer service areas reviewed and updated to ensure Autistic and / or neurodivergent people are supported when accessing services.

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Disability and Specialised Services
    • All (relevant) directorates

    Data source: Internal records and/or client feedback surveys

    Target: Develop culturally specific supports for those who are accessing services and supports.

    Action five

    Explore partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to co-design culturally specific supports for people with disability, including Autistic people.

    Target date: 2029

    Measure:

    1. Proportion of service design and policies co-designed with Aboriginal people with lived experience of autism, including ACCOs.
    2. The number of ACCO partnerships established.

    Note: This action aligns with State Disability Inclusion Plan Measure 5.5.2 – The number and proportion of Closing the Gap Disability Sector Strengthening Plan implemented.

    Responsibility: Leading division - Disability Policy and Reform

    Data source: Internal records and State Disability Inclusion Plan annual reporting

    Target: Ensure a wide range of neurodiversity-affirming and culturally appropriate services and supports are available, including to Autistic people who do not yet have an autism diagnosis.

    Action six

    In the development of new strategies and initiatives, the State Autism Strategy and/or Autism Charter will be linked and referenced, where appropriate.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number of references made to the State Autism Strategy and/or the Autism Inclusion Charter in new strategies and initiatives.

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Disability Policy and Reform
    • All directorates

    Data source: Action Plan annual reporting

    Target: Improve data capturing strategies of diverse cohorts of people accessing state government services and supports.

    Action seven

    When consulting to inform the development of new strategies and initiatives, personal identifying data will be collected where appropriate, to capture and consider the specific perspectives of the Autistic community.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: Are you capturing personal identifying data including Autistic and/or neurodivergent people during consultation on the development of new strategic and initiatives? Y/N

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Disability Policy and Reform
    • Social Policy, Evaluation and Reform

    Data source: Action Plan annual reporting and internal records

    Focus Area 5: Participation in the community

    Objective: We want a truly inclusive South Australia where Autistic people can meaningfully participate in the community without restriction.

    Commitments within Focus Area 5:

    1. Identify ways to improve accessible transport options and the accessibility of public spaces and venues, including signage and wayfinding tools.
    2. Partner with organisations, sporting clubs, local councils and community services to support inclusive initiatives for Autistic people of all ages.

    Commitment 2: Identify ways to improve accessible transport options and the accessibility of public spaces and venues, including signage and wayfinding tools

    Target: Improve the accessibility of public transport systems to support Autistic people navigate their journey.

    Action one

    Incorporate any relevant findings into the design and delivery of the DHS-funded Community Transport SA services to support access and inclusion of Autistic people.

    Target date: 2026

    Measure: The number of improvements made to Community Transport SA services to support access and inclusion of Autistic people.

    Responsibility:

    • Leading division - Community and Partnerships, and
    • Department for Infrastructure and Transport

    Date source: Internal reports

    Target: Ensure public events are designed to be sensory-friendly and supportive so everyone can fully participate.

    Action two

    Develop a toolkit to ensure community events are accessible and inclusive of all people, including Autistic people.

    Target date: 2026

    Measure:  Extent to which people with lived experience of autism are meaningfully engaged in the development of an events toolkit.

    Note: This action aligns with State Disability Inclusion Plan Measure 1.1.2. – The number of inclusive and accessible events, both internal and external, with 50+ people following best practice event management principles. For example, the Accessible and Inclusive Community Events Toolkit.

    Responsibility: Disability Policy and Reform

    Date source: Feedback from DHS-led lived experience networks

    Commitment 3: Partner with organisations, sporting clubs, local councils and community services to support inclusive initiatives for Autistic people of all ages

    Target: Improve new and / or existing programs and services to ensure they are accessible and inclusive to allow Autistic people to fully participate.

    Action one

    Review current and potential inclusive initiatives that support community participation and social connection for Autistic people under the DHS Community Connections Program (CCP), for people aged 18-65.

    Target date: Immediate (12 months)

    Measure: The number and types of initiatives identified.

    Responsibility: Community and Partnerships

    Data source: Program and / or survey data

    Action two

    Review current and potential inclusive initiatives that support community participation for Autistic people within the programs offered by the Community and Partnerships team, including the Community and Neighbourhood Development Program, the Financial Wellbeing Program, the Youth Support and Development Program, and the Service to Aboriginal Youth Program.

    Target date: Immediate (12 months)

    Measure: Types of initiatives reviewed.

    Responsibility: Community and Partnerships

    Data source: Program and / or survey data

    Target: Collaborate with the Autistic and autism community to ensure activities and services are autism inclusive.

    Action three

    Amend SA Youth Week grant guidelines to require organisations to consider and/or collaborate with the Autistic and autism communities when planning and organising Youth Week activities and events.

    Target date: 2026

    Measure: Guidelines are amended to include considerations related to collaborating with Autistic and autism communities.

    Responsibility:  Social Policy, Evaluation and Reform

    Data source:  SA Youth Week grant guidelines

    Action four

    Consult with the Autistic and autism community, where appropriate, when planning and organising events to ensure they are autism inclusive, such as the inclusion of breakout or sensory spaces.

    Target date: Ongoing

    Mandatory measure that applies to all state government departments: The number and proportion of lived experience people engaged to inform planning and organising of events.

    Responsibility: Communications and Engagement

    Data source: Internal records and / or feedback survey

    Page last updated 10 February 2026