Building understanding, knowledge and belonging

The voices, goals and aspirations of South Australia’s Autistic and autism communities have been the driving force behind the development of the first SA Autism Strategy 2024–2029 (the Strategy).

The Strategy sets out a 5-year roadmap to create meaningful cultural change and greater access to services, inclusion and participation in the community for Autistic people of all ages.

Aiming to build knowledge, understanding and belonging, the Strategy supports a dedicated whole-of-government approach to respond to the current needs and challenges of Autistic people and their families, and to create a more inclusive state for all.

The Strategy aligns with the new State Disability Inclusion Plan 2025–2029 and will complement the work of the National Autism Strategy.

Department of Human Services (DHS) Autism Strategy Action Plan 2025–2029

The DHS Autism Strategy Action Plan 2025–2029 outlines dedicated actions for the department, supports the broader SA Autism Strategy and ensures the effective implementation of its priorities through to 2029.

This plan is an annexure within the DHS Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). This ensures both the DAIP and Action Plan form one document to keep all of our disability‑related commitments together in one place, ensuring alignment, consistency and easier access for the community.

Read the DHS Autism Strategy Action Plan 2025–2029

SA Autism Strategy Action Plan

Building on the landmark Autism Strategy released in 2024, South Australia is taking an important next step toward becoming a truly inclusive state for Autistic people, with the launch of the new SA Autism Strategy Action Plan 2025–2029.

Guided by the feedback from Autistic people, their families and carers, advocacy organisations and service providers, this whole-of-government plan focuses on seven key areas:

1. Pathways to diagnosis
2. Positive educational experiences
3. Thriving in the workplace
4. Access to supports and services
5. Participation in the community
6. Access to health and mental health services
7. Interactions with the justice system.

Across these Focus Areas, the Action Plan outlines 25 tangible commitments, each backed by practical actions that state government agencies have a shared responsibility to implement.

The Department of Human Services will prepare a report on the progress of actions led by state government agencies, which will be published alongside annual State Disability Inclusion Plan reports.