Autism SA

As we approach the end of the year, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support throughout 2024. We have supported the Autistic and autism community for 60 years, and we look forward to continuing our mission to empower autistic individuals in 2025.     Please note that Autism SA will be closed from 23/12/2024, with services recommencing on 13/01/2025. Some essential services will continue over the break.  

Only 38% of Australians on the spectrum participate in the workforce, compared to 83% of Australians without a disability. Autism SA’s Work my Way program tackles the issue of high unemployment rates for autistic people with the aim of securing paid employment. Through the Work My Way program, Nicole learned which types of working environments and tasks she thrives in. Everyone has different challenges in their working environment but these can be more pronounced for those on the spectrum. Nicole’s story shares her experience and speaks of burnout and masking before finding a position she could excel in.  When asked what her dream job is Nicole shared, "I'd love to work within the library system...It works really well to my strengths. Works really well for my sensory sensitivities. I would actually be able to learn and thrive in the environment because of how it's set up. And being able to work around books all day is wonderful." Read Nicole’s story here: https://lnkd.in/g8SzmQKT  Autism SA is Australia's oldest autism support organisation and South Australia's peak body for autism. Our programs help autistic South Australian's and their families feel supported, welcomed and understood in our state. Autism SA's Work My Way program is funded by SLES (School Leavers Employment Support) and the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency). However, we rely on donations to: • Improve inclusion and accessibility in South Australia. We advocate to government and businesses to ensure the Autistic community is heard, valued and included. • Allow us to provide our mobile sensory zone at community events, providing a welcoming and safe place for autistic people. • Maintain our free, online resources that provide autistic people, their loved ones and the broader community with reliable, up-to-date and evidenced based information.     And you can support us in our mission to transform the employment landscape in South Australia with our new project, Strengthening Inclusive Employment Pathways.    This initiative will empower you to tap into the unique talents of autistic individuals through free, customised training and ongoing support. Discover how embracing neurodiversity can enhance your team’s productivity, innovation, and workplace culture – and it’s completely free!    Interested in getting involved? Contact Peta Richards at prichards@autismsa.org.au to learn more. 💜 Did you know that you can make a tax deductible donation to Autism SA and our vision for an inclusive society though payroll deductions?   This is done before tax is paid, which means that your donation is of immediate benefit to you as a tax deduction.  If you would like to arrange a payroll deduction, you can speak to your employer about how to set up your contributions.  

How can LEGO® robotics therapy in schools benefit autistic students? Autism SA in partnership with Flinders University and Griffith University published a new research article about how LEGO® robotics therapy in schools could benefit autistic students.  LEGO® therapy has been emerging as an effective way of supporting younger autistic children develop their communication and social skills. This research expands on this by using LEGO® robotics with teenagers to reduce anxiety and support social skill development.  This research showed positive outcomes such as better school attendance, increased confidence and social skill development in participants.  To access the full published article, visit - https://lnkd.in/gatP8n3n #AutismResearch #LEGOTherapy

Join the Autism SA team as an Occupational Therapist! We are hiring Occupational Therapists – graduate OT’s welcome to apply.  When you work in our clinical services team you join a great community of passionate individuals and state of the art therapy spaces.  Learn more and apply here, https://lnkd.in/gcshimBA

Employ for Ability have partnered with the Government of South Australia’s Office for Autism to create more inclusive and neurodiverse workplaces.  There are two employment opportunities at the Office for Autism now taking applications. The positions are,  ▪️ Office Manager  ▪️ Senior Project Officer These roles will support the Office’s mission to amplify Autistic voices and deliver innovative programs that improve inclusion, opportunity, and outcomes for South Australia’s Autistic and autism communities. Apply here, https://lnkd.in/g54rbtm8  🗓️ Applications Close: 2:00 PM AEDT, Thursday, January 2nd  #InclusiveFutures #NeurodiversityAtWork #OfficeForAutism #AdelaideJobs #AutismCommunity @employforability

Last week we celebrated our staff achievements at our annual STAR Awards. These awards seek to recognise staff that have went above and beyond to contribute to Autism SA’s vision of an inclusive society 💜   We would love to thank our fantastic sponsors, Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. Community Business Bureau (CBB) efex Telstra Baiada Poultry Wallmans Lawyers   We couldn’t do what we do without your tremendous support. 

Are you an employer looking to embrace inclusion and neurodiversity? Join us in our mission to transform the employment landscape in South Australia with our new project, Strengthening Inclusive Employment Pathways. This initiative will empower you to tap into the unique talents of autistic individuals through free, customised training and ongoing support. Discover how embracing neurodiversity can enhance your team’s productivity, innovation, and workplace culture – and it’s completely free! Interested in getting involved? Contact Peta Richards at prichards@autismsa.org.au to learn more. #InclusiveWorkplace #Neurodiversity #StrengthInDiversity

Today, on December 3, we celebrate International Day of People with Disability. This year’s theme is: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. Did you know there are 5.5 million people with disability in Australia? That’s 1 in 5 Australians. We’re thrilled to spotlight Khadija Gbla, a passionate advocate and leader. Check out her inspiring story on the IDPWD website: idpwd.com.au/khadija-gbla Khadija also played a key role in the development of our upcoming resource, Neuro-inclusive Recruiting. This free online tool will empower employers to confidently create neuro-inclusive workplaces. 👏 A huge thank you to Khadija and everyone who has shared their stories and contributed to this exciting initiative. Want to be the first to know when Neuro-inclusive Recruiting launches? Sign up for updates here: https://lnkd.in/gAzJkavA #InternationalDayofPeoplewithDisabilities #IDPWD

Continuing Developmental Educators Week! Today, we are shining a spotlight on our incredible Developmental Educators (DEs) who work in Autism SA’s Behaviour Support team and who do an incredible job understanding and interpreting behaviour. Autism SA’s Behaviour Supports are designed with a deep understanding of the diverse needs of the Autistic community. Through person-centred planning and evidence-informed strategies, our Behaviour Practitioners work with individuals, families, and caregivers to create tailored support plans that aim to reduce the use of restrictive practices and prioritise each person’s unique strengths to build skills that support independence and meaningful engagement in everyday life. Interested in learning more about our Behaviour Supports? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gyJ-KhCN Thank you to our DEs in our Behaviour Support team and across Autism SA for your unwavering dedication to empowering lives. You make an incredible impact every day!

Happy Developmental Educators week! This week, we celebrate our amazing Developmental Educators (DEs) and the impact they have on the shaping the lives our Autistic community. Our DEs work tirelessly to empower individuals to live life their way, embracing this year’s theme: Empowering, Elevating, and Educating. Their dedication to supporting inclusion, growth, and independence for individuals is invaluable. We have many DE's working within our Autism Inclusion Program (AIP), a program designed to implement therapeutic skill building for autistic children and young people in their learning environments. Through AIP, our DEs work closely with schools, educators, and families to provide tailored strategies, knowledge , and evidence-informed resources that enhance understanding and promote meaningful inclusion. Interested in our AIP program? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gyFFjkDy Thank you to our DEs for everything you do! You’re truly making a difference, one empowered step at a time.