FAQs

The emerging themes identified from feedback gathered throughout the first round consultation process have set the basis upon which the Strategy’s priority areas have been designed. We call these Focus Areas. 

The seven Focus Areas are:

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

Note: See "What is a Commitment?" to see how we will address these Focus Areas.

Within each of the Focus Areas, we have outlined a set of commitments. Commitments will guide and drive the overarching implementation of the Strategy. They outline the improvements we want to make for each Focus Area, which will be achieved through the development and implementation of Action Plans. 

Note: See "What is an Action Plan?" to see how we will develop and implement initiatives to support the commitments.

An Action Plan for each Focus Area will be developed to drive initiatives, and to support our commitments. These Action Plans will be living documents that can respond, as required, to the shifting priorities of the Autistic and autism communities. We will identify actions to address each commitment across three reporting domains:

• Scope: We will scope opportunities to develop new initiatives that can respond to the identified commitment and Focus Area where there are no existing initiative or gaps in existing initiatives.
• Develop: We will develop strategies, policies or undertake relevant reform work to commence new initiatives that respond to the identified commitment and focus area.
• Implement: We will drive the implementation for the new and/or reformed initiatives that respond to the identified commitment and focus area.

Action Plans will also align to the State Disability Inclusion Plan and State Government agency Disability Access and Inclusion Plans. This will ensure a coordinated approach to activities and reporting.

Note: If you have any other questions, please contact the DHS Strategy team at DHSSAAutismStrategy@sa.gov.au.