Staff stories – celebrating 60 years of Autism SA
Sue is a Senior Autism Engagement Advisor and has been working at Autism SA since 2003. Here she reflects on how support and inclusion of autistic people has changed in that time.
There has been such change in autism awareness over the years which is truly a beautiful thing! Autism has always been on the rise and there are now so many proud people who say “I’m autistic” or “My son/daughter/nephew/niece has autism” without feeling isolated or alone.
I feel so privileged to have seen the progression over the past 21 years from working with Autism SA. Through our ongoing commitment to really listen to the autistic community about how we can all learn to be more inclusive, we educate others to celebrate autism. It is so wonderful to see neuro-affirming practices becoming more understood. It reinforces that we all learn differently, we all need certain things to learn and to feel connected, comfortable and included in our world together.
Autism is becoming so much more understood in the community, especially with businesses now looking at ‘how can be we more inclusive?’ There have been some great initiatives implemented over the years to include things like ‘quiet hour’ in shopping centres, sensory friendly eating places whereby lights are dimmed and noise levels kept to a minimum, and autism friendly places to get haircuts. We’re also seeing sensory rooms on the rise across schools and sensory gardens etc. Education and awareness is allowing people to be who they are and to embrace diversity.
Autism SA has had a significant impact on changing people’s perceptions to not ‘fear’ autism. Instead we celebrate people by always looking at strengths and abilities. We use evidence based strategies, change the way we communicate, support sensory and environmental aspects and look at the whole person.
One thing that hasn’t changed in my 21 years is that Autism SA staff have always been so passionate. They will always be standing side by side with the Autistic community and continue to advocate for South Australia to be a place where we are all the same, yet all so beautifully different – and to embrace that!
I absolutely love my role as a Senior Autism Engagement Advisor and working with a dedicated team to provide the best support for autistic students, schools and families. It’s such a privilege to meet so many educational staff, students and families all working together for excellent outcomes, and fostering a support network to make it happen.
