Link April 2017 | Page 26

autism feature autism experts People with autism and their families established Autism SA, the first organisation of its kind in the first autism-specific school in South Australia and publication of an autism journal. Australia, in 1964. Other ‘firsts’ include specialised The founding members were employment services, recognition driven by a desire to ensure awards to celebrate achievements they had access to the best within the autism community, which information, education, treatment evolved into a national program, and support. They advocated for initiating the national ‘Future acceptance and understanding, Leaders’ program to involve and these pioneers. Funding models, and encouraged research and engage people on the spectrum as however, have struggled to keep leadership in the community. part of hosting the 2013 Asia Pacific pace with the growth in prevalence Autism Conference, researching of autism, and mainstream The organisation has since and developing the iModelingTM services are finding it difficult to been at the forefront of service App and the introduction of accommodate the unique and development and advocacy and Australia’s f irst charter to build evolving needs of people on the has introduced many firsts to the autism-friendly business and autism spectrum. community in South Australia workplace environments. Autism affects 1% of the and nationally, including the first 24 national conference on autism, Under the National Disability population globally and South National Federation of service Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Autism Australia data indicates an annual providers specialising in autism, SA will continue the path of growth of 9%. Participation rates autism feature linkonline.com.au