What's On

Behaviour Change Through Physical Activity

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 04:50:00 GMT

New program alert! Introducing Behaviour Change Through Phyiscal Activity:

This new program is delivered by Will Tierney a Behaviour Practitioner with years of experience supporting people with autism. The program is designed to help parents to develop and implement an autism friendly physical activity plan. Physical activity has unique benefits for people with autism – it helps to regulate sensory and behaviours of concern, and when the activity is performed with others it provides the fantastic opportunity for positive social engagement.

Using physical activity has also been shown to enhance other intervention outcomes, as well as a range of physical and psychological benefits, such as reduced stress for both the child and the parent.

This program supports parents who want to achieve the following outcomes:

Focusing your child’s hyper-activity
Increase your child’s physical activity and movement
Increase functional behaviour

Parents and carers will be supported over a number of group and individual sessions to learn new and creative ways to implement physical activity into your child’s daily routines.

To learn more and register your interest in this program, please fill out this form.

Autism SA FAQs

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 02:54:00 GMT

Dear Autism SA Community,

This past week has been challenging for many South Australians, including for most in the autism community. I hope this will soon be behind us all as the state exits our lockdown and we do our best to return our lives to “normal” (whatever “normal” might look like in each of our households) from December 1^st. I can tell you that, in my household, I have my gorgeous 15 year old (who is on the spectrum) continually asking, “Is the virus too strong for us?” and I keep replying, “No, we went into lockdown because we are smarter than the virus, and we will beat it!”.

I wrote to you last Friday and promised a “COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)” document that captures most of the enquiries the Autism SA team has been receiving from our community during 2020. You can download the document below.

Since last Friday, your wonderful, passionate Autism SA workforce has been working hard to return our supports and services to the way they were before this latest lockdown, while ensuring they are meeting the restrictions for health and safety during this time. If you have any queries about your service, please do not hesitate to talk to your Autism SA staff member or contact us in any of the following ways:

PHONE 1300 288 476

This line operates Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

You can also email us:

- admin@autismsa.org.au for general enquiries

- mypathways@autismsa.org.au to speak to one of our My Pathways team members.

Finally, thank you to everyone for treating our staff with such understanding and respect for the situation in which we have all found ourselves over the past week. Your care is appreciated and valued by each of us.

Also please remember you are amazing for what you do each and every day, especially during these unusual times, so be kind to yourselves,

Until my next update, take care and stay safe as our extended Autism SA family. Let us know how to best support you and continue to work together to overcome, whatever 2020 throws at us!

Kind regards,

Jenny Karavolos

CEO Autism SA

CEO Update to Clients & Community - COVID-19

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 00:09:00 GMT

Dear Autism SA community,

In good news for many of us, COVID-19 cases have reduced in SA with no new ones, the Premier has announced further easing of restrictions in SA and we’re starting to see borders opening to us again. SA has done an amazing job collectively overall.

From Monday Dec 14^th the following will apply:

Specific to Disability the following will apply:

There have been some special restrictions put in place by the Government for the health and safety of those of us using supports & services of disability providers, and for those of us working in the sector too. These are:

We, and our client/families/visitors, need to wear masks, unless one of the exceptions applies when at Autism SA or working with an Autism SA staff member. We are all hoping that this will cease on December 23^rd. In the meantime, it’s the law and we all need to follow it.

You are welcome to wear whatever mask you like because it no longer must be surgical quality or a single-use, disposable one. If you would prefer to wear your own fabric mask then you’re welcome to do that too, as long as its washed, handled and stored according to the advice from SA Health.

If you do not have your own mask, you’re welcome to ask Autism SA to give you one. The mask regulations are changing a lot and we have updated our Decision Flow Chart (below and attached) which I’ve found really helpful when needing to make a decision about mask wearing for myself, a colleague or one of our valued clients or visitors.

Please help Autism SA to keep us all safe and well by leading the way in wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, sanitising your hands regularly. Your cooperation is everything and we rely upon everyone’s support.

I have also attached an updated version of our COVID-19 FAQs document for your reference. If you’ve consulted this and you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask them via: covid-19@autismsa.org.au

Thanking You …

AUTISM SA’s Board thanked you for your cooperation and support under the challenging circumstances of 2019/20 and for continuing to inspire us by what you achieve on a daily basis.

On Wednesday night, Autism SA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and for those of you who weren’t able to attend, I am delighted to summarise the event, as follows:

We hosted our first virtual AGM, attended by Autism SA’s Board Members; who generously donate their time and who all, in some way, have Lived Experience with autism. The AGM was also attended by many of our valued Autism SA Members and supporters, our clients, their families, and staff
Health Colebatch was elected as a Client Representative Director for a term of 1 year, and he has a gorgeous son on the autism spectrum
We were treated to the story of Sarina and Christian, who are a parent and adult client of Autism SA. It was so motivating to hear of their triumphs over challenges and our role in supporting Christian and the family since his early intervention days. It is stories like these that continue to inspire us, and reminds us that need to remain strong, resilient, and sustainable
Autism SA’s Annual Report and our financial statements were released and is available on our website. 2019/20 was a defining year for Autism SA, and the challenges we have all faced over this time have reinforced Autism SA’s purpose, more than ever.

I encourage you to view our Annual Report. You will see our financial performance was positive, and we were fortunate this year we could realise the revenue from services performed in prior years. You will also see, as per prior years, we continue to invest back into providing more of what you want, undertaking capacity building and inclusion and investing in areas the vulnerable people in our community do not fall through the tracks.

That’s all from me for now. If you have any queries about your service or any of the information I’ve shared here, please do not hesitate to talk to your Autism SA staff member or contact us in any of the following ways:

PHONE 1300 288 476

This line operates Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

You can also email us:

admin@autismsa.org.au for general enquiries

mypathways@autismsa.org.au to speak to one of our My Pathways team members.

With kind regards,

Jenny

CEO COVID-19 Update to clients and community

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 04:42:00 GMT

Dear Autism SA community

I will begin by wishing all those who observe it a happy “International Day of People with Disability” (IDPwD) and I hope that, however you are choosing to acknowledge it in 2020, this day brings much meaning and recognition for us all.

I am also writing today to provide you with the latest updates from Autism SA. All of us in South Australia are experiencing another week with changes to the ways in which we interact with each other when going out, working, schooling etc.

I want to reassure you that Autism SA is monitoring and acting upon new advice and directives 24/7 to ensure we’re receiving and acting upon the latest information and implementing the most effective health and safety processes so that we continue to protect our, clients, families, workforce and the wider community.

We are relying on primary information sources for the following guidelines and directives from the State Government, being: Department of the Premier and Cabinet, SA Health and SA Police. These are the agencies tasked with keeping South Australians informed and safe and you can access their latest responses here.

Autism SA is seeking clarification when these directives are not as clear as we require, to ensure we are acting in the best interests of our community. We will update you in these situations if the information changes from what we have advised you in an update, so you may receive multiple communications from us in quick succession.

In addition, we are monitoring information from many other sources, such as: the Federal Government, Department for Human Services, Department for Education, National Disability Services, other providers (in SA and interstate), suppliers, media and our clients, families and community.

In today’s update, I am providing you with new information on the following topics:

• Wearing of masks when interacting (in person) with Autism SA
• Signing-in when visiting someone at an Autism SA site
• COVIDSAfe Plans
• Maintaining physical (social) distancing
• NDIA support during the COVID-19 situation
• State Government support during the COVID-19 situation
• I welcome your questions, queries, suggestions & feedback

Also attached are three easy to use documents, created by Autism SA, that you may find helpful that are referred in the detail below:
1. Face Masks: decision making for clients and visitors
2. Visual Narrative, Parents and Carers entering sites; and
3. Recently updated visual story “A Story About Coronavirus in South Australia”.

WEARING OF MASKS WHEN INTERACTING (IN PERSON) WITH AUTISM SA

While it is not mandatory elsewhere when out in the community, SA Health has directed all disability and health providers to ensure that everyone wears masks at all times when they are in the physical presence of others. Until further clarification is provided, physical presence is defined as “where social distancing of 1.5m cannot be maintained at all times”

There are some exceptions to this rule which are outlined below. If you do not meet the exception criteria, until further notice, people visiting or working with Autism SA will need to wear a mask. SA Health’s guidelines covering the types of masks to wear is available via this link and I recommend you keep checking back on their information because it has been changing frequently. Our staff will be wearing them too, in accordance with the direction, unless an exception applies to that individual.

In summary, if you visit us at any of our sites, you will be asked to wear a compliant mask unless the following apply:

• The person has a disability
• The person is under 12 years old
• The person is unable to wear one because of a medical condition or a health condition which would be affected by the wearing of a mask
• It interferes with the care or support we will be providing
• It makes it hard for you to communicate with us
• You are not entering our site (e.g. dropping off/picking up/remaining in your car in the carpark etc)
• You live in an Autism SA house
• You are on someone else’s property and they have different rules.

I have attached an easy reference flowchart designed to help determine when to wear a mask when visiting an Autism SA site. If you have any queries about this, please do not hesitate to send them to me via email.

I have also attached as prepared by Autism SA:
• a Visual Narrative, to support individuals’ understanding about why many of us are wearing masks; and
• a recently updated visual story to provide support when talking about the coronavirus to your gorgeous individual on the spectrum and the family

SA Health has provided instructions on how to put on and take off masks, as follows:

If you do not have a mask with you, you are welcome to request one from one of Autism SA’s team when you visit.

SIGNING-IN WHEN VISITING SOMEONE AT AN AUTISM SA SITE
It is Autism SA’s usual practice to collect details about the people who visit our sites so that we can know who is on site at all times. We do this by asking people to handwrite their details on a sign-in page and/or to complete the online forms or to work with our Reception Team to pass on details.

In 2020 we have added “Health Check” questions to this process to ensure that the people who visit us are following state government advice and are well, so we are keeping our community safe.

To assist with contact tracing and save time when visiting places, the State Government has now released a new tool called the COVID Safe Check-In. A new feature that has been added to the free mySA GOV app. You can download the mySA GOV app using your smart phone and follow the instructions here.

This is being implemented across South Australia this week, including at Autism SA’s sites. If you have the mySA GOV app, select the COVID SAfe Check-In tile when you arrive at an Autism SA site, and follow the prompts to scan the location’s unique QR code and check in. If you do not have the app, please sign-in the way you are used to.

I have attached easy reference visuals that capture the process when visiting an Autism SA site. We hope you find this helpful.

COVIDSafe PLANS
This week, all disability support providers have been required to submit “COVIDSafe plans” outlining the ways in which they undertake to keep people safe when at their locations. Autism SA has already completed this process. You will find these plans clearly displayed if you visit any of our sites. Please take the time to read through them when at our site and let me know if you have any further questions or suggestions by emailing: feedback@autismsa.org.au

MAINTAINING PHYSICAL (SOCIAL) DISTANCING
There is great concern at the State Government level that South Australians are becoming complacent around COVIDSafe behaviours such as sanitising, hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing, so more restrictions are being announced, especially with respect to the health and disability sector.

The latest restrictions have meant more changes at Autism SA, such as:

• Most of our staff are working from home again, where they can
• Many of our services, meetings and supports are being delivered online
• Parents/carers/accompanying people must retain social distancing rules when in the physical presence of others.
• No more “drop ins”, without a confirmed appointment, to an Autism SA site.

You must remain on the Autism SA property when responsible for an individual receiving services and support at Autism SA. On “Autism SA property” includes the carpark.

We now ask everyone who is not actually involved in a therapy or group session at an Autism SA site, to remain close by in their vehicle (if in an Autism SA carpark) or to ensure they are socially distanced from others while they are waiting on their person/appointment.

If you have any queries about this, please do not hesitate to send them to me via email or speak to the person your individual is receiving services from.

NDIA SUPPORT DURING THE COVID-19 SITUATION
Coping with the situation created by the COVID-19 situation is stressful and it can become costly, particularly if you need personal protective equipment, and the NDIA is aware of this. The Agency has made some accommodations for participants and they can be found here or you can call them:

We encourage all NDIS participants to continue to check on these supports and keep in touch with their Local Area Coordinators, support coordinators and Plan Managers so that you receive the most current and useful information that supports you at this time.

STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT DURING THE COVID-19 SITUATION
The stress of 2020 is taking its toll on many and this may be particularly difficult for people living with autism, for many reasons. As autistic individuals, family members and carers we have done an amazing job coping with the changes, uncertainties, fears, conflicting information and all the other challenges that have been thrust upon us this year. I congratulate you all and, remind you to be mindful of the impacts it may be having on your own physical and mental health.

If you are concerned for your wellbeing (or that of others), you’re not alone and our state government has established and expanded resources to support the public, particularly in the areas of mental health supports.

If you have concerns, please contact SA Health’s dedicated support lines, below:

I WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS, QUERIES, SUGGESTIONS & FEEDBACK
If you have any queries about your service or any of the information I’ve shared today, please do not hesitate to talk to your Autism SA staff member or contact us in any of the following ways:

PHONE 1300 288 476
This line operates Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.

You can also email us:
- admin@autismsa.org.au for general enquiries
- mypathways@autismsa.org.au to speak to one of our My Pathways team members.

The queries and feedback you provide does reach me and I read each one I receive, using the information you provide to make changes for the benefit of our clients, workforce and wider community.

Thank you for reading this far! I apologise for the lengthy correspondence today but there is a lot going on and we want to ensure that you are in possession of the most current information available.

Until my next update, I wish you the best and remember the great job you are doing today and every day. We are in this together. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

With kind regards,

Jenny Karavolos
CEO Autism SA

View attachments here:

A story about Coronavirus in SA

Face mask decision making for clients and visitors

Visual Narrative for entering ASA sites

CEO COVID-19 UPDATE 20 November

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 07:54:00 GMT

Dear Autism SA community,

Well, almost two days of hard lockdown has passed and according to the Premier’s announcement earlier today, restrictions are to be partially lifted. The link is here

It’s a great relief to my team and I because we are well aware of how much this impacts the community in general and particularly, our vulnerable loved ones on the autism spectrum. The Autism SA workforce is, wherever possible, working from their homes or continuing to support our clients directly in theirs and they also experience much of the same joys and challenges as you probably are too, at this time.

For those of you who know me personally, know that I, as do many of our workforce, possess genuine empathy for many of you during these times. As I write this, I am at home, sharing my space with my gorgeous son Stefan, due to school closure. He is VERY keen on me joining him in a noisy and energetic Dance Competition due to the need to enjoy some activity while I am juggling the running of our COVID-19 Task Force meetings, communications with the NDIS and delivering complex communications to our dedicated workforce of some 365+ people, amongst other things!

We have been inundated with questions about all sorts of things relating to what’s happening in SA and at Autism SA and we had developed a Frequently Asked Questions document that I was going to attach to this email but due to the announcements made earlier, our document is no longer current (this is a GOOD thing!). We will update that as soon as the new information is formally received for the government and then, I will circulate it to you all.

If that FAQs document doesn’t provide the answer you are seeking, please do not hesitate to contact Autism SA in the way that best suits you. If you have any queries for the Autism SA Team or me, please do not hesitate to email us or call our Pathways team on 1300 288 476.

Thank you

We are here for you as we continue to face these unusual situations together. Autism SA will do our utmost to provide what is needed by our community.

I thank everyone for your support of our workforce as we adapt to the changing government restrictions and some of the other challenges, both personal and professional, they have encountered this week.

I also thank everyone who is striving to comply with the current restrictions because there’s no doubt they are tough and everything you are doing to support this lockdown will make a difference to the whole of SA in the future.

1’m so grateful to be part of such an awesome community. Remember to be kind to yourselves. If someone hasn’t told you lately, you are truly amazing, and even more so during these interesting times.

Take care and please do not hesitate to send me your suggestions for more ways that we can help each other out.

Jenny Karavolos

CEO – Autism SA

CEO COVID-19 UPDATE

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 07:59:00 GMT

Dear Autism SA community,

This evening I am writing to provide an update on the steps that Autism SA has taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our clients, staff, families and the wider community in the light of the state-wide social distancing restrictions and directives announced today.

From today we understand that many individuals and families are working from home or stuck at home for one reason or another and we know that this can bring several challenges at the best of times, let alone when we are living in these uncertain times.

Our online supports and services at Autism SA will be fully operating over the lockdown period (estimated by our State Government to be the next 6 days). Wherever possible, we will continue to provide safe support to our community while ensuring we are meeting the new social distancing requirements in response to the news of what’s being called the “Parafield cluster” in Adelaide.

I thank all of you who were able to transition in and out of online services and supports earlier this year when we experienced similar restrictions. Your assistance and understanding then will hopefully be of benefit to make this second transition possible and effective.

If you or your family member is unable to receive support or otherwise interact with Autism SA online, then please do not hesitate to contact your Autism SA staff member, email us or call your Pathways team on 1300 288 476 and we’ll work with you to find a possible, alternative solution.

If you are scheduled to receive services and supports from Autism SA over the lockdown period, you should be hearing from your Autism SA therapist (via phone or email) as we’re intending on checking in on each of you in the face of these trying times. Please discuss any of your needs, challenges, suggestions and requests during these calls so we can provide you with the best we are allowed to offer at this time.

We are in discussions with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to determine how they will be supporting individuals who have been forced to purchase protective equipment and technology and cancel face-to-face and other services due to the State Government’s lockdown directive. It is my understanding that, in Victoria (who recently experienced a lockdown), special provisions were made. I will be updating you as soon as we receive confirmation or any clarification of these accommodations.

As Autism SA’s CEO and a member of the Autism SA COVID-19 Task Force, I will again assume the role of being the main source of organisational communications relating to our activities centred upon safeguarding our workforce, clients, families, and community. I will be circulating updates to our community of clients, families, and others as and when any new information and directives come to pass. If you have any queries for me or the Autism SA Team, please do not hesitate to email the Task Force or call our Pathways team on 1300 288 476.

In the remainder of this update, I am providing information on the following topics:

Who we are relying upon for official information, advice, and alerts
Changes to the way some supports and services are delivered
What you should do if you are unwell
Mental health and wellbeing supports
Invitation to provide suggestions as to how Autism SA can assist individuals and families
Thanks for your continuing support.

Who we are relying upon for official information, advice, and alerts

Autism SA continues to closely monitor COVID-19 updates, consulting three main sources of health a safety information. These are:

Federal Government Department of Health
State Government SA Health
Workplace Health and Safety Safework SA

Social distancing means changes to the way some supports and services are delivered during “lockdown”

To adapt to this latest COVID-19 situation, we are making positive changes to the way we operate and making sure that we are providing the safest and most compliant supports and services available. At the time of writing this letter, we have been told by the State Government that the current restrictions will remain in place for at least 6 days, effective from midnight tonight.

This means that you may be contacted about changes to the way we can interact with our clients and their families. More of our supports will need to be offered online, to meet the restrictions and it’s likely that plans will need to be changed for outings, home visits and supported living. It is also likely that staff will need to wear protective masks in accordance with the SA Health directive.

Please contact your Pathways Team on 1300 288 476 or speak to your key contact person at Autism SA to enquire how we may have transitioned the service and/or supports we offer. You’re welcome to make any suggestions too!

What to do if you are unwell

If you or the person you’re caring for feels unwell or is concerned they may have been in contact with COVID-19, we recommend that you follow SA Health’s advice immediately. SA Health has listed Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and I recommend you visit this link if you would like to know more about what to do if you’re feeling unwell over the next week-to-a- fortnight.

Mental health and wellbeing supports

Many of us have experienced significant stress this year, which is understandable when there is a health event happening in the community that is affecting people’s wellbeing and financial security, such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

To support the mental health of South Australians during this time SA Health has established a Virtual Support Network of services based locally in SA. Their website provides information about the Virtual Support Network services and other resources for mental health support during this challenging time.

We also recommend you take a note of the state’s Mental Health Support Line: Call 1800 632 753 or chat online at SA COVID-19 Mental Health support line. Available 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week.

Tell me how we can help you further

The Autism SA team will continue to develop new services and supports, and we would really like to hear from you if you have a good idea that would benefit our autism community across SA.

Your suggestions are most welcome and please send them to us via feedback@autismsa.org.au or call our InfoLine (1300 288 476) to describe it to us and we’ll do our best to work out how to make it happen!

Thank you

I know that many of our clients, families and our extended family of supporters and staff are concerned about the future just now and I thank each and every one of you for your ongoing patience and respect for your Autism SA team. We are here for you and we will do everything we can reasonably do to support you and your family.

If you have any questions or feedback around how Autism SA is managing the COVID-19 situation, please send them to me via email.

We continue to face these challenges together and Autism SA will, once again, do our upmost to ensure that we provide the services and supports that are needed by our community.

Until my next update, take care and you’re welcome to ask us any questions.

Jenny Karavolos

CEO – Autism SA

Adobe Sign

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 02:12:00 GMT

Adobe Sign for e-signing Service Agreements

What does this mean for me?

The use of Adobe Sign means that you will now be able to approve your Service Agreements from Autism SA a lot simpler, as these can be approved by you at the click of a button. You will no longer have to print, sign, scan and return your Service Agreement to us in order to commence services.

How do I access Adobe Sign?

You will receive your Service Agreement direct to your emails, from an email that looks like this, echosign@echosign.com, and the documents will be able to be viewed and signed on an approved Smart Phone, Tablet, or Computer.

Once you have signed and submitted your Service Agreement, you will be able to download a copy of what you signed, and you will also receive an email notification with a copy for your records.

How do I learn more about Adobe Sign?

You can find a great tutorial on how to use Adobe Sign and use your e-signature at this link: Adobe Sign

Where can I get additional help?

For additional help, or f you have any questions regarding Adobe Sign, please contact our Service Access Team on 8462 0664 and serviceaccess@autismsa.org.au

Introducing Autism SA’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 01:05:00 GMT

"I am so proud to introduce Autism SA’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which demonstrates our commitment to recognising our First Australians, their cultures and the value of continuing beneficial relationships.

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Committing to a Reflect RAP allows Autism SA to spend time scoping and developing our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on our vision for reconciliation and exploring our sphere of influence. This is the first step on our reconciliation journey and it will allow us to then commit to more specific actions and initiatives in the future.

I would like to thank the Reflect RAP Champion and Working Group who have fostered this important initiative thus far, and I also thank those who will continue to collaborate on our Reconciliation journey and achieve great outcomes for all Australians far into the future."

- Jenny Karavolos, Autism SA CEO

Read our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan here

Autism SA Infoline Operating Hours 10 November 2020

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:04:42 GMT

Autism SA's Infoline will be unavailable until 10am on Tuesday 10 November 2020, and will close at 4pm.

Operating hours will return to normal from Wednesday 11 November 2020 (9am-4pm Monday to Friday).

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Autism SA is thrilled to announce that we are refreshing our logo!

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 05:01:05 GMT

Why the change?
Every organisation has a story. Ours is a strong legacy started by families driven by the desire to ensure that they had access to the best information, education, treatment and support. They advocated for acceptance and understanding. They encouraged research and leadership in the community. Since 1964, Autism SA has been single-minded in our focus upon supporting the autism community with a strong legacy of being responsible for bringing many firsts to the community in South Australia and nationally.

Autism SA prides itself on strong values-driven culture of empowerment of, and support for, individuals living with autism as reflected in our Vision:

Our Vision:

Each individual on the autism spectrum lives

the life they choose in an inclusive society

Hence this change also offered the opportunity to herald our evolution without loss of our proud heritage.

The History of the Puzzle Piece
The puzzle piece has for a long time been associated with autism, where it was first used by the National Autistic Society and as a representation of the ‘puzzling condition of autism’. For many in our community, particularly those that grew up with the puzzle piece messaging, this represents an old way of thinking about people on the spectrum as it is interpreted as being a puzzle to be solved -and this certainly does not represent our thinking.

How did the design come about?
The design process commenced with Autism SA providing Isshoni Creative, a small South Australian business with a personal connection to autism, an outline of what autism and the organisation represents in the past, present and future. After considerable brainstorming, ideas evolved into a developed concept and a survey was sent to our key stakeholders (staff, the Board, and our community) to seek feedback on the proposed changes.

Our refreshed look uses the “A” and the shadow from the previous logo to create a three-dimensional shape. By moving your viewpoint around this 3D shape and looking at it from different perspectives it creates different shapes, making each point of view unique, in the same way that every person is unique. Whichever perspective you look at the logo, each person will see and interpret something different from it. For instance, one person may see the infinity shape which signifies to many in the autism community, the concept of limitlessness, infinite possibilities, and empowerment. It also reflects togetherness and inclusion; another may see a heart, and another may see the wings of a butterfly meaning transformation – the possibilities are endless.

When will the change happen?
Our refreshed look will be rolled out slowly over the next few months, and you will start to see it used across our social media channels, website and more. We are so pleased that our refreshed look represents our passion, mission and vision and look forward to taking you all on this exciting new journey with us!

School Holiday Programs

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:27:00 GMT

Looking to build skills and have fun this school holidays? Check out Autism SA's Term 3 School Holiday Programs, including Art Steps, Kids Aqua Skills and LEGO Club!

Art Steps School Holiday Program

Artwork credit: Mikayla, Art Steps Participant

Autism SA's Art Steps School Holiday program is an opportunity for people to explore:

✔️ Creative expression

✔️ New skills

✔️ Building confidence

✔️ Developing interpersonal skills and more!

The creative sessions will foster the sharing of ideas and how to respect, encourage and work alongside each other. Participants will have art work to take home and share with their families and loved ones at the end of each day.

To register your interest for Art Steps School Holiday Program, please fill out this online form

LEGO® Club for 5-6 & 7-12 year olds

LEGO® Club is a fun social development program, delivered by our therapists that have been trained in the program. The group setting works with participants to builds skills in:

✔️ Attention & listening

✔️ Turn taking & sharing

✔️ Conversation

✔️ Problem solving & decision making

✔️ Fine motor skills

✔️ Playing with others

✔️ Emotional regulation and more!

To learn more about Lego Club, check out the flyer here.

To register for LEGO® Club, please fill out this online form.

Topping Out at Tonsley with Autism SA’s new Southern Hub

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 02:44:00 GMT

We are thrilled to announce our newest location at the Tonsley Innovation District! Autism SA’s exciting new site is well underway and has ‘topped out’. Thanks to the support of Renewal SA, the Tonsley Innovation Precinct, and Tonsley Collective that we will be opening a new Southern Hub early next year, located in the vibrant Tonsley precinct - a second state-of-the-art innovative space complementing the already well-established Northern Hub located at Elizabeth.

To celebrate the pinnacle of reaching the highest point of the building commencing, Autism SA held a ‘Topping Out Ceremony’. Originally a Nordic custom, a Topping Out Ceremony is performed when a building project reaches its highest point. “In Autism SA’s context, it is a reason to come together to celebrate the building, the land upon which it is being built, its future purpose and the activities and outcomes that will occur within it,” shared Jenny Karavolos in her opening welcome to the small group gathered for the event.

The main focus of the mornings event was the dedication and planting of a native plant - as a symbolic commitment to Autism SA’s dedication to inclusion and reconciliation. The young plant, a native Grevillea Lavandulacea, was chosen to symbolise social change, inclusion and acceptance of autistic individuals in our society as well as to symbolise the commitment to reconciliation, and the growing and strengthening relationships with Autism SA and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s.

Rosemary Wanganeen, the founding CEO of the Sacred Site Within Healing Centre attended the Topping Out Ceremony, sharing with those gathered a special Welcome to Kaurna Country, and actively participating in the planting of the Grevillea. Rosemary shared that she “likes to use her Welcome to Country to incorporate an educational component …” and that the event itself was “reconciliation in action.”

Autism SA’s newly appointed Chair, Richard Price, and Phil Dautel the Tonsley Precinct Director also attended the event, sharing inspiring and heartfelt words, and participating in the planting ceremony.

The construction of the Southern Hub is the pinnacle of a successful twelve months. New directors, Chair Richard Price Treasurer Mark Morelli and Dianne Rogowski are very excited about Autism SA’s direction. Richard Price, the CEO of Defence SA and the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), has worked within the Defence and Public Safety sectors for over 25 years, bringing to Autism SA international experience in leadership, business development and engineering. Richard was voted in as the new Autism SA Chair at the last Annual General Meeting on 27 November 2019.

Mark Morelli is an Advisor and Director at Commercial & Advisory Partners and brings his experience as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) across many sectors, both in Australia and overseas, to the organisation. Mark has also been Company Secretary and CFO of Territory Generation, the largest gas user in the Northern Territory, and Board Advisor to the Power & Water Corporation.

The most recent board appointment, who also attended the Ceremony at Tonsley, is Dianne Rogowski. Dianne has a long history of diverse senior leadership roles in banking, and past experience as the CEO of the City of Tea Tree Gully. Dianne brings not only her experience and leadership skills to the organisation, but also a strong sense of community through her lived experience.

Jenny Karavolos shares her delight to be working with the new additions to the Board of Directors “The appointment of this calibre of board members to the organisation shows that we are a progressive organisation, embracing the new environment and enables us to continue to be placed to be a strong advocacy voice for autism. Through our state-of-the-art spaces and innovative practices, we are forging the way forward for social change and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum in all walks of life. We welcome Richard, Mark and Dianne to the Autism SA family”.

The little Grevillea plant will be replanted into the roof top sensory garden of the wonderful new building when construction is complete towards the beginning of 2021, where it can be admired and enjoyed by those visiting the building for many years to come.

For media enquiries, please contact Cassie Raymond, Marketing and Events Manager on 0437 366 902.

Please click here or on the image below of the entire ceremony, so you can all share in the vision for our future site and symbolic ceremony. We look forward to sharing more about what this innovative site will include and bring in the future and photos, and videos as the building progresses.

Empowering Communication Partners with AAC

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 06:08:00 GMT

Meet Bec! Bec is a Speech Pathologist at Autism SA who is passionate about supporting people, such as parents and carers, that support individuals who use AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) to communicate. AAC is a term that describes communication without speech - there are so many different ways to communicate, and speech is just one of them. In our latest video, Bec shared with us what AAC is and a sneak peek into Autism SA’s program that kicks off at Netley and Elizabeth this month:

Autism SA’s AAC program has been developed specifically for communication partners, or people who support individuals who use AAC to communicate. The program, run by Bec and Autism SA’s Speech Pathology team, empowers communication partners to build their confidence in setting goals for the individuals they support and help them to implement strategies to achieve these goals.

The program is an opportunity to develop skills and get the most out of the AAC system, and will support in:

Understanding of AAC and development of skills;
The ability to effectively use an AAC system in the environments that a person requires support;
Effective guidance of what to work on next;
Confidence building, and capacity to model language on the AAC system;
Maximising the use of the AAC system to meet the goals of the person using the system to communicate; and
Networking with others who also support a person to use AAC to communicate.

We are thrilled that we are now able to offer this program at both Autism SA’s Elizabeth and Netley sites for Semester 2 2020, to empower communication partners to help the person they support to communicate and live the life they choose. To see the impact of AAC in the community, check out this video.

If you are a communication partner and would like to learn more, or join Autism SA’s AAC program, click here.

NDIS Price Guide Annual Changes 2020/21

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 04:41:00 GMT

Each year the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) undertakes a pricing review. This year their annual changes were released on 26 June 2020.

The purpose of this page is to advise you of the changes the NDIA have made to the price guide and support catalogue from the 1st July 2020, how your NDIS plan balance will change and how Autism SA will implement these changes.

What does this mean for you?

Plan funds will be automatically indexed from 1 July to take into account the decision of the Fair Work Commission and movement in the Consumer Price Index. This will be done via a system update through your mygov account on 11 July but will be backdated to apply from 1 July.
You do not need to do anything to ensure you continue to receive the services under your current agreement with Autism SA.
Your current Service Agreement with Autism SA allows for us to adjust prices in line with the changes made by the NDIA
From 1 July 2020 Autism SA will charge the new price, if applicable, for your agreed service(s) and where applicable, we will also adjust your service booking with the NDIS.

Where to find more information?

Below you will find an overview of the pricing changes and a number of links to websites where you can read through the changes in more detail.
You can discuss this letter with us directly by speaking with one of our friendly Pathway Consultants on 1300 AUTISM (1300 288 476).
You can also email us on NDISChanges@autismsa.org.au and quote your Service Agreement number.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns. We look forward to continuing to provide quality services and supports to meet your individual participant’s goals.

An overview of changes in the 2020 / 2021 NDIS Price Guide (and Support Catalogue) - from July 1 2020

A. Changes to pricing in Capacity Building

Therapeutic and Behaviour Supports: No change from 2019/20. The rate has remained at $193.99 per hour
Psychology & Specialist Behaviour Intervention: No change from 2019/20. The rate has remained at $234.83 per hour
Support Coordination: The rate has increased from $98.06 per hour to $100.14 per hour
Specialist Support Coordination: The rate has increased from $186.58 per hour to $190.54 per hour

B. Changes to pricing in Core Supports

Services in these budgets can include;

Community-based Support
Day Options (centre-based or community-based)
Short Term Accommodation (or Respite / short stays)
School Holiday Programs
Skill Development Groups

Autism SA’s rates for these services and supports are aligned to the NDIS Price Guide. There is a range of different changes resulting in all Core supports increasing in price from pre-COVID-19 prices so please refer to the NDIS Support Catalogue here.

C. Support Catalogue

The NDIA have streamlined the number of line items within the price guide in order to make it simpler . This will not change the type of support you receive or the budget it comes from. It will just change the support item number and name.

D. Travel Funding

NDIS provides for non-labour costs associated with travel to be charged. Non-labour changes include items such as parking fees and the running costs of the vehicle.

No changes are being made to the travel rules that Autism SA applies. Claims will continue to be made for staff travel up to 30 minutes in metro areas and 60 minutes in regional areas. Travel charges will be applied based on new prices effective from 1 July 2020.

We do not charge for the non-labour costs associated with travel.

E. Cancellations

In line with the NDIS guidelines, where a short-notice cancellation applies, fees will be charged at 100% of the agreed rate of the scheduled service.

The short-notice time frame to avoid cancellation fees charged against your plan will revert back to the pre-COVID-19 conditions;

If a support is less than 8 hours continuous duration and the agreed total price for the support is less than $1,000, then you must provide at least two (2) full business days’ notice.
For any other support you must provide at least five (5) full business days’ notice.

Autism SA is keen to ensure you are getting the most out of your services so please contact us if you find you need to regularly cancel appointments and we will work on an alternate arrangement. We also may waive cancellation fees in exceptional circumstances at our discretion. We will consider the nature and frequency of cancelled appointments in determining whether to waive a cancellation fee.

Our staff will contact you in the event that Autism SA need to cancel a scheduled service, and we will make every attempt to reschedule the service. We will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible, however, please note that this is not always possible when the cancellation is needed due to staff illness. You will not be charged for a service that Autism SA cancels and cannot substitute or reschedule that is suitable.

F. Programs of Support

The NDIS price guide identifies that programs of support that are no longer than 12 weeks duration are claimable against the plan of the participant. These programs of supports are not subject to the short notice cancellation rules. Participants are able to exit from the program of supports without cost, subject to a notice period of two (2) weeks.

If this applies to your service, Autism SA will outline in the service agreement specifying the program of support, including its length, exit rules and intended outcomes.

Autism SA Infomail 2020 Editions

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 01:14:00 GMT

Being vigilant around cybersecurity

Fri, 08 May 2020 06:01:16 GMT

Dear valued Autism SA Community

I trust that you and yours are well and coping with living in these unusual times. Today I am writing to you to provide advice around the topic of “Being vigilant around cybersecurity” so that you reduce the risk of being subject to fraudulent online behaviours and cybercrime, which unfortunately has risen globally over the past 6-weeks.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (Federal Government) has advised that we all increase our online vigilance and be on the lookout for attempts by cyber criminals to target Australians through a range of COVID-19 themed scams, fraud attempts and deceptive email schemes.

As Autism SA has been continually monitoring our own emails and texts, we have noticed an increase in attempts to get around our high-level online security systems via a variety of these fraudulent means. We are continuing to ensure that we maintain effective processes to deliver confidence and ask that you also keep an eye out for any suspicious emails of text which falsely represent to be from Autism SA.

To do this, please would you check that any email/text correspondence from Autism SA comply with the following:

Is an email from an address which follows the pattern of: asurname@autismsa.org.au, we do not use gmail or any addresses which do not include @autismsa.org.au for our correspondence
On invoices, before you transfer any funds, please confirm that the bank account details haven’t been changed since last time you paid our invoice. If you’re unsure of what this should be, please give our Reception Team a call (08 8379 6976) and they’ll confirm it for you
We will never ask you for personal details such as bank account numbers, passwords or to update your records via electronic methods so please do not comply with any such requests if you receive them.

If you have any queries or concerns about an email or text/SMS that looks like it might be from Autism SA, please call us to confirm that we sent it. If you would like to know more about how to remain cyber safe at home, please read this advice from the Australian Cyber Security Centre or via this link: https://www.cyber.gov.au/news/are-you-cyber-safe-home

Thank you for your continued assistance in preventing cybercrime and I invite you to share any suggestions regarding this matter with us via feedback@autismsa.org.au.

Please do everything you can to stay healthy in mind and body, look out for those around you and check-in frequently with others. If you have any questions, including how we’re handling the COVID-19 situation, please contact our Pathways Team on 1300 AUTISM (1300 288 476) or drop us an email via feedback@autismsa.org.au.

I look forward to connecting with you again soon,

Jenny Karavolos

CEO – Autism SA

25 March 2020 CEO COVID-19 Update

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 04:16:00 GMT

Dear Autism SA community

I am writing again to provide an update to you about the steps that Autism SA has taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our clients, staff and the wider community in the light of the unfolding COVID-19 situation.

Currently, our services at Autism SA are operating and we are continuing to provide safe support to our community while meeting social distancing requirements. We are also continuing to transition many of our services and supports to be delivered effectively and remotely. I trust you’ll be delighted when you see what these include!

In this update, I am covering the following topics:

Who we are relying upon for official information, advice and alerts
Announcements of positive changes to the way we’re operating

Remote/online services
Managing groups
Increased cleaning across our sites
Hand sanitising
Hygiene of equipment and toys
Health screening/checks
Social distancing
Our staff might be working from anywhere, including their homes

What you should do if you’re feeling unwell
Invitation to provide suggestions as to how Autism SA can assist individuals and families who are self-isolating or working from home etc.
Thanks for your continuing support.

Who we are relying upon for official information, advice and alerts

Autism SA continues to closely monitor COVID-19 updates, consulting three main sources of health a safety information. These are:

Federal Government Department of Health
State Government SA Health
Workplace Health and Safety Safework SA

Announcements of some positive changes to the way we’re operating

To adapt to the COVID-19 situation, we are making positive changes to the way we operate. These are to make sure that we are providing the safest and most compliant services available. The following provides a short summary of the most recent changes and what they may mean for you:

Remote/Online Services

Our services and supports are evolving on a continual basis. We are now offering a wider range of remote services. Please contact your Pathways Team on 1300 288 476 or speak to your key contact person at Autism SA to enquire how we may have transitioned the service and/or supports we offer. You’re welcome to make any suggestions too!

Managing groups

Since my last update, there has been one new alert published by the Department of Health that directly affects our operations. In response, we will be reducing the sizes of groups, meetings, training etc. to enact the 2m² social distancing guideline, or increasing the size of the spaces they’ll be held in. This is only in play for a short period of time as we transition our group programs to be delivered remotely. For those who are currently participating in groups you will be contacted directly or talk to your Pathways Team on 1300 288 476.

Increased cleaning across our sites

As part of our efforts to prevent infection, we are taking extra measures to ensure that premises and equipment are being cleaned appropriately.

Our cleaners are now placing an extra focus on cleaning & sanitising the lift, doors, entry & exit buttons, as well as high-touchpoint areas to minimise risks. We will also be conducting daily cleans at Elizabeth.

Hand sanitising

All visitors to Autism SA sites are requested to sanitise their hands upon entering our buildings. There are gel sanitisers placed around our premises and we encourage you to use these frequently.

Hygiene of equipment and toys

Our highest priority is the hygiene of our equipment and toys. To ensure this, we have removed some of these, being the ones that we consider to be difficult to clean or to maintain sanitisation, e.g. kinetic sand, bubble mixture, toys in public spaces, pillows etc.

For you it means that you/your child may miss out on using some of the toys and equipment that they expect to find at Autism SA or have previously been employed during therapy. Our team are working to identify appropriate substitutes and we welcome any suggestions to alleviate the possible stress this may create.

Health screening/checks

If you or your child is receiving any face-to-face service from Autism SA (at one of our sites, at home or somewhere else), we ask you to undertake a Health Screening Check in accordance with government regulations (refer “What you should do if you are feeling unwell” later in this advice) prior to attending the service. We will ask you to complete a Health Check form, if we have not verified with you beforehand. This is to ensure that you’re aware of the government’s regulations for community health and safety and it’s for your own safety and those of our team and we’re safeguarding that you are declaring that you meet the government regulation.

Autism SA will continue to ensure that all isolation protocols are observed, i.e. that staff, clients, visitors etc. must self-isolate if any of the following applies to them:

you have COVID-19
you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
you arrived in Australia after midnight on 15 March 2020
you arrived from interstate since 22 March 2020.

For further information about what you should do if you’re unwell or you have been travelling outside SA, pleas refer to the graphic from SA Health, included below.

Social distancing

We have implemented social distancing protocols throughout our sites and wherever we provide our services and supports. This means that you will be reminded to maintain a distance of at least 1.5m from others in waiting areas and during 1:1 therapy, maintain good hand hygiene and cover coughs and sneezes and avoid touching your face.

We have also transitioned for many of our office staff to work remotely. This has enabled more space to be available to ensure social distancing for any service delivery at the clinics.

Our staff might be working anywhere, including their homes

Autism SA is transitioning many of our staff away from being based at our sites and enabling them to work remotely from their homes. We ask for your understanding and patience while we settle into this new way of delivering our services and support, because there may be some “teething problems” as we develop our processes and activities.

What you should do if you’re feeling unwell

On Monday, SA Health released an updated chart demonstrating what you should do if you’re feeling unwell. This graphic has been inserted below and is available for download via this link.

How can we help?

Many individuals and families are working from home or stuck at home for one reason or another and we know that this can bring several challenges at the best of times, let alone when we’re living in these uncertain times.

The Autism SA team will continue to develop new services and supports, including transitioning groups to online to alleviate some of these challenges, but we’d really like to hear from you if you have a good idea that would benefit our autism community across SA.

If you have a suggestion (and remember that NO idea is a bad idea in these times!), please send it to us via feedback@autismsa.org.au or call our InfoLine (1300 288 476) to describe it to us and we’ll do our best to work out how to make it happen!

Thank you

I know that our clients, families and our extended family of supporters and suppliers and staff are having a difficult time just now and I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your ongoing patience and respect for our team.

I am proud to say that Autism SA has not experienced any of the poor behaviours that we’ve heard of in other sectors because everyone knows that we’re working together to provide a continuity of support across our community. I thank you for your kindness and consideration towards our staff and I commend you for this, during these uncertain times.

If you have any questions or feedback around how Autism SA is managing the COVID-19 situation, please send them to us via feedback@autismsa.org.au

We are in this together and we will continue to do our upmost to ensure that we continue to be available and provide the services and supports that are needed by our community.

Until my next update, please continue to be alert but not alarmed.

Jenny Karavolos

CEO – Autism SA

CEO COVID-19 UPDATE TO THE COMMUNITY

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 01:00:00 GMT

Dear Autism SA community

The World Health Organization has announced that COVID-19(Coronavirus) is a pandemic. At the forefront of our minds is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our clients, our staff and the wider community. We would like to reassure you that we are closely monitoring protocols and updates from the Federal and State Government regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and responding to them accordingly.

From the start of this week we are accelerating our strategies to keep you informed about the COVID-19 virus and Autism SA’s response to the unfolding situation. This is to:

• provide you with a clear source of information

• reassure you that we are remaining vigilant and are continuing to act on the most recent formal information, advice and alerts being released by official channels, and

• provide you with visibility of our actions in response to this constantly changing environment.

What is Autism SA doing about the COVID-19 situation?

Currently, all aspects of Autism SA are operating to enable support to our community. We will continue to review our position based on Department of Health advice and will communicate with you as changes occur. You might see and hear about new measures and procedures being implemented to implement infection control, social distancing protocols and other ways of protecting our collective well-being and service continuity.

In support of this decision, the following summarises the steps we are currently taking for the safety of all:

• maintaining a high level of communication with our staff to ensure they are well informed and safe

• consistent with Government advice, we are asking staff, clients and other visitors who have been overseas during the past 14 days and people who have been in contact with a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 to self-isolate and remain in quarantine for 2 weeks or until they have received medical clearance

• formed a specific, internal Autism SA COVID-19 Task Force who are keeping informed and working on scenario planning to enable service continuity, while ensuring your well-being

• suspending all domestic business travel using public forms of transport

• our staff and those entering Autism SA sites must practise good hand hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading (please refer below for further information)

• applied additional practices during any workshops, including:

- increasing the spacing between people attending training

- increasing ventilation

- reducing the number of attendees to a maximum of 20

- providing a range of hygiene materials and encouraging their use, e.g. hand sanitisers, tissues

- avoiding activities where people move around spaces and come into close contact with others

- ensuring all materials and surfaces have been sterilised prior to use.

We also have available a number of innovative alternative methods to face to face for delivery of effective services and supports. Please contact your key contact point at Autism SA or phone 1300 288 476 for more information if interested.

We will use the following communication channels to provide this information to you:

• Autism SA website

• Autism SA’s social media channels

• Autism SA’s newsletter (“Infomail”)

• Personal correspondence to you.

Lower down on this advice is information on how to protect yourself from COVID-19 and what you can do to assist others if you or they are concerned about infection.

Who are we relying upon for official information, advice and alerts?

Autism SA is following trusted, official Australian sources of information as they become updated, i.e.

• Federal Government Department of Health

• State Government SA Health

• Workplace Health and Safety Safework SA

Do you have questions or feedback?

We appreciate that this is a difficult time for many and would like to assure you that we are taking precautions to minimise risks to our community.

If you have any feedback or questions around how Autism SA is managing the COVID-19 situation, please send them to us at feedback@autismsa.org.au

Thank you for doing your part to help keep our families, workplaces and communities safe, and for supporting one another as we navigate this unusual situation together.

And remember, prevention is the best way to avoid becoming unwell so keep washing those hands!

Jenny Karavolos

CEO – Autism SA

WHAT IS COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with symptoms ranging from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person. At the time of writing, the World Health Organisation (WHO) assure us that good hygiene and non-contact with infected people can prevent infection. More information is available here.

The following fact sheet has also been issued to help people to identify their symptoms and decide whether to seek medical advice, or not.

What you can do to protect yourself and others?

Hygiene

Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

- wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet. You may have heard that the recommended amount of time to wash your hands can be measured by singing the “happy birthday” song twice

- cover your coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser (available in your workplace or from our Receptions)

- wipe down your workspace before and starting work, particularly the surfaces you touch

- and if unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people) and seek medical advice from your GP.

Self-identify if you are at risk and follow the Department of Health’s advice

This advice is from the national Department of Health’s COVID-19 Health Alert. Please read and follow the directive to isolate yourself if you identify as being at risk.

In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have recently been in in a high risk country/region and people who have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of coronavirus.

If you have returned from a country or region that is at higher risk for COVID-19, you cannot attend work if you work in a setting with vulnerable people.

Ask your GP or 1800 020 080

While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness—not coronavirus.

If you have concerns about your health, contact your GP or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services for your family, call 131 450.

What you can do to assist your family and local community

Autism SA is not able to provide health advice on COVID-19.

Please recommend that anyone who asks you for advice contacts:

Their GP
The National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
National Coronavirus translation service 131 450.

If you are seeking a visual story to help understand or explain the COVID-19 situation, please download this excellent Guide prepared by The Growing Space.

Autism SA will develop further appropriate responses to enquiries from our community in the immediate future.

The Spectrum

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 03:41:00 GMT

MEDIA RELEASE 28 January 2020

Autism SA is excited to launch The Spectrum, a national online resource providing answers to your questions about autism.

In 2018, 205,200 Australians were reported on the autism spectrum by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (up by 25% since 2015).

This has driven an increasing need for autism-related information across the nation, with autism SA receiving over 10,000 enquiries in the last two years. The enquiries have been wide-ranging, coming from parents, educators, GPs and other health care workers, autistic teens and adults, family members and carers, among others.

Working closely with individuals on the spectrum and families, the broader autism community, other experts and allied health professionals, Autism SA has developed an online resource called ‘The Spectrum’ which provides 24/7 access to evidence-informed autism information. The creation of the website has been funded by the NDIS through an Information, Linkages and Capacity (ILC) Building – National Readiness Grant.

Chief Executive Officer of Autism SA Jenny Karavolos says, “The Spectrum was born out of the need to make easily accessible pre- and post-diagnostic information for families, individuals and professionals to aid them with pertinent and reliable information. The core aim of this digital resource is to address the primary questions that people may have regarding autism”.

During the research and development phase of the website, many families and individuals across the autism community were consulted and they contributed to the development of the website by providing lived experience, guidance, content, videos and generously sharing their own stories. “One of the main things I like to explain is that people with autism have varied abilities and character traits, there’s not one single experience of autism” says Zoran Bekric, a member of the site’s reference community.

“This one-stop, digital resource aims to meet the needs of our community by offering evidence-informed information to people when they need it and when it suits them – whether it’s before school or work, late at night or during that very short time in-between life’s demands !” comments Jenny Karavolos. The information content is based on harnessing the breadth and depth of many years of rich expertise.

The website’s design and content provide a user friendly and accessible resource, written with an Easy English approach and translated into five of the most commonly spoken languages in Australia. The Spectrum answers the most commonly asked questions about autism and provides a comprehensive resource list to help guide visitors towards more information and support, during any stage of their autism journey.

“We’re grateful for the support and contribution of the autism community and the NDIS to develop this great resource. We are delighted we can make this available and we are confident that it will make a significant difference to Australians seeking reliable information and support about the topic of autism in their families, schools, workplaces and communities”, says Jenny.

The Spectrum website, www.thespectrum.org.au launched today, Tuesday 28 January 2020.

Helping people on the spectrum to cope with bushfires and other disasters

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 01:22:00 GMT

It is hard to overstate the devastation that has been wrought by the bushfires that have ravaged South Australia and much of the rest of the country throughout December 2019 and January 2020.

In particular, the destruction in the Adelaide Hills and the devastation that has occurred on Kangaroo Island, where almost 200,000 hectares have been affected, have hit both locals and the wider community hard. Lives have been lost, property destroyed, and our television news and social media pages are full of heart-wrenching images of the literally hundreds of millions of animals who have been killed or had their habitats destroyed.

It is hard not to be affected by the sight of so much destruction, and many people have been affected in ways that are likely to leave a long-lasting effect.

As society as a whole comes to terms with the aftermath of the fires, there will be much discussion about causes and how similar fires might be prevented in the future. However, talking about the fires, the damage they caused and what should follow, could be especially challenging for people on the spectrum. Read more.....