Ask us a question

Popular Pages

Welcome to The Spectrum

We embrace neurodiversity and are passionate about raising an understanding about how different ways of thinking can benefit us, our communities, and our world.

If you feel that you, your child, or a person you care about may be on the autism spectrum, you’re not alone, and we’re here to answer your questions.

Autism SA recognizes that language is a powerful way to promote positivity and to influence perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs. Language preferences are deeply individual.

To reflect the diversity of language preferences of the wider Autism SA community, in our published works and other material including The Spectrum, we us both identity first (autistic) and person first (person on the autism spectrum) language.

Also discover 'The Spectrum: A guide to supporting a child on the autism spectrum'. Click here to learn more and secure this essential pdf guide at a pocket-friendly price!

My Child and Autism Online Modules

My child and autism online modules are designed for families and carers of children aged 0-6 years who have or are in the process of being assessed for an autism diagnosis.

Read More

Getting a diagnosis

If you feel as though you, your child, or someone you care about is on the autism spectrum, start by getting to know the signs and characteristics relating to autism.

If signs of autism are identified, the next step may be to speak with your General Practitioner (GP) to get a referral for an autism assessment

Strategies & Practices

Understanding how autism will impact on you, your child, or your loved one’s life will allow you to support challenges and build on strengths.

Because everyone experiences autism differently, the strategies and practices used will be different for everyone and should be designed to meet your or your loved ones specific developmental needs and goals.

Support & Services

If you, your child or someone you care about has been diagnosed with autism, you will want the very best care and support.
If you’re entering into a world of new appointments and consultations there are a vast number of highly qualified support professionals, with significant experience working with people on the autism spectrum, who can support you on your journey.

Video

Autism & Me

Members of the autism community and their families share lived experience on their autism journeys.

Video Transcription

Autism Community

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.

— Zoran Bekric

Autism Community

I have Asperger’s syndrome and that means I’m sometimes a bit different from the norm. And - given the right circumstances - being different is a superpower.

— Greta Thunberg

Autism Community

I would play with numbers in a way that other kids would play with their friends.

— Daniel Tammet

Autism Community

People on the spectrum experience the neurotypical world as relentlessly unpredictable and chaotic, perpetually turned up too loud, and full of people who have little respect for personal space.

— Steve Silberman

Autism Community

Everyone has a mountain to climb and autism has not been my mountain, it has been my opportunity for victory.

— Rachel Barcellona

Autism Community

Although people with autism look like other people physically, we are in fact very different in many ways. We are more like travellers from the distant, distant past. And if, by being here, we could help the people of the world remember what truly matters for the Earth, that would give us a quiet pleasure.

— Naoki Higashida

Scroll to top
Autism SA

T (08) 8379 6976

6-8 MAB Circuit
Tonsley SA 5042

The Spectrum is an Autism SA initiative

Autism SA, established in 1964 was the first of its kind in Australia to provide specialised consulting and services to people on the autism spectrum.

Funding by the NDIS through the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building – National Readiness Grants.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we’re on and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge our gratitude that we share this land today, our sorrow for the costs of that sharing, and our hope and belief that we can move to a place of equity, justice, and partnership together.

  • Protected by Copyscape




    Copyright of Autism Association of South Australia – © 2024. All rights reserved.

    Popup Plugin
    ×

    PLEASE NOTE:

    The Spectrum has not been designed for Internet Explorer and may not display or function as expected, we recommend you consider using an alternate browser..