South Australia’s Government has announced a new programme to offer free autism assessments to eligible adults, alongside research designed to improve how assessments are carried out in the state. The proposal builds on existing services and follows consultation with people on the autism spectrum and clinical experts.
Officials say the initiative, funded through the Office for Autism, will partner with private providers to deliver the assessments and gather data on the individual and community effects of formal diagnosis in adulthood. The research component will draw on insights from people with lived experience to help shape future pathways.
Premier Peter Malinauskas described the move as a response to feedback from the autistic community and health professionals. “We have listened carefully to what people have told us about the challenges they face when seeking an assessment,” he said. “This targeted approach aims to make that process more accessible for adults who qualify.”
The plan follows an existing programme in northern Adelaide, where students have received free assessments through a partnership with disability provider Solasta. Supporters of the adult trial hope it will extend that kind of early access to those who missed out earlier in life.
Advocates welcomed the announcement while urging clarity on eligibility and capacity. “Adult assessments can be hard to access, and having a trial like this is promising,” said one advocate with experience of navigating the diagnosis system. “It will be important to see how many appointments are available and how the findings will influence broader policy.”
Critics cautioned that pilot projects need clear benchmarks to show whether they improve access in a meaningful way across the state. “Assessment waiting lists are lengthy in many regions,” a health sector commentator said. “For this to be truly effective, there must be a plan for sustainable funding and support beyond the trial.”
The Office for Autism will work with community organisations and other government agencies to identify eligible participants. At present, details such as assessment locations and the timeframe for the research have not been released.
The announcement comes as part of broader work by the Malinauskas Government on disability inclusion. Over the past term, the administration has invested in programs designed to support autistic South Australians, including funding for school-based assessment and inclusion services.
Ahead of the next election, the Government has also put forward a proposal to invest $10 million in upgrading public schools with inclusive design elements, such as sensory spaces and adapted classrooms. Supporters argue these changes can help students concentrate and participate fully at school.
Community groups have generally supported increased investment in inclusive infrastructure while calling for transparent evaluation of outcomes. Parents and carers have said that improvements to physical environments and diagnostic services could ease pressure on families and educators alike.
As the adult assessment trial gets under way, both advocates and some service providers will be watching closely to see how it performs in practice. Many agree that clearer pathways to diagnosis and support would be welcome, particularly in regional areas where services can be harder to access.
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