Autism Support

213 The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().8 February 2023). Can the Premier advise:

1. What is the total number of children in South Australia attending government preschools who are learning with autism?

2. How many additional autism-qualified staff will be appointed to government preschools this financial year?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Education, Training and Skills has advised:

It is not possible to categorically quantify the number of autistic children attending preschools.

As part of our election commitment to make autism-qualified staff in preschools a preferred criterion, all preschool job advertisements now include qualifications in autism (or equivalent experience where considered appropriate) as desirable.