(S. Australia) $20M (U.S.) for autism isn't getting services fast enough for parents

June 29, 2025, Daily Motion: South Australian government invest in autism inclusion teachers 

South Australia’s government has poured millions into hiring autism inclusion teachers and providing extra support for school children with special needs. But one mother says her six-year-old and thousands of other autistic children are still not getting the help they need.

VIDEO:

Oaklan Carter loves to play and learn. The six year old has autism, ADHD and epilepsy. He started school last year, but began to struggle as the class size grew.

Paige Carter: He doesn’t qualify for special ed, but he doesn’t fit in mainstream. There’s nothing for our kids in-between

He now goes to school only three times a week for 90 minutes.  

Paige: He says things such as ‘I hate my brain. My brain’s stupid.’ Things like that. It’s really awful.

Paige Carter and Oaklan were front and center when Emily Burke became SA’s first Assistant Minister for Autism almost three years ago. She now feels her family and the autism community have been let down. . . .

The government says it’s delivered important changes including a dedicated Office for Autism and a Five Year Autism Strategy. Nearly $30 million [$20M U.S.] has also been invested and more than 400 part-time positions for autism inclusion teachers.

Official: That change isn’t going to happen overnight.  It is going to take time because we’re undoing learnings that have been in place for decades.

But the state’s big autism body says it’s understandable that parents like Paige Carter expect change to come sooner.

Official: She represents perhaps a good portion of the autistic and autism community, particularly the parents of autistic students who feel change hasn’t happened quick enough. . . .

Paige: Our kids shouldn’t be left behind just because it’s going to cost more money. Our kids deserve an education just like any other child.

The state government says the education department has been working with the family to find the right solution for Oaklan.