CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr GEORGANAS (Adelaide) (10:39): Today I rise to speak about the Australian youth civic engagement initiative that invites young people to write to their members of parliament and to write a short speech with their vision for Australia's future. I was lucky to receive the speech by young Sebastian, a 12-year-old in my electorate. His speech reads: An important issue that will shape the future of Australians and that has affected me, my family, and many others, is inclusion in schools.

School made me feel constantly scared, stressed and as though I was wrong. The main issue was the 'one size fits all' approach. As an autistic person this approach excludes me, and many other people that have disabilities.

My experience was that I was constantly told to be like everyone else, even when I needed to move and could not switch my brain to a new topic every 20 minutes as I am monotropic. I feel schools should be inclusive of all people, and not have immediate expectations that everyone can or needs to stop, sit and listen with eye contact, as this can be unrealistic for someone with autism.

We need schools to become much more neuro affirming; which means allowing people to be themselves rather than focus on changing people. This must be done because constantly telling children that they are wrong (by correction) can be very harmful to their wellbeing. Parliament can take meaningful action by consulting with the autism community to gather an understanding of school can't, which disproportionately affects autistic people, and create a plan of action as to how schools can radically change to be inclusive.

With more inclusive schools, we will have a healthier community. That was young Sebastian, 12 years old, and I thank him very much for sending me that letter, giving us an insight into his world and what should be done. Australian children like Sebastian deserve every opportunity to thrive, reach their full potential and live the life that they choose.

Many initiatives are proposed and many have come to fruition. The South Australian government have worked very hard to improve support services and outcomes for autistic Australians and their families. In one of the significant milestones for the community in South Australia, it has become the very first state in the nation to appoint a dedicated minister for autism.

Sebastian, we see you, we hear you and your stories do matter. Thank you for your courage and sharing your experiences and shining the light on the challenges that many individuals and families continue to face, because every Australian deserves to feel valued.