Cultural Advice

Aboriginal Peoples are advised the Library Collection contains images, voices and names of deceased people in physical and online resources.

The Library recognises the significance of the traditional cultural knowledges contained within its Collection. The Library acknowledge some materials contain language that may not reflect current attitudes, was published without consent or recognition, or, is offensive. These materials reflect the views of the authors and/or the period in which they were produced and do not represent the views of the Library.

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World Autism Awareness Day

2 April is World Autism Awareness day

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. The degree of functional impairment due to autism is different for each individual, hence why it is described as a 'spectrum'.

People with ASD commonly mask or camouflage to better fit in with those around them. This can involve suppressing behaviours that others may perceive as strange, mimicking non-verbal behaviours of neurotypical people, or developing complex scripts to get by in social situations. Recent research found that the main reason reported by people with ASD for needing to spend so much time camouflaging is society's lack of awareness and acceptance of autism (Bradley et al., 2021). This research also highlights the detrimental effect masking and camouflaging has on mental health.

As the prevalence of ASD is increasing in both adults and children, awareness and acceptance of this condition is required to foster an inclusive and supportive environment at UniSA and in society more broadly. There are several Australian organisations who provide resources for people with ASD, their families, and information for the general public.

The Library is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for all. Library support includes:

  • Multi-access suites: These suites provide provide a dignified, private and appropriate space that supports the needs a diverse range of people. They are available to all members of the University community, however, access is managed by FM Assist.
  • Adaptive technology suites: These suites are available at each metropolitan campus library for students with disabilities or medical conditions who require specialised software or equipment. The Library can also arrange the conversion of readings and other learning resources into formats suitable for students with disabilities. Students need to register via Access & Inclusion > Access plans.
  • Silent study areas: Designated areas within the Library for silent individual study.
  • Off Campus Library Service: This service provides postal or email delivery of library resources and documents to eligible students who may not be able to visit our campus libraries in person.
  • Sensory-friendly Library tours during SP2 and SP5 orientation.

Resources

Find out more about ASD from resources in the Library collection:

References

Bradley, L., Shaw, R., Baron-Cohen, S., & Cassidy, S. (2021). Autistic Adults' Experiences of Camouflaging and Its Perceived Impact on Mental Health. Autism in adulthood: Challenges and management, 3(4), 320–329. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0071

Contact us

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

International students

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

For further information please visit unisa.edu.au/study
Information correct at the time of publication. CRICOS provider number 00121B.
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