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