Young Citizen of the Year Award 2019
Scout Sylva-Richardson

Citizens who have made a noteworthy contribution during the previous year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years.

Fourteen year old Scout Sylva-Richardson, of Mile End, was recognised for her tenacity in helping educate young people about autism as she wrote and published an illustration book called ‘Excuse Me, Can I Tell You Something’ about her brother Jay who has autism.

A story about Scout was featured in the most recent issue of Talking Points where she spoke about why she decided to write a book about her brother, as children outside of Jay’s school did not understand how autism effected Jay.

The book, which was illustrated by Jay and Scout’s stepsister, has been distributed to schools, libraries, Autism SA and other relevant organisations and in November Scout was announced as a finalist in the 2018 Human Rights Commission Humanitarian Young Person’s Medal.

 Pictured: Mayor Michel Coxon with recipient Scout Sylva-Richardson.