June 2007

More help for families of children with autism

State Government grants worth nearly $7 million will help families with children who have a disability of developmental delay, including autism.

Minister for Children Lisa Neville said she had allocated grants worth nearly $149,000 to five early childhood intervention agencies that provide services predominantly for children with autism and their families.

This money will be used to purchase specialised equipment, toys and play materials that help intellectual, sensory, physical, social and emotional development.

The five centres are Gateways Support Services, Irabina Childhood Autism Services, Early Childhood Autism Services—a partnership between Broad Insight Group and Yooralla, Noah’s Ark and Kalparrin Early Childhood Intervention Program.

This is part of a grant of nearly $600,000 for all 54 early childhood intervention services across Victoria that also provide support for families with children with autism.

These announcements come on top of the $6.2 million allocated in the recent State Budget for improved early childhood intervention places.

This money will allow an additional 150 places and 150 enhanced packages for young children with disabilities or developmental delay, including autism.

As part of Addressing Disadvantage, the Government is also developing an Autism State Plan in partnership with Autism Victoria that covers all age groups.

This is the first State Plan to be developed in Australia dealing specifically with autism and aims to evaluate the demand on services and develop strategies for improving the system.

National and overseas evidence-based practice and frameworks will be considered in developing the plan.

A broad consultation process will occur with individuals with autism, their families and carers, service providers and experts with the draft plan ready for consideration towards the end of next year.

‘The Autism State Plan is an opportunity to create the best possible start in life for children with autism spectrum disorders and would enable young people and adults with autism spectrum disorders to achieve their personal best,’ said Autism Victoria’s Meredith Ward.

•             For more information about the Autism State Plan and the consultation process visit http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/pdpd/html/strat_proj.htm.