Helping Children with Autism Package from the Federal Government

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/services-help_child_autism.htm

The Australian Government has committed $190 million for four years to June 2012 to deliver the Helping Children with Autism package. The package will help address the considerable need for support and services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).

The Helping Children with Autism package is the first national initiative to help families deal with this challenging disorder and is a major breakthrough in support for children and their families.

Research has shown that two years of early intervention in a child's pre-school years makes a substantial contribution to their development. Children with an ASD up to six years of age who have not yet commenced full time school will have access to early intervention services under the Helping Children with Autism package.

A number of initiatives will be implemented nationally by the Departments of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), Health and Ageing (DoHA), and Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

FaHCSIA is working very closely with DoHA, DEEWR and state and territory government agencies to ensure that new investment in supporting children with autism is delivered in a collaborative and coordinated way that augments activity that is already available.

FaHCSIA will oversee the implementation of the following initiatives:
education and support for families and carers of children with ASDs, and
increased access to early intervention programs for children aged zero to six years of age with ASDs.

All initiatives include support for families, carers and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as rural and remote areas.


More information
For more information about the Helping Children with Autism package:
phone 1800 289 177, or
email asd@fahcsia.gov.au

http://content.enewslettersonline.com/17743/20031.html#SA1

PlayConnect Playgroups are here to help families with children with autism, it's about connecting with other families. Any family that has a child aged from 0-6 years who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ASD-like behaviours, is welcome to join a PlayConnect Playgroup.


From the webiste:
Thanks to everyone who filled in and returned an Expression of Interest (EOI) form to Playgroup Australia. The information collected has been valuable in planning the development of the PlayConnect Playgroups Program.
If you haven't yet sent in an EOI, please go to the website, fill out the form and send it back to them either by:
- fax to 07 3394 8449 or
- post to 433 Logan Rd, Stones Corner Q 4120

Australian Autism Education & Training Consortium (AAETC)

The Positive Partnerships: supporting school aged students on the autism spectrum project will deliver the two components of the Helping Children with Autism package being implemented by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The aim of both components is to improve the educational outcomes for school aged children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

The two components are:
1) professional development for teachers and other school staff who are working with students with ASD (Professional Development Component); and

2) workshops and information sessions for parents and carers of school aged children with ASD (Parent/Carer Component).

Both components will be delivered nationally by the Australian Autism Education and Training Consortium (AAETC).

http://webspace.autismtraining.com.au/

The workshops are locked in for next year .The dates and locations can be accessed at www.autismtraining.com.au or phone 1300 881 971

Registrations open one month before. Also you can register your interest at any time and receive alerts.

The venue for these Perth parent/carer workshop to be held on 10 & 11 March will be held at Arena Joondalup, Kennadya Drive Joondalup WA. The registration page is now available. Please click on the link below this will take you to the registration page.

http://www.autismtraining.com.au/sections/parentsCarers/index.cfm?menuId=register&action=register