Australian Association for Families of Children with Disability

To be eligible for support, children must have a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Retts Syndrome. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) according to criteria listed in (DSM) IV. There are age eligibility criteria for different parts of the package.

The diagnosis of ASD must have been made under the new Medicare items or by a state or territory government assessment service or by a private paediatrician or psychiatrist.

In February 2009 the Australian Government revised the eligibility criteria for children accessing the early intervention funding through the Helping Children with Autism initiative so that children up to the age of seven, in specific circumstances, can receive funding.

The eligibility criteria are:

All eligible children up to the age of six years will have access to the early intervention funding under the Helping Children with Autism package regardless of whether or not they have commenced school.

From the child’s sixth birthday until they turn seven years of age, special consideration may be given that would allow continued access to the funding. This will be determined by an Autism Advisor on a case by case basis.

What the package includes

Early intervention
• Up to $12,000 over two years for children aged 0–6 diagnosed with an ASD to assist with the cost of early intervention.
• Autism Advisors to provide information, advice and practical help to families following diagnosis.
• An additional $2,000 for families in rural or remote areas.

Medicare items
As of 1 July, 2008 new Medicare items were introduced for:
• Diagnosis and treatment plans for children under 13 years.
• Up to 4 services in total per child for psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists to collaborate with the psychiatrist or paediatrician on the assessment.
• Up to 20 services in total per child for early intervention services provided by psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists following diagnosis.

Professional development for teachers and other school staff
• Specialised training to support school students with ASD to achieve better educational outcomes.
• Funding for parents and carers to attend workshops and information sessions and to access online workshops and information.

For more information visit www.autismtraining.com.au

Specialised play groups
• 150 playgroups for children aged 0–6 years with ASD or ASD like symptoms offering play based learning opportunities for children and social support networks for families and carers.

ASD website
A new website for parents of children with autism, carers and professionals was launched by Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, on 24 February, 2009. It includes information, online resources, a services pathfinder and parent forums. The website provides impartial, evidence-based information about ASD and early intervention.

For more information visit http://raisingchildren.net.au/children_with_autism/children_with_autism_landing.html

Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres

Successful applicants for the first three of six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres were announced on World Autism Day on 2 April. The centres will provide early learning programs and specific supports for children with autism spectrum disorder aged 0 to 6.

The successful service providers were La Trobe University Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (Melbourne), the Daphne Street Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (Adelaide) and the KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (Sydney).

For more information about the Helping children with Autism package phone 1800 289 177 or visit www.fahcsia.gov.au/autism

Autism Advisor services for children aged 0–6

Australian Capital Territory
Autism Aspergers ACT Inc
Phone (02) 6290 1984
http://autism.anu.edu.au

New South Wales
Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) NSW
Phone (02) 8977 8377
www.aspect.org.au

Northern Territory
Autism NT in conjunction with the Autism Association of South Australia Inc
Phone (08) 8948 4450
www.autismnt.com.au

Queensland
Autism Queensland Inc
Phone (07) 3273 0000
www.autismqld.com.au

South Australia
Autism Association of South Australia Inc
Phone (08) 8379 6976
www.autismsa.org.au

Tasmania
Autism Tasmania Inc
Phone 1300 288 476
www.autismtas.org.au

Victoria
Autism Victoria Inc
Phone (03) 9885 0533
www.autismvictoria.org.au

Western Australia
Autism Association of Western Australia
Phone (08) 9489 8900
www.autism.org.au