Autism Advisor Program
The Autism Advisor Program is funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and provides information and support to families and carers of children aged 0-6 years with a diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Advisors provide advice and information about early intervention services that can help families address their child’s specific needs, and on all aspects of the Helping Children with Autism Package including assisting families to access the Early Intervention Funding Package and the Early Intervention Service Provider Panel.
For further information, please contact Autism SA Info Line on 1300 288 476 and an Autism Advisor will contact you.
What can an Autism Advisor do?
An Autism Advisor can assist you with (but is not limited to):
· Early intervention funding
· Parent support groups
· Parent and carer workshops
· Playgroups
· Medicare reimbursements for therapy, diagnosis and assessment
· Resources and other support options
Who is eligible for the Helping Children with Autism Funding?
The Autism Advisor Program provides support to families who have a child aged 0-6 with a diagnosis of:
· Autism
· Asperger syndrome
· Rett’s Disorder
· Childhood Disintergrative Disorder
· Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
All eligible children can access the early intervention funding of up to $12,000 (up to $6,000 per financial year) to be used for specific multidisciplinary, evidence-based early intervention. Click here for more information on the Helping Children with Autism Funding.
Links to websites for the Early Intervention Service Providers
Talk Speech Pathology, Training and Resources: www.talktraining.com.au
ISADD (WA) Pty LTD: www.isadd.org
Novita Children's Services Inc: www.novita.org.au
Key Early Years: www.keyearlyyears.com
Autism SA: www.autismsa.org.au/
Head Start Interventions: www.headstartis.com.au
Other Helping Children with Autism Federal Initiatives
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
PlayConnect Playgroups (provided by Playgroup Australia)
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Playgroup Program targets children aged zero to six with ASDs or ASD-like symptoms. Children will not require a formal diagnosis of an ASD to attend a playgroup.
http://www.playconnect.com.au
info@playgroupaustralia.com.au
1800 790 335
Early Days Workshops
The Early Days Workshops are aimed at equipping parents and carers of children with ASDs or ASD like symptoms to more effectively manage the pressures they face in raising their children at home.
www.earlydays.net.au
1800 334 155
Raising Children Network
The children with Autism Spectrum Disorder section of this website provides impartial and evidence-based information, online resources and interactive functions to support parents, families, carers and professionals.
www.raisingchildren.net.au/autism
Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres
Six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres are being established across Australia. They provide early learning programs and specific support for children with ASDs.
asdchildcare@fahcsia.gov.au
Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA)
Medicare
DoHA has made new Medicare items available for children aged under 13 years (for diagnosis and treatment planning) and under 15 years (for treatment).
http://www.health.gov.au/autism
epc.items@health.gov.au
DoHA helpline: (02) 6289 4297
Medicare Australia: 132 011
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
Positive Partnerships
The Positive Partnerships initiatives provide training sessions for teachers and other school staff and for families of school aged children with ASDs through the Australian Autism Education and Training Consortium.
http://www.autismtraining.com.au