Support for children aged 0-6

 The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) fund the Federal Helping Children With Autism (HCWA) package, together with the Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations and the Department of Health and Ageing.

Autism Advisory Service and FaHCSIA Early Intervention funding

Children who meet eligibility criteria may access funding for early intervention services and resources until their 7^th birthdays.

To register or for more information, please contact the ACT Autism Advisory Service.

• phone: 02 6176 0515
• email: advisor@autismaspergeract.com.au

Early Days

Early Days is a series of workshops for mothers, fathers, carers and families of young children (0 – 6 years) who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder or who are going through the assessment and diagnostic process. 

These workshops are provided free of charge, funded by the federal governments Helping Children with Autism package and delivered by local facilitators. 

For more information and to register, see the ‘Early Days’ section of our website, or click here.

Raising Children Network online

The Raising Children Network includes resources for children with an ASD.

• Learn about autism
• Search the Guide to Therapies
• Use the local Service Pathfinder
• Post on the Parent Forum

Click here to visit the website.

Positive Partnerships online

Positive Partnerships offer resources to improve the educational outcomes of children with an ASD. Anyone can access online learning and videos to learn more about ASD.

The website includes fact sheets for teachers and parents on topics such as early intervention, diet, decision making and communication  between teachers and parents.

There are tools such as the Planning Matrix to assist parents and teachers with setting goals for children.

Visit Positive Partnerships or phone 1800 171 882.

Medicare

Several Medicare rebates are available to families to support assessment and treatment. 

Click below to print a fact sheet about the Medicare rebates you might access.

PlayConnect

PlayConnect playgroups help families with children with an ASD, or with ASD like symptoms. Kids up to 6 years old can attend, siblings are welcome and groups are free! PlayConnect runs during the school term.  

Tuesdays, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Therapy ACT at HOLDER

Wednesdays, 9:30am - 11:30am, Giralang Preschool, GIRALANG

Saturdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Community Hub, COOK

My Time and PlayConnect group

Mondays, 12:30pm - 2:30pm, Letchworth Neighborhood Centre, QUEANBEYAN Please phone Angela on 0438 661 604 if you wish to attend

Click below to print a flyer.

Play Together

Separate from the Helping Children With Autism package, Play Together groups are playgroupsavailable for children aged 0-5 with a developmental delay, disability or chronic illness which siblings under 5 are also encouraged to attend.

Playing Together is jointly funded and supported by the ACT and Federal Governments, ACT and NSW Playgroup Associations and the ACT Child and Family Centres.

Update! Tuggeranong's group have secured an Art Therapist for Term 3 who will support the Development and Support Worker with fun and appropriate activities.

Wednesdays, 9:45am - 11:45am, Child and Family Centre, GUNGAHLIN

Thursdays, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Child and Family Centre, WEST BELCONNEN

Fridays, 9:30am - 11:30am, Child and Family Centre, TUGGERANONG

For more information about PlayConnect or Play Together visit ACT Playgroups or phone 1800 171 882. Families can show up to groups but it is best to register your interest first.