In October 2007, the Australian Government allocated $190 million for its Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package. The funding is implemented by three Government Departments. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR: See http://www.deewr.gov.au/schooling/HelpingChildrenwithAutism/Pages/Helpin...) offers workshops for families and professional development for teachers and other school staff working with children diagnosed with an ASD (more information is available on their website). The Positive Partnerships online workshops are available to parents with a school aged child with an ASD. Visit: www.autismtraining.com.au or phone 1300 881 971 for more information. The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA:see http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-aut...) oversees the Medicare items (more information is available on their website). The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA: see http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/service...) oversees a number of initiatives.
- Early Intervention Payments: Funding for early intervention programs for children aged zero to six diagnosed with an ASD. Please phone the Autism Advisory Service ACT on (02) 6176 0515 for further information.
- ASD PlayConnect playgroups run in the ACT.
PlayConnect Playgroups are currently running at the following locations:
- Cook Hub, Cook Monday 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Therapy ACT, Holder Tuesday 10:00am–12:00pm
- Giralang Preschool Wednesday 9:30am-11:30am
- Therapy ACT, Holder Wednesday 12:30pm–2:30pm
- Tuggeranong Child & Family Centre Friday 11am-1pm
- Education and support for families and carers of children aged zero to six diagnosed with an ASD. The ACT Early Days workshops are offered online and in person, differing in content. Please visit www.earlydays.net.au for online workshops and http://www.autismaspergeract.com.au/content/early-days to register for a face to face workshop.
- Six ASD-specific Early Learning and Care Centres: Unfortunately there are currently no early learning and care centres in the ACT.
- Autism Advisor Program: As a part of the Helping Children with Autism initiative, an Autism Advisory Service has been established. The role of the Autism Advisors is to provide information on the Helping Children with Autism initiative, to help families access the early intervention funding and to provide general information on Autism services and resources in the ACT. Please phone (02) 6176 0515 for information.