We have a range of specially-designed sports programs for children and adults on the spectrum, commencing Term 1, 2012. Please register your interest to: louisew@autismaspergeract.com.au

BY JACQUELINE WILLIAMS 19 Oct, 2011 04:00 AM

Kate Agyemang's daily routine involves cleaning, dressing and feeding her teenage son, picking him up from school, and attending to his every need.

While she manages to squeeze in a few hours of work in between, that's the extent of her social interaction with the outside world.

''That's the usual thing you do for a much younger child, but with Sam it will go on year after year,'' Ms Agyemang said.

Ms Agyemang's son Sam, 13, suffers from autism, among other complaints.

She said the lack of after-school care options for disabled teenagers, where they receive extra learning and social opportunities, was ''a major system failure''.

Her opinion is shared by numerous families in similar circumstances.

Micah Wilson, 12, brings far more to Trinity Christian School than he takes from it, according to principal Carl Palmer.

But as a student with an autism disorder who needs additional assistance including a teacher's aid, Micah also costs more than the average student to educate.

Students with disabilities have historically been wedged between different funding regimes for government and non-government schools.

AUSTRALIAN experts have urged caution following US research suggesting screening for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can begin as early as age one year.

Paediatricians in the US screened 10,479 infants at their one-year check-up using a five-minute parent report questionnaire, finding 184 who required evaluation.

Joy Burch, ACT Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services will officially open Autism Asperger ACT’s new offices at the Chifley Health & Wellbeing Hub at our December meeting, Wednesday 1^stDecember.

Join us at 7.30 for 7.45 for Christmas drinks and nibbles, with the official opening at 8.00 pm.

Chifley Health & Wellbeing Centre, cnr Eggleston & Maclaurin Cres, Chifley, 2606 (via YMCA entry)

Steve Doszpot, Shadow Minister for Disabilities will talk to association members about his recent trip to the UK where he visited facilities providing services for people with ASD.

Steve is not an expert on ASD but he is very interested as reflected by his visit to the UK. 

There will be an opportunity to share experiences with Steve.

When:  Wed 3rd November (monthly meeting)

Help us raise much needed funds by joining us for pre-theatre and interval refreshments at the Canberra Theatre showing of Rain Main.  Presented by the Ensemble Theatre, Alex Dimitriades and Daniel Mitchell take on the roles of Tom Cruise & Dustin Hoffman in this intimate adaption of the Oscar - winning film.

A new report has recommended more resources be directed to teaching students with disabilities in Canberra.

The number of students with disabilities grew by nearly 12 per cent over the past three years with more choosing to attend mainstream schools.

The report's author Tony Shaddock says schools need more support to cater for disabled students.

"Therapy in schools is a particular issue," he said.

"Provision of therapy is absolutely essential for some students and we're not doing well in that regard.