news item

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.

By Meredith Clisby

NORTHSIDE families who use the Gungahlin Regional Community Service's (GRCS) disability program are concerned their children's care will be negatively affected by the end of ACT and Federal Government grants.

In November families who use the disability program were sent a letter informing them of possible service cuts due to a decrease in funding.

As we've recently reported, more and more children are being diagnosed with autism. And more parents are looking for help. But not many would, or could, follow the unusual path taken by one family based in Texas.

When Rowan Isaacson showed a remarkable affinity with horses, his parents decided to combine this love with a trip to Mongolia, seeking out ritual healings to help ease his autism symptoms.

The Isaacsons were recently in the country to talk about a book and a documentary they've made about their adventure.

The Autism Association of Western Australia has announced it will host the 2011 APAC Conference in Perth.

To be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex from Thursday September 8 to Saturday September 10, 2011, the conference will attract a range of current international and national speakers in the field of autism.

This will be a conference for everyone connected with autism spectrum disorders across Australia and the Asia Pacific to attend. Planning is well under way and this event is expected to attract many delegates from across Australia, Asia and the Pacific.