Helping Children with Autism Package - Early Intervention Funding
The funding for early intervention services is aimed at providing increased access to a range of early intervention services. This funding is in addition to the that provided through the Disability Services Commission for early intervention services.
What does the funding include?
Families are allocated up to $12,000, but no more than $6,000 per financial year from the time their child is made eligible for the early intervention funding until their child’s 7th birthday. A child needs to be made eligible for the funding prior to their 6th Birthday. This funding can be used to access early intervention services provided by an approved panel of service providers. A range of early intervention services are available including one-to-one intensive activities and tailored group and individual programs that can be delivered in a range of settings.
Families who face additional challenges in accessing services for their children may also be eligible for a one off payment of $2,000. An Autism Advisor will be able to advise a family if they are eligible for this payment and how the payment can be used.
Who is eligible?
The funding is available for families and carers of children who:
- Are aged 0-6 years (up to their 7th birthday), regardless of whether or not they have commenced school;
- Have a conclusive diagnosis of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS); and
- Are citizens, permanent Australian residents or would meet these requirements.
How can we help?
The Autism Advisor Program provides the only gateway to access the funding for early intervention services. An Autism Advisor will check the child’s eligibility for funding, enter the family/carers information onto the Commonwealth Government database and then supply the required documentation to access services. The family should then take this documentation to the service provider of their choice.
Where do I start?
Following diagnosis, or at anytime during the assessment process, families and carers may contact an Autism Advisor. An application to access the early intervention funding can only take place once the necessary documentation is available. Access to an Autism Advisor is free.
For further information about the Program see Frequently Asked Questions or; contact the Association on (08) 9489 8900 or 1800 636 427 (country callers only).
The Autism Advisor will organise a time for you to meet with them to discuss the funding. Appointments take place at the Autism Association of WA offices located at 37 Hay Street, Subiaco. Alternative arrangements can be made if required.
For families living in regional and remote areas appointments are conducted over the phone or during one of the Autism Advisor’s outreach visits throughout the year.
What do you bring to the appointment?
Families are asked to bring copies of the following documentation to their appointment:
- Proof of their child’s date of birth (i.e. birth certificate, birth extract, passport);
- Reports documenting their child’s diagnosis (i.e. report(s) from a paediatrician, speech pathologist and psychologist).
- Proof of Australian residency (i.e. driver’s licence, utilities invoice, Citizenship certificate, documentation from Centrelink).
Families should also bring their child’s Centrelink Reference Number (CRN) to enable a record to be created for their child for the funding for early intervention services. The CRN appears on the child’s or family’s Health Care Card. Alternatively, a CRN can be obtained by contacting Centrelink.
Funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs under the Helping Children with Autism package.
