Helping Children with Autism Package - Other Initiatives
In addition to the Autism Advisor Program and the funding for early intervention services, the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) have released additional funding for initiatives to support children with autism and their families.
Medicare
There are three Medicare benefit schemes that children with autism and their families/carers may be able to access:
- Helping Children with Autism package;
- Chronic Disease Management Program; and
- Better Access to Mental Health Care.
The three schemes have different eligibility criteria and different pathways for access. For more information refer to the links below:
http://www.health.gov.au/autism
http://www.health.gov.au/epc
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-boimhc
Funded by the Department of Health and Ageing under the Helping Children with Autism package.
Early Days workshops
Early Days is a national workshop program for parents and carers of children aged 0 -6 years who have recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or are undergoing the assessment process.
For more information visit the Early Days website or call Early Days on free call number 1800 334 155 to book your attendance at a workshop.
Funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs under the Helping Children with Autism package.
Raising Children with Autism website
The Raising Children with Autism website has been developed through the Raising Children Network. The website provides families information on a range of topics relevant to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs under the Helping Children with Autism package.
PlayConnect Playgroups
PlayConnect Playgroups are available to parent, children aged 0-6 years who have Autism Spectrum Disorder or features of Autism Spectrum Disorder and their siblings.
For information visit PlayConnect Playgroups in your local area or phone 1800 790 335.
Funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs under the Helping Children with Autism package.
Early Learning and Care Centres
The Autism Association of WA, in partnership with Jellybeans Child Care provides an Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre located at the Jellybeans Child Care, Warwick. This Centre is one of six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres across Australia.
The Centre is an approved long day care centre with the capacity to deliver 20 child care places.
Funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (not part of the Helping Children with Autism package).
Positive Partnerships: Initiatives for school aged children
The Positive Partnerships: supporting school aged students on the autism spectrum project delivers two components of the Helping Children with Autism package being implemented by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The aim of both components is to improve the educational outcomes for school aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The initiatives include:
- Workshops and online information for families to help them to work in partnership with their child's school;
- Professional development for teachers and other school staff to support school students with an Autism Spectrum Disorders.
More information visit the Positive Partnerships online learning portal or phone 1300 881 971.
Funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the Helping Children with Autism package
