International day highlights importance of early autism intervention

World Autism Awareness Day (2 April) has highlighted the importance of Queensland’s innovative services for children with autism and the need for a continued focus on early intervention.

On the eighth annual World Autism Day, Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to improving outcomes for young people with autism through early intervention.

“This year we are providing close to $5.7 million to Autism Queensland and AEIOU Foundation to deliver specialist early intervention services to more than 370 children aged six and under across Queensland,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“These specialised, multidisciplinary services are assisting children with autism by helping them with improved socialisation, independence and learning outcomes.

“We’re also funding other initiatives such as the successful Baby Bridges program and Parent Connect, and recently opened a new $2 million Autism Hub and Reading Centre in Woolloongabba, to improve education outcomes for students with autism.

“Parents of children with autism can get help through these services with information, training and support to better care for their children and link with their local community, parents, schools and services.”

According to the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1 in 160 Australian children aged between 6 and 12 years old has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than any other childhood condition.

Minister O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government also understood the importance of funding supports for older children with autism to develop their communication, social and adaptive skills, assist their access to the community and give carers a well-earned break.

“This year we will provide $1.66 million to support more than 130 children with autism aged seven to 17 to develop their communication and social skills, better access the community and provide respite for carers,” she said.

“In total, about 230 non-government service providers receive funding to deliver a range of supports to Queensland children and adults with autism from therapies and in and out of home support to respite.

“We are committed to continuing support for early intervention for children with autism while the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is being rolled out across Queensland.

“Last week the Queensland Government announced we will continue to support children enrolled in Early Childhood Development Programs until 2020 when they will all have transitioned to the NDIS.”

For more information on autism and available services visit www.qld.gov.au/disability/community/autism/

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  0434 849 454