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Historic Announcement by the Howard Government on October 3rd 2007

Under a veil of secrecy the federal government arranged for the simultaneous announcement of a $190 million package addressing a range of autism specific service initiatives.  Autism Victoria was represented at the Prime Minister’s announcement in Brisbane by their Executive Officer, Amanda Golding.  “The early morning flight to Brisbane was full of anticipation, but nothing could prepare for the extent of the package, and the fact that it was being launched by the Prime Minister”, said Amanda.  “Everything about the announcement screeched ‘politics’ and ‘pre election’, but autism has earned the right to be the centre of attention at the hard edge of the political agenda – it has been neglected for far too long.”

The text of Prime Minister Howard’s speech can be read on his website

Three federal departments will be responsible for delivery of the package – Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA), the Department Education, Science and Training (DEST) and the Department of Health.  Full details can be obtained from the relevant department websites.  Here is a summary of the package details and relevant web links.

FaCSIA

The Australian Government is aware of the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) on children, their families and carers.  In light of this, the Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard MP, has announced a $190 million package, Helping children with autism, designed to help children with ASD, their families and carers.  The package seeks to provide earlier and more accurate diagnosis of children with ASD; increased access to early intervention programs for children aged 0-6 years with ASD; as well as further support services for children up to 12 years of age.

The package contains a number of FaCSIA initiatives, including:

• $30.1 million over five years to fund service providers to develop and deliver education and support programs to families and carers of children with ASD up to six years of age.
• $17.4 million over five years for 20 Childhood Autism Advisers (CAAs) located in various areas across Australia, to provide a gateway to services for up to 15,000 children under six years of age with ASD and their families and carers.
• $34.8 million over five years to establish playgroups for up to 8,000 children a year in a range of locations, for children up to six years of age with ASD.
• $36 million over five years to fund service providers to deliver approved early intervention program.  These services will support children with ASD up to six years of age who require more structured and intensive early intervention than playgroups can offer, for up to two years.
• $27.9 million over five years to facilitate access to intensive early intervention services for children with ASD up to six years of age with the most profound needs.  Eligible families and carers supporting children with profound needs will be able to apply for up to $20,000 over two years to which will contribute to costs incurred through accessing approved intensive early intervention services.

The support services will be provided from July 2008.  For further information call:  1800 289 177 or go to the FaCSIA website for access to a number of fact sheets outlining the initiatives in detail.

Department of Education Science and Training (DEST)

The package includes two initiatives that will be delivered through the Department of Education, Science and Training:

• $16.3 million over four years for professional development for up to 1,800 teachers and other school staff to support school students with ASD to achieve better educational outcomes
• $7 million over four years for up to 5,800 parents and carers of school students with ASD to attend workshops and information sessions and to access online workshops and information.

For further information and downloadable fact sheets, go to the DEST website

Department of Health

This funding includes $20.7 million over five years for new Medicare items for the diagnosis of ASD and early intervention treatment plans by clinicians and allied health professionals.

Specifically, these will include:

• new specialist Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for paediatricians and child psychiatrists for diagnosis and the development of treatment plans for children aged up to 12 years
• new items for developmental psychologists and speech pathologists to assist with aspects of the assessment
• access to Medicare items for the provision of early intervention treatment following diagnosis for children with ASD, providing up to 20 services per child.  The new services will be provided by relevant allied health professionals including speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

Treatment plans will identify the specific treatment needs of each child in relation to early intervention services available through the Government’s autism package and through other public, private and community based services.

Prompt and accurate diagnosis of children with ASD means that children can gain most benefit from treatment and support in their critical early years.  These items should improve early and accurate diagnosis of ASD as well as improve access to early intervention to help children with ASD.

Details of the new Medicare items will be developed in close consultation with members of the relevant health professional organisations as well as representatives of the autism sector.  The new items will be available from 1 July 2008.

For details of elements of the package provided by the Department of Health, including the new Medicare items, go to their website.

Responses to the government’s announcement

Autism was the lead story on most news bulletins around the country on October 3, especially as the Labor opposition also released an ‘autism announcement’ on the same day.   All autism associations and interest groups were interviewed for television, radio and print news stories.  The Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders Chairperson, Adrian Ford responded to the announcement with a press release from the board and by issuing the recently adopted National Call to Action.  This document has been developed by representatives from each member state and territory association and was to be released during the forthcoming election campaign – the government announcement (and that of the Labor opposition on the same day) brought forward the release.  Both documents can be downloaded from the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders website.

The National Call to Action is a detailed document covering the following areas of concern:

• Access to Diagnosis
• Official Reporting of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Early Intervention For Young Children (aged 0 – 6 years)
• Education
• Family Support, Assistance And Respite
• Services to Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Research

Autism advocates around the country are encouraged to use the National Call to Action for their own lobbying campaigns in the coming weeks and months.

The special edition of eSpectrum sent out on 19th September 2007 outlined the launch of the Autism State Plan Consultation phase.  Full details of the plan and the ways in which Victorians (and beyond) can contribute to the consultation can be found on the State Plan website.

Autism Victoria is seeking personal perspective stories from individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder for inclusion in the final draft of the state plan.  In the previous issue of eSpectrum (No. 12), a technical glitch meant that the template attached could not be accessed.  The template is attached here – hopefully this time all works well!  To complete your story, open the template (prepared in MS Word format), save it to your computer as a document, write your personal perspective, and email to admin@autismvictoria.org.au with Autism State Plan Personal Perspectives in the subject line.  If you prefer, you can print your story, and post it to the Autism Victoria office at PO Box 235 Ashburton Vic 3147.  The template can also be accessed from the Autism Victoria website

The Autism State Plan is the first of its type in Australia, and Autism Victoria urges everyone with an interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder – individuals, family members, teachers, professionals, support workers, friends and colleagues – to participate in the consultation.  Please email the organisers as soon as you can if you wish to attend one of the Consultation Forums detailed on the State Plan website.  Alternatively you can ring them on 03 9096 0526.

News from Autism Victoria

From the President, Autism Victoria, Mary Thomson

Announcement of the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer for Autism Victoria

Hello, Ciao, Ni hao, Al Salaam a' alaykum

I am pleased to inform members that Alison Byrne has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Autism Victoria.

The new CEO will be responsible for achieving the key aims of Autism Victoria set out in the new Strategic Plan, including extending its service options and its advocacy, as the peak body, to the government and general community.  The achievement of these aims will involve a range of new initiatives, including strategic alliances with other organisations, innovative use of information technology, financial planning and promotional campaigns.

The Autism Victoria State Council believes that Alison’s skills and experience make her an excellent choice for the position.  Alison has most recently been Executive Manager of HeartKids Victoria and Communications and Relationships Manager for the Children’s Heart Research Centre at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and before that National Wish Coordinator for the Make A Wish Foundation.  Alison will build on the firm foundation laid by Amanda Golding, Executive Officer of Autism Victoria for the past 16 years.

From the Executive Officer, Autism Victoria, Amanda Golding

“After sixteen amazing years I am leaving Autism Victoria on Friday October 12th, 2007.  It is with much sadness that I am leaving, especially at this exciting point in time in the development of public and government awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders.  However, a number of circumstances have prompted my decision to pursue a different personal and professional pathway.  I have prepared the attached letter addressed to the autism community in Victoria to explain a little about why I am leaving, and about my future plans.

My best wishes to the many people whom I have worked with, who have supported me or who have allowed me to assist them in some way – it has been a pleasure to progress Autism Victoria to the position that it is in today.  I leave with a great sense of achievement and pride.”

Autism Victoria Annual General Meeting

The Autism Victoria Executive Committee notifies members that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held on Monday 19th November, 2007 at the Autism Teaching Institute, 98 Ascot Vale Road Flemington, commencing at 7:30 pm.

The meeting will present the association’s Annual Report, including the audited financial statement.  A guest speaker will be announced at a later date.

The Autism Victoria Constitution allows for three elected Autism Victoria members and up to five co-opted persons.  If you are interested in a position on the Autism Victoria governing body, please complete the attached nomination/expression of interest form and return it to the Autism Victoria CEO no later than Monday 12th November 2007.  Post to PO Box 235 Ashburton 3147 or fax to 9885 0508.

Establishment of a dedicated Autism Research Centre

Autism Victoria recently received a donation of $500,000 from a private individual to establish a dedicated Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Centre in Melbourne to investigate the cause(s) and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The following objectives for the centre were developed in collaboration with the donor:

• Facilitate large and/or ongoing research projects,
• Facilitate collaboration with other research centres,
• Foster and support a National Research Network investigating the cause and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder,
• Conduct campaigns to improve the public profile of Autism Research, thereby attracting additional research funds via grants and donations,
• Provide opportunities for student based research and mentoring programs, and
• Foster knowledge transfer to practitioners within the field.

The donor specifically requested that Autism Victoria negotiate in the first instance with La Trobe University to establish the centre.  These negotiations are progressing well, and it is anticipated that a formal announcement will be made by Autism Victoria and La Trobe University toward the end of the year.  The centre should be operational by the start of the 2008 academic year.

As these plans progress, updates will be posted on the Autism Victoria website – go to ‘Research’ – and in our regular publications.

Employment opportunity at Autism Victoria

Autism Victoria is seeking applications for a full time Information Support Officer.  The role is described in the attached position description and key selection criteria.  Applications close Friday 12th October 2007.  To apply prepare a letter of application addressed the key selection criteria and send with your CV to Information Officer Application, Autism Victoria, PO Box 235 Ashburton 3147 or email to admin@autismvictoria.org.au.

Contacting Autism Victoria by phone

Don’t forget that regional Victorians can contact the Autism Victoria office for the cost of a local call using our 1300 service.  The number is

1300 308 699

Interstate callers must use the [03] 9885 0533 number as we are unable to offer this service beyond Victoria.  Metropolitan callers can use either number, as there is no difference in cost.

Events and Service Programs

Have you bookmarked the Autism Victoria Events page in your Favourites?

The Autism Victoria website Events Calendar is one of the most visited sections of our web site, and details of forthcoming events are updated regularly.  Autism Victoria has also added listings for Social Skills Programs, Professional Development Programs and Parent Education Programs.  The Calendar is organised chronologically, and a summary listing can be scanned for items of interest.  If you wish to promote an event on the calendar, you must use the form on the website.  It does take up to two weeks to upload event information to the website, so please give plenty of notice for your event.

Autism Spectrum Disorder 6th Annual Research Forum

Friday 2nd November 2007, Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre

This is an opportunity to hear about Autism Spectrum Disorder research currently being undertaken by Victorian research teams, including undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Guest Speaker will be Dr Deb Keen from Griffith University, and her Keynote Address is entitled “Seizing the moment:  enhancing learning opportunities for children with autism” which will examine the current evidence base with respect to conditions that are likely to improve the chances that learning will take place during both informal/unstructured and formal/structured contexts and then look at implications for research and practice.

The day will provide an excellent opportunity to share common interests and concerns in the autism research field.  It will be suitable for all autism researchers, students, clinicians and autism educators, as well as parents interested in Victorian autism research.  Please note that the forum will focus on research matters, and participants should have a reasonable knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders and research methodology.

Full details and a registration form can be downloaded here or from the Autism Victoria website.  A speaker program will be available on the website after 15th October.

Assistance Dogs for children with Autism – Demonstration and Open Day

Sunday 28th October, Black Rock Scout Hal

Righteous Pups is a Bendigo based organisation that trains Assistance Dogs for a variety of purposes.  Following several requests from families with a child with autism, the director, Jo Baker consulted with Autism Victoria and arranged for one of her trainers to go to the US to complete the 4 Paws for Ability training in Ohio.

In May of this year Righteous Pups purchased their first litter of ten Labrador Retrievers to be trained as assistance dogs for children with autism – a first for Australia.

Everyone is invited to see a demonstration by Righteous Pups of this innovative and very special program.  The Sandringham Lions Club will provide a Sausage Sizzle.  Download a flyer with full details here or go to the Autism Victoria website. 

Arts Project Australia Exhibition – Chris Mason

“Michelle” - Recent sculptural works by Chris Mason - Exhibition opening on Wednesday 17 October 2007 from 6-8pm by Stuart Purves AM (Director of Australian Galleries).

The Exhibition runs from 18 October - 24 November 2007

Arts Project Australia Gallery, 24 High Street Northcote Vic 3070

Chris Mason began his journey of creating "Michelle", the Southeast Asian Reticulated Python over 6 years ago.  Travelling overseas with his family, Mason first encountered one of these snakes in a zoo in Thailand.  This was the inspiration for his extensive project - "to make a life sized python".

Years of construction began.  It was an arduous and laborious process, as Mason patiently created his beloved "Michelle"– a python 7 metres in length.  Using simple tools and materials she began to take shape.  Chicken wire stuffed with newspaper and bound with plaster bandage was then embellished with individually cut scales made out of kitchen sponges.  And finally the scales were carefully painted the colours of a python.

This exhibition unveils "Michelle" to the public for the first time alongside his beloved large ladies.  The exhibition also includes a selection of Mason’s writing, giving insight into the link between Michelle and the ceramic figures.

Chris has exhibited at various Autism Victoria functions, the most recent being the Autism Information Expo in May of this year.  For more information go to the Arts Project Australia website.

Compass – A Week with William

This story about a family and their life with autism was televised on ABC TV on Sunday 16th September, 2007.  A transcript can be accessed here.

Research Requests

1. Griffith University

Gavin Brown from Griffith University, Queensland is researching the following “Wellbeing and adjustment in the parents of intellectually impaired young adults.”  He is seeking families to complete a questionnaire to assist with his data gathering.

The purpose of this research is to examine the psychological wellbeing of parents at the specific point where their children are entering young adulthood.  The research will assess how parents think and feel about themselves and their parenting experience.  Participation will occur via a mail out questionnaire.  Once completed, participants will return the questionnaire in the prepaid envelope provided. The questionnaire should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

To take part in this research, participants must be the parent or step-parent of a child aged between 17 and 21 years of age who has an intellectual, speech or communication disorder, Downs Syndrome, developmental delay or autism/Aspergers.  For the purposes of the research, participants must be currently married or in a long-term defacto relationship (in excess of 5 years).

The expected benefit of this research is a greater understanding of how parents adjust during their child’s transition to adulthood.  The research may provide important information about the type of support and services that may assist parents during this phase.

To obtain a questionnaire, contact Gavin by email or phone:  Mobile – 0411 427 489 or Gavin.Brown2@student.griffith.edu.au

2. La Trobe University

"Health and occupations of Victorian mother’s of school aged children with a disability."

This is a second call from the La Trobe University School of Occupational Therapy for participants in their study to investigate factors that affect the health of Victorian mother’s of a child with a disability.  Participants will be asked to complete a written survey.  If you would like further information, please contact Helen Bourke-Taylor (03) 9479 3722 or email H.Bourke-Taylor@latrobe.edu.au

Children's Week, 20th to 28th October, 2007

Children's Week is an annual event celebrated in Australia during the fourth week in October to coincide with the United Nations' Universal Children's Day.  The Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood and recognises their talents, skills and abilities.  The Office for Children in the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has the responsibility for Children's Week celebrations in Victoria.

A family fun day to be held at Melbourne Zoo on Sunday, 21st October, 2007 will officially launch Children's Week in Victoria.

At the launch there will be activities for the whole family including dance workshops, face painting, story tellers, Go For Your Life activities, a special performance by Dorothy the Dinosaur, zoo keeper talks and art activities.  The Melbourne Zoo is offering free entry for children 15 years and under.

This year there will be activities provided across Victoria for children and families to participate in and celebrate Children's Week.  Watch out for the activities happening in places including Swan Hill, Bendigo, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Geelong and Bairnsdale.

In addition, each local council, in conjunction with community groups, will host their own Children's Week activities.  Find out what's happening in your local community by visiting the special website.

Disability Carers Forum - "Building Caring Partnerships"

Saturday 20th October 2007 from 12 noon to 4pm, Hawthorn Town Hall

A free event for carers, families and people with a disability.  This year’s theme is 'Building Caring Partnerships' and the organisers have a fabulous day planned, so don't miss out on this great opportunity.

There will be an Empowering Carers break out room with presentations from carers and carer support groups, art exhibitions from carers, pampering session, music and fabulous food.  The main hall will host over 30 information stalls from service providers and peak disability organisations.  There will be short presentations, art workshops, music, performances and much much more!

We have some fantastic door prizes lined up and great giveaways.  Please see the attached flyer and registration form.

Respite Information & Development in the East (RIDE) (Yooralla)

Free call: 1300 886 798

Variety Bike Program

Variety, the children’s charity is once again pleased to offer bikes to disadvantaged Victorian children in time for Christmas.  This is a result of the very successful 3AW/Variety Radiothon held earlier this year during which listeners were invited to donate money for bikes and helmets and also be given the opportunity to meet the recipients.  Variety invite organisations to nominate children from their organisation/school to receive a bike. Interested parents can pass details of this program onto their school or support service.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Variety office.

The bikes will be given to the children at public presentations and all teachers and parents need to be aware that the media will be in attendance.  The presentations will be filmed for future Variety promotional purposes; therefore any children who cannot be photographed for any reason would be ineligible.

Responses should be made ASAP or by Friday November 2 at the absolute latest.  All responses will be acknowledged as to whether your group has been accepted or declined when capacity is reached.

Children who received bikes last year are not eligible to receive bikes again this year.

For more information email: varietyatwork@varietyvic.org.au or go to their webpage at www.varietyvic.org.au.

Review of Victorian Department of Human Services Flexible Support Packages

The Department of Human Services has engaged a consultancy to review funding packages including Making a Difference, Early Choices, Continuity of Care and Family Options.  The full details are in the attached questionnaire, and recipients of FSP’s are encouraged to respond to the survey – due date is Wednesday 17th October 2007.  For more information phone 1800 140 706 or email admin@hdgconsulting.com.au

First payment for carers of children with a disability will occur in October

Carers of children with a disability under 16 years who are receiving or are eligible to receive the Carer Allowance (Child) on 1 July this year will receive a payment of $1,000 to help meet the needs of their child.

Announced as part of the Australian Government’s Disability Assistance Package, the Child Disability Assistance tax-free payment can be used for anything that helps.  The payment will automatically be paid to eligible families in October 2007 with future payments being made annually on 1 July.

More information: Disability Assistance Inquiry Line 1800 101 888, TTY 1800 260 402 or check the FaCSIA website.

7th Annual ASSID Disability Support Worker Conference

University of Melbourne, November 22nd – 23rd, 2007

The theme 'Positive Culture = Positive Support' explores issues and topics centred on staffing cultures and supports, professionalism and their impact on the individual with a disability.  The Disability Support Worker Conference is a conference for direct care workers primarily working with people who have disabilities.  The conference celebrates and supports the important role that Disability Support Workers play in the lives of people with disabilities.  It acknowledges that Disability Support Workers have a right and a need for professional and personal development.  The aim of the conference is to provide participants with practical skills that can be taken back to the workplace so that they can better assist clients.

The conference attracts up to 500 participants from all sectors of the disability community from Australia and New Zealand.  With international keynote speakers and workshops presented by leaders in their field, participants find the conference provides a great opportunity to learn about best practice and network with other support staff from many varied organisations.

Topics for 2007 include:

• Building positive cultures through positive supports
• Code of Ethics for DSWs
• Professional services
• Disability and the law
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Outcomes of different residential options for people with an Intellectual Disability
• Effective communication intervention
• Challenging behaviour

For more details go to the conference website.

Products and Fundraising Activities

Autism Victoria’s 2007 Christmas Card Range

A colour brochure is now available from the Autism Victoria office.  Our cards can be purchased from the Autism Victoria website, the major Charity Christmas Card outlets and direct from the Autism Victoria office.

Springfree Trampolines

For full details about this safe and innovative trampoline go to their website at www.springfreetrampoline.com.au or phone 1800 123 204.  A demonstration trampoline can be viewed at Kalparrin Early Childhood Intervention Program – ring (03) 9435 8311 to make an appointment.  The tramps are also regularly on display at local shopping centres.  Springfree make a donation to Autism Victoria for every tramp sold to Victorian based customers who mention Autism Victoria.  Springfree have a special delivery deal for trampolines ordered during October.

Weighted Blankets, Vests and other products

My name is Tana Mawdsley and I work for the Australian Company Easy Kids.  We manufacturer a range of weighted products for children suffering from Autism, for example, weighted blankets and vests.  The products were designed and trialled with many occupational therapists, and were found to have great benefits.  I would like to refer you to our website to have a closer look at our range.  If you have any further questions, please contact me at tana@heatwheat.com.  The Autism Victoria Information Officer has a number of fliers and price lists in hard copy available on request..

Trial version of Boardmaker©

Mayer-Johnson offers a 30-day trial of the Boardmaker© program for creating visuals for children with communication difficulties.  This can be downloaded from their website

About eSpectrum

eSpectrum is compiled and distributed by Autism Victoria Inc.  All information is included in good faith, and is current at time of release.  Any views expressed in eSpectrum are not necessarily those of Autism Victoria Inc, the State Council, Executive Committee or its member agencies.  The publication of a product or program in eSpectrum should not be taken as an endorsement of the service or the product(s).  Autism Victoria has included details of products and services for the information of readers in good faith.  Readers should take care to evaluate them for their suitability to their particular needs.  Queries, items for inclusion and comments should be directed to the Chief Executive Officer, Autism Victoria at admin@autismvictoria.org.au

You have received this electronic bulletin because you subscribed to eSpectrum via the Autism Victoria website.  If you wish to unsubscribe, or change your email address, please email your request to admin@autismvictoria.org.au  with ‘unsubscribe eSpectrum’ or ‘change email address’ in the subject line, or use the link below.