FaCSIA – Helping Children with Autism Update
Autism Advisor Program
Autism Victoria has applied for funding to manage the Autism Advisor Program.
This program is the link between families and access to the Commonwealth funding for support and early intervention for children aged between 0-6 years and is expected, by the Commonwealth, to start by the 1st of October, 2008. The program is also designed to support families as they consider all options and navigate their way through the development of a treatment plan and care plan.
We have submitted the funding application and are currently waiting on the Commonwealth Government to make a decision. Given this is one of a number of initiatives it may take some time before a decision is made, however, in saying that we are meeting with representatives of the Commonwealth late in August to discuss in detail our proposal.
It is hoped that as a result of this meeting Autism Victoria will be in a better position to determine if the proposal has been successful or not.
Assuming Autism Victoria has been successful it will make for a very busy time as we would want to be able to assist as determined by the Commonwealth.
Autism Victoria will advise service providers and families if we have been successful and we will provide comprehensive information on how to access the service to support families through the process.
PlayConnect Playgroups
- PlayConnect playgroups are a component of the Australian Government’s Helping Children with Autism package
Playgroup Australia has received funding to establish 150 PlayConnect Playgroups nationally over the next four years
PlayConnect playgroups will offer play-based learning opportunities for children aged 0-6 years with ASD and ASD-like symptoms, create and extend informal social support networks for their families and carers, and operate to complement and link to other components of the Helping Children with Autism package
Fifty PlayConnect Playgroups will be established nationally between October 2008 and June 2009. A further 100 PlayConnect playgroups will start by 30 June 2011.
PlayConnect Playgroups Information Day – Friday 26 September
Where: Autism Victoria
Address: 35 High Street, Glen Iris, near the corner of High Street and Glen Iris Road.
Melway reference: 60 A9
Parking: Off street parking is available at the rear of the building; access is from Glen Iris Road.
Disability access: Access for prams and wheelchairs is limited - we recommend you use the front entrance in High Street.
Public transport: Glen Waverley train or No 6 tram to Glen Iris. 10 minute walk along High Street toward Ashburton. The No 734 Ventura bus runs along High Street between Glen Waverley and Glen Iris railway stations.
Session times: 10am – 12pm, 2 – 4pm and 5 – 7pm
Bookings are essential: Phone Chiara toll free 1800 171 882 extension 140
All enquiries to Nella Arthur, Program Manager, Playgroup Victoria toll free 1800 171 882 extension 104.
For more information: Visit Playgroup Australia Website
Click here for Australian Government announcement
Increase Access to Early Intervention Services and New Medicare Items
Autism Victoria has prepared information sheets and are available from our website.
Update of the Autism State Plan
Work is on track to provide a draft Autism State Plan to Government by the end of 2008. Key work currently being undertaken by the Department of Human Services, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Autism Victoria includes:
detailed analysis of the feedback received in the state-wide consultation process last year,
follow-up on particular examples of good practice reported in the feedback,
review of overseas and national policy and evidence-based practice to improve outcomes for people with ASD,
targeted consultation with individuals and organisations to gather information not received in the consultation process, and
exploring ways Victoria and the Commonwealth Government can work together to support people with an ASD and their families and carers.
Further information will be posted on the website as work on the Plan proceeds.
News from Autism Victoria
Message from the Chief Executive Officer, Murray Dawson-Smith
I have now been in the position of Chief Executive Officer for 5 weeks and it has been extremely busy. Autism Victoria has been very active in seeking funding from the Commonwealth Government through the new FaHCSIA funding and we should know the outcome of our funding application very soon.
I have also been busy getting an understanding of the Autism State Plan and I thank Meredith Ward for her support in this process.
It has also been a challenge to get a better understanding of the issues facing families and people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the critical role Autism Victoria must play in supporting people to obtain the support services they need. Again I would like to thank both the staff of Autism Victoria and the Executive Committee for their advice and guidance.
The strategic plan for the next 3 years is also nearing completion and this should provide a great springboard for Autism Victoria into the future.
Critical in the process for achieving outcomes for Autism Victoria will be the need to increase our membership base significantly over the next 3 years. It is clear that only with a strong voice will the broad Autism Spectrum Disorder community be truly heard by Government and to this end we must build up the membership base.
I look forward to informing all subscribers to eSpectrum and The Spectrum Magazine of our progress over the next 3 year period and welcome your thoughts, comments and ideas on how we can work together to make Autism Victoria the key voice for Autism in Victoria.
Message from the Family Counsellor, Danuta Bulhak-Paterson
It is with both sorrow and excitement that I write to inform you of my leaving Autism Victoria in September.
I have accepted a position working with the team at Minds and Hearts in Brisbane. I have enjoyed my time at Autism Victoria immensely and will miss the wonderful families and staff very much.
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 17th November 2008 at Southern Autistic School, 12 Margarette Street, East Bentleigh 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 Creative Futures Recognition Award
The Autism Victoria State Council invites nominations for this important award, made annually during Autism Awareness Week. Professionals, Autism Victoria Members and Service Providers who have given exemplary service to the support and advancement of the organisation and the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Victoria can be nominated. Nominations can be made at any time. Details and a nomination proforma can be downloaded here.
Olga Tennison Research Centre
The Research Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders has been renamed in recognition of the major initial donor. Dr Cheryl Dissanayake has been appointed as the Director. The Board has representation from academic and community specialists, and will work in partnership with Autism Victoria and other appropriate state and federal bodies. Thus while community based, the Centre will also have a national focus.
The Centre was officially opened by The Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Secretary for Disability Services, in June 2008. For further details visit their website.
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 is1300 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.
The Autism Victoria Infoline is currently experiencing a high demand on the service. One of the reasons for this is there has been a great increase in calls regarding new funding since the Helping Children with Autism Initiative was introduced in July.
Due to this, it currently can take up to 4 working days to reply to peoples phone queries. We understand the frustrations this may cause to those wishing to access the information line, and our apologies are extended to those who have experienced this. When leaving a message on the Infoline, please tell us if your query is urgent and your call will be prioritised.
We hope that this will not be a long term situation as we have applied for funding to increase the information and support staff at Autism Victoria. We will keep you updated.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this busy and exciting time for the Autism community.
Events
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 can take up to two weeks to upload event information to the website, so please give plenty of notice for your event.
Autism Spectrum Disorder 7th Annual Research Forum
Thursday 6th 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 Robyn Young, PhD, Association Professor in the School of Psychology, Flinders University. Dr Young will present a paper entitled ‘Outcomes of behavioural intervention among children with autism’ where she will report on the effiancy of her efficacy of here innovative Early Intervention Research Program (EIRP).
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 downloand and a registration form and Call for Papers/Posters can be downloaded from the website. A speaker program will be available after 20th October.
Products and Fundraising
Autism Victoria’s 2008 Christmas Card Range
A colour brochure is now available from the Autism Victoria office. This season’s cards will shortly be available to purchase from the Autism Victoria website, from the major Charity Christmas Card outlets and direct from the Autism Victoria office. We are also looking for volunteers to help with getting our Christmas cards ready for sale. If you interested please contact Carol on 9885 0533 or email the office.
Metamorphosis presented by the Flare Dance Company
The Flare Dance Group, a not-for-profit amateur dance company, is staging ‘Metamorphosis’, a mixed bill of dance works in a range of styles including jazz and contemporary. Proceeds from the production will go the Autism Victoria. The events is being held on the 3rd and 4th of October at the Renaissance Theatre, Kew High School. The tickets costs $20/$15 and can be purchased by email FDCtickets@yahoo.com or phone 0401 098 161. For further details visit their website.
Shopping Tour
Clare Johnstone is organising a Shopping Tour on the 25th October. The tour starts from Hoppers Crossing and will visit at least 9 factory outlets across Melbourne. The cost is approximately $40 with lunch included. Please contact Clare on 9749 4621 or email. Proceeds from this event will go to Autism Victoria.
Springfree Trampolines
For full details about this safe and innovative trampoline go to their website or phone 1800 123 204. The trampolines 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.
Other News
Drawtism: Play Pictionary for Autism - May 2008
To coincide with Autism Awareness Month in May this year, Alpha Autism launched drawtism: Play Pictionary for Autism. Anyone who has played Pictionary knows the frustration of trying to make your drawing understood by your teammates, an experience not too dissimilar from the frustrations facing those affected by Autism.
By basing the campaign on a much loved board game which has an authentic connection to the experience of Autism, Drawtism seeks to significantly increase the public’s empathy for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Drawtism reminds everyone that we all experience frustration from time to time, giving people a glimpse into some of the impairments of Autism as well as providing a positive and meaningful way by which to galvanise support.
Drawtism is about play and by this we don't mean being childish. Drawtism is about participation and teamwork: being creative, having fun and working together to create options. Working together requires good communication and we believe good communication is found in play. When we are playful we build rapport and we harness enthusiasm. When we play we create possibilities...when we play, we draw people with Autism out of their isolation.
Our newspaper, television and radio ads generated a great response, and Alpha was ecstatic to see so many people embrace the spirit of drawtism. The month long campaign was launched Saturday 3rd May with 200 people playing a large game of Pictionary at Northcote Town Hall. Hosted by RRR’s Jon Von Goes, the electric atmosphere that accompanied the frenetic drawing reached a fever pitch when the break-dancers hit the floor.
News of games being played at home, work and at the pub began to filter through, and nearly half of those who hosted games have had their lives touched by Autism. In the end, over two hundred games were played, with the total raised (including financial sponsorship) reaching $60,000. This is a great result for a first year campaign and we thank all our hosts for their amazing commitment in bringing their families, friends and colleagues together.
We also thank our generous, without whose support drawtism was impossible.
Wojciech Nadachowski, Alpha Autism
Autism Support Program in the Southern Region
Are you or your family member for services provided by the Victorian Department of Human Services? Do you or your family member have limited opportunities to participate in community activities? Does your family have any planned respite support? Do you live in the Southern Region?
Commonwealth Carer Respite Service is funding a support program for people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who DO NOT have an associated intellectual disability. This pilot program will be completed in November 2008. Autism Plus, a specialist disability support agency, will provide support in these areas – Community Participation, Recreation Opportunities, Out of Home Respite and Holiday and Weekend Activities.
To register your interest and confirm your eligibility please phone the Commonwealth Carer Respite Services on 9212 3000.
A forum on Bullying is being held in Geelong
Learn about the Health and Wellbeing Effect of Bullying – A Public Forum for all
Date: Thursday 11th September 2008
Time: 6.30 pm
Where: Sacred Heart College, Geelong (Please enter from Aphrasia Street)
Speakers: Dr Chris Hickey (Deakin Professor), Dr Ann Chirnside (Local GP), Mel Cooper (Author of The Young, The Anxious and the Clinically Depressed), Tori Matthew Osman (Newcomb SC year 8 Student)
A panel discussion will be held following the speakers.
Research Requests
Karen O’Brien who is PhD student at the University of Queensland is researching the effects of siblings on the social and cognitive skills of children with autism. She has an online survey about the play behaviour of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Which parents or caregivers can fill in. Anyone with a children between 4 years and 12 years with can fill it in and do not need to participate in any future research. Click here to complete the survey.
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.
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