News from Autism Victoria

Announcement of the resignation of Alison Byrne

Alison has resigned her position as the Autism Victoria Chief Executive Officer effective 14 April 2008.  We wish Alison all the best for the future.

Autism Victoria State Council is working to identify a new Chief Executive Officer.  In the interim period the Executive Committee are working with staff on plans to oversee office operations.  Message to all readers - business as usual.

The Autism Victoria Creative Futures Recognition Award

The Autism Victoria State Council invites nominations for this important award, made annually during Autism Awareness Month.  Professionals, Individuals with ASD, Autism Victoria Members and Service Providers who have given exemplary service to the support and advancement of the organization and the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Victoria can be nominated.  Nominations can be made at any time.  Details and a nomination pro forma can be downloaded here

Autism State Plan

The latest information on the State Plan can be downloaded here

Autism Spectrum Month

The Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorder decided that May 2008 to been deemed Autism Spectrum Month.

Contact the office for information, posters and postcards. Details of activities can be downloaded here

Autism Victoria Info Line

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 and Metropolitan callers must use the [03] 9885 0533 number. 

The Autistic Family Support Association

The latest edition of the AFSA newsletter 'Contact'  can be downloaded here

Acorn Artists Website

Who are the Acorn Artists?  They are six people who live, work and play in a very beautiful part of Australia, Victoria's High Country. The artists have an added challenge. They have Autism Spectrum Disorder. The online art gallery will give them a wider audience, and it is thought to be a world first for a group of artists with the condition of autism.

They have been successful showing and selling their work locally, as well as at the National Gallery of Victoria and Benalla Regional Art Gallery. Work by Acorn Artists hangs in Wangaratta, Sydney, Canberra, San Francisco and at least one stately home in Victoria.

For further information visit their website at http://www.acornartists.com.au

New Zealand Ministries of Health and Education 2008

The NZ Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline is based on overseas and New Zealand evidence, experience and practice. It has information for people with ASD, their families, health professionals, support service providers and those involved in education. It covers diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), supporting and teaching children and adults with ASD, employing people with ASD and living with ASD.

A summary of the guidelines is available at

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/nz-asd-guideline-apr08

 Items of interest sent in by members

Jason McElway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek1iIOTsiRo

Beautiful Minds: Stephen Wiltshire

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=0k4lsi1dql

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 Autism Victoria at admin@autismvictoria.org.au