Welcome

Thank you for visiting Autism Victoria ’s new website and subscribing to our electronic bulletin. Wherever you live, eSpectrum will keep you posted with the very latest news and information about Autism Spectrum Disorders from Autism Victoria and our members. If you live elsewhere in Australia , or overseas, welcome to Victoria .

We would like to apologise that the eSpectrum has been some weeks in the making. This first issue of eSpectrum is a ‘work in progress’ – we are still finalising our format and learning to use the new software! Since our new website was launched in late August we have been overwhelmed with queries, responses and especially compliments!

Our website has generated a lot of interest, and not just among the Autism Spectrum Disorder community in Victoria . The technical aspects of our site have been widely praised by web developers worldwide. It is even going to feature in a new textbook about web design! Full credit goes to Andrew Ellett and his team at EPS Pty Ltd, who developed a web site of excellence, and Robyn Logan of Logan Strategic who did a remarkable job organising the massive amount of information the we provided for the site.

Launch of The Spectrum

Our electronic bulletin will complement the material published in our quarterly printed magazine, The Spectrum, which will be launched this month. The Spectrum will replace our previous publication,Autism News. All financial members of Autism Victoria receive a copy of The Spectrum. If you are not a member, why not join up now – membership details are on our website – www.autismvictoria.org.au - select the ‘Members’ tab.

You do not have to be a member of Autism Victoria to receive a copy of eSpectrum – simply subscribe from our website. The advantage of eSpectrum is that information will be ‘hot off the press’. As a subscriber, you can email news and information to our office for inclusion in the next issue of eSpectrum – eSpectrum@autismvictoria.org.au

News

Recommendations of the Review of Victorian Disability legislation

These are currently available for downloading from the Department of Human Services website at www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability. Autism Victoria will be participating in a forum organised by ACROD (Victoria), and preparing feedback to the recommendations. If you would like to have a say about the proposed legislation, email your comments to us no later than Friday 10th December at admin@autismvictoria.org.au for inclusion in our response, or you can respond directly to the review committee at legislative.review@dhs.vic.gov.au - no later than Friday 17 th December. This is very important legislation and anyone connected with disability in Victoria should have a say. The original Autism Victoria submission is on our web site www.autismvictoria.org.au - go to ‘Policy and Consultation’.

Autism Victoria State Conference, July 19 and 20, 2005 – Keynote Speakers: Dr Rita Jordan ( UK ) and Ms Wendy Lawson (Aust)

This important conference and exhibition is in the planning stages. Details will be posted on our web site, and included in eSpectrum as they become available. If you are interested in presenting a paper or a poster, conducting a workshop or participating in the products and services exhibition, please email Donna at info@autismvictoria.org.au.

Planning for the Victorian component of National Autism Awareness Week May 8 to 14, 2005

Already many agencies and support groups are planning activities for this week. Autism Victoria will be preparing and printing a Calendar of Events for the week for widespread distribution. We would love to hear about your event and include it on our calendar. Details should be emailed to admin@autismvictoria.org.au

New Movie - Mozart and the Whale – www.mozartandthewhale.com

Check out the details of this new movie about a couple with Asperger Syndrome. It is based on the story of Jerry and Mary Newport, and stars Josh Hartnett and Australian Radha Mitchell. A release date is not yet available.

Autism Victoria Policy Committee

If you are interested in assisting in the development of policies relevant to Victoria and Autism Spectrum Disorder, you are invited to nominate for the Autism Victoria Policy Committee, which will be formed early in 2005. Please email an expression of interest to Amanda Golding at admin@autismvictoria.org.au.

Autism Victoria Professional Panel

Autism Victoria is also forming a Professional Panel early in 2005, and expressions of interest are sought from suitably qualified and experienced Victorian based professionals. If you would like a copy of the nomination form and selection criteria, please email Amanda Golding at admin@autismvictoria.org.au.

Research Forum 2004

eSpectrum is compiled and distributed by Autism Victoria Inc. All information is included in good faith, and is current at time of release. Queries and comments should be directed to Amanda Golding , Executive Officer , Autism Victoria at admin@autismvictoria.org.au