Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia

Autism Speaks in the USA released a resource kit for children with autism entering school. The link to the webpage is here. Download the 202 page PDF file here.

Fact sheet - FaHCSIA initiatives
Information for Parents and Carers
Frequently asked questions - FaHCSIA initiatives

There was a minor update to the website (see http://autismstateplan.dhs.vic.gov.au) in August.

MACKLIN: Thanks very much everyone, for being here, with my Parliamentary Secretary, Bill Shorten, we're very pleased to be here at Malkara School today. If I can thank the Principal, Jenny, and all the other staff who are here today, and particularly for having us meet and play with the children, to really get a feel for the very, very important work that they're doing. We're very pleased today to be able to announce the detail of the funding for improved services for children with autism.

Joint Media Release with  The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing
The Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, Acting Minister for Education
The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services

On 21/5, a Senate Committee wrote to A4 …

The Senate has referred to the Committee matters relating to Special Disability Trusts for inquiry and report by 18 September 2008. The terms of reference for the inquiry are attached and are also accessible on the Committee's website at www.aph.gov.au/senate_ca as well as Part 3.18A of the Social Security Act 1991 referred to in the terms of reference.

This study of the economic costs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Australia has been undertaken for the Autism Early Intervention Outcomes Unit (AEIOU).

The objective of this study is to develop a better understanding of the likely resource cost incurred by people with ASD, their carers, Government and society. The cost-based approach that is employed here seeks to estimate the resources required to deliver services that specifically relate to the condition of ASD.