Fact sheet - FaHCSIA initiatives
Information for Parents and Carers
Frequently asked questions - FaHCSIA initiatives
Autism specific child care centres
ASD Playgroup Program

The Australian Government has committed $190 million for four years to June 2012 to deliver the Helping Children with Autism package. The package will help address the considerable need for support and services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).

A number of initiatives will be implemented nationally by the Departments of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), Health and Ageing (DoHA), and Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

FaHCSIA is working very closely with DoHA, DEEWR and state and territory government agencies to ensure that new investment in supporting children with autism is delivered in a collaborative and coordinated way that augments activity that is already available.

FaHCSIA will oversee the implementation of the following initiatives:

• education and support for families and carers of children with ASDs, and
• increased access to early intervention programs for children aged zero to six years of age with ASDs.

All initiatives include support for families, carers and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as rural and remote areas.

More information

For more information about the Helping Children with Autism package:

• phone 1800 289 177, or
• email asd@fahcsia.gov.au

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the National Relay Service to contact any of FaHCSIA's listed phone numbers.