NSW Minister for Disability Services Kristina Keneally launched a new resource kit for families with a child diagnosed with autism today.
Ms Keneally said the Iemma Government has provided funding of $185,000 to Autism Spectrum Australia to produce Building Foundations – Autism: Your Child, Your Family for these families and the people who work with their children.
”The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to rise and we know these families want and need more practical help,” Ms Keneally said.
“We know that without access to new and expanded services these kids could suffer significant social and economic problems.
“That is why we have developed this new resource kit as a vital starting point for families.
“When families first receive their child’s diagnosis they can become consumed with questions and these kits will help them to better understand the journey they have begun.
“This new resource will give them practical advice on a range of issues such as:
• Coping with the news of their child’s diagnosis;
• Playing with their child;
• Taking time out to look after themselves; and
• Managing behaviour.
The kit includes a manual and DVD which provides detailed information for parents and families with a child newly diagnosed with an ASD and was developed in consultation with experts in autism, psychology, occupational therapy and education.
It will also be translated into seven community languages including Vietnamese, Arabic and Cantonese.
Ms Keneally said the DVD will be especially helpful, as it involves four families who talk about their own personal stories and reactions to the diagnosis of their children and the strategies they have developed to assist the child.
“Raising a child is one of life’s most demanding challenges, but raising a child with a disability makes the job even harder and many families struggle to find their way through the maze of information and services they need to access,” Ms Keneally said.
“This financial year, the NSW Government will also provide more than $1.3 million to Autism Spectrum Australia to support services for children with an ASD and their families.
“A further $2 million has been allocated to Autism Spectrum Australia for a four year pilot project “Coordinated Access to Services and Support” to target adolescents with ASD who are at high risk of early exit from school.”