World Autism Awareness Day
01/04/2011
Tomorrow (April 2), on Autism Awareness Day, Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent reminds the State Government not to forget about the importance of early intervention.
“A recent study from the United States indicates that early intensive behavioural intervention for children with Autism could save up to $208,000 per child, when comparing the cost of other programs,” said Ms Vincent
“Our Government cannot rely on the Federal Government’s Helping Children with Autism package to provide the best outcomes for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, as the $12,000 simply does not go far enough to provide the intensive intervention that is required to make a real difference.”
SA’s peak Autism body, Autism SA, tell us that every child should have access to a minimum of 20 hours of support per week to ensure the best possible outcomes for people living with Autism. However, Ms Vincent says Government funding simply is not there.
“In SA we have a piecemeal approach. Whilst Autism SA do a great job of supporting people with Autism, their services can only stretch so far and do not come close to providing the 20 hours of support that is recommended,” she said.
Ms Vincent compares early intervention in South Australia to that offered in Queensland, where the AEIOU Foundation provides intensive intervention programs involving speech pathology, occupational therapy, educational support, early childhood professionals, psychologist and counselling at low or no cost to parents.
“The cost of an AEIOU package is in excess of $30,000 per child per year. However, after parents pool together the Federal Government rebates in addition to the generous $10,777 per child offering of the Queensland Government, this cost is sometimes nil,” she said.
“The Queensland Government is investing in early intervention services, and in doing so will save millions of dollars and improve the lives of people living with Autism in their State. The South Australian Government could learn from that example.”
