10/05/2008
Joint Media Release with Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services
The Australian Government strongly supports the key theme of Autism Awareness Week - to increase the community's understanding of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Autism Awareness Week begins Sunday 11 May.
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said children with ASDs, their families and carers need access to appropriate support and services.
"Families of children with ASD face many difficulties and challenges raising their kids and helping them realise their full potential."
"The Australian Government understands this very well, and is committed to offering support through six autism-specific child care centres and the Helping Children with Autism package," Ms Macklin said.
The Rudd Government is delivering on its election commitment to build six autism-specific child care centres as part of the Government's commitment to establish up to 260 new child care centres nationally.
The Government has committed $190 million over five years through the Helping Children with Autism package.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, Bill Shorten, said over this five year period the Australian Government would provide national education and support programs and additional funding for important early intervention services.
"Children with ASD deserve the same start in life as all Australian children and this package goes a long way to making sure they do."
The package provides early intervention and support components including: