Autism
The Government is currently implementing the "Helping Children with Autism" package across Australia. The package includes a number of different components and is being implemented across the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA), the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
DoHA Component
New Medicare items for:
- consultant physicians (paediatricians and psychiatrists) to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for children aged under 13 years on referral from a GP
- psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists to provide up to four services in total per child to collaborate with the psychiatrist or paediatrician on the assessment where required
- psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists to provide early intervention treatment following diagnosis (providing up to 20 services in total per child)
FaHCSIA Component
- education and support for families and carers of children aged 0 to 6 with autism spectrum disorders
- increased access to early intervention programs for children aged 0 to 6 with autism spectrum disorders
DEEWR Component
- professional development for up to 1,800 teachers and other school staff to support school students with ASD to achieve better educational outcomes
- workshops and information sessions, including access to online workshops and information for up to 5,800 parents and carers of school students with ASD
Applications are now open for providers to access the service provider panel. The application form, and frequently asked questions, can be accessed for the FaHSCIA website (click here).
For any further information, please contact Chris Kennedy, Senior Policy Advisor. Email policy@ausot.com.au Ph 03 9415 2900
.JPG "AON")
