Parliamentary Secretary Maxine McKew welcomes Friday’s announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services Bill Shorten, about the appointment of the Australian Autism Education and Training Consortium (AAETC) to deliver components of the Government’s Helping Children with Autism initiative.
"I’m aware of the many difficulties facing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families. Any program that helps improve services for these students and assists teachers and staff to help them learn more effectively is most welcome," said Ms McKew.
"Families of children with ASD need as much help as we can give. I’m delighted this initiative will provide them with more information and assistance to better understand and manage their child’s special needs."
Under the Helping Children with Autism package, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is responsible for implementing a national professional development program for teachers and other staff who work with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and workshops and information sessions for parents of school children with ASD.
The AAETC will now deliver DEEWR’s components of the package.
The Rudd Government has also committed to building six autism-specific centres and progress is underway on this measure.