Aspergers/Autism/Sensory Integration Chatter #2

[mrzbaby]

lestyrox: Hun have you tried Minds & Hearts Brisbane / QLD? They do a diagnosis and also they spend time with you and partner first then time with the child. It wasn't too expensive either.

Another option is I know of where I live ( About 3 ish hours from you we got our diagnosis through our local community health through a telelink with a fantastic Dr at Westmead Childrens Hosp - Dr Sloane Madden. Is this service available through your local community health or even Coffs Harbour for that matter.

I urge you to get a diagnosis earlier as our son didn't get until he was 2 months from starting school and desperately needed early intervention but it was too late for him to obtain it due to him starting school and to this day we are still struggling getting him to the basics which he should have had before he started school.
Read the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) Package ( see below )
Also any child who has a diagnosis can also obtain 20 subsidised visits to a pychcoligist. ( I can post more about this including Medicare numder that your local doc / paed ( they should know this ) need to use on the refferal..... Just let me know if you want this.

I have some numbers that might help you and others ( you may already know them ). I am not sure if this is available in all states but it certainly applies to NSW.

Autism Advisor Program funding for children under 6.
1300 978 611

I am also posting in some additional information as I know all too well how no one seems to keep you in the loop and let you know what is happening,

If I can help anyone just PM me.
I am no expert in this but if it will help others and their children, I will try to pass on any information that I have been sent or know as I find that it has not been advertised very well and I only found out through another person who told me but this program is worth its weight in gold.

NSW Autism Advisor Program
Background
The Autism Advisor Program is a component of the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package
announced by the Australian Government. The Program is funded by the Department of Families,
Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and will be delivered in NSW by
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). It will be delivered by other organisations in the other states
and territories.
Overview
The Program will offer families and carers the following:
? impartial, evidence based information to support the making of informed decisions about a
range of early intervention options that meet the needs of your child and family
? information about all the components of the HCWA package
? application for the HCWA early intervention funding package of up to $12,000 (up to $6,000
in any financial year)
? determination of your child?s eligibility for the HCWA $2,000 regional and remote payment
Eligibility
The program is available for families and carers of children who:
? are aged 0 - 6 years (regardless of whether or not they have commenced school)
? have a conclusive diagnosis of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (see below for more
information)
? are citizens, permanent residents of Australia or would meet these requirements
Further, from the child?s sixth birthday until they turn seven years of age special consideration may
be given which would allow continued access to the funding. This will be determined by an Autism
Advisor on individual circumstances, based on guidelines provided by FaHCSIA.
Diagnosis Requirements
An acceptable diagnosis is one of the following listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Health Disorders (DSM) IV under Pervasive Developmental Disorders:
? Autistic Disorder Asperger?s Disorder Rett?s Disorder Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder Pervasive Developmental Disorder ? Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
The child will need a written Australian diagnosis made via one of these options:
? under the new Medicare items through the Helping Children with Autism package
? state or territory multidisciplinary diagnosis (or equivalent) - which will include diagnosis
services provided by state/territory Autism Associations
? a paediatrician or psychiatrist or private multidisciplinary team (a multidisciplinary team
must include a psychologist, speech therapist and occupational therapist with autism
expertise)
If your child was diagnosed in Australia prior to 27th October 2008 then the following will be
accepted:
? a written diagnosis made by either a psychologist, speech therapist or occupational
therapist with ASD expertise
? evidence of the current receipt of early intervention services from one or more of the
following: behavioural interventions developmental and social learning interventions
therapy-based interventions family-based interventions
Last updated 17 April 2009 Page 2 of 2
Autism Advisor Program (NSW), funded by the Department of
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Interpreter Service
An interpreter service can be arranged if required. We have access to interpreters who cover more
than 120 languages and dialects as well as Auslan. To organise ring the Autism Advisor Program
and let us know what language you speak and we will book a time to call you back with an
interpreter.
Application Steps
Step 1: Check your child is eligible - ensure that your child meets the eligibility requirements
listed on this sheet
Step 2: Register by completing an application form and consent form
o Contact the Autism Advisor Program for an application form & consent form (see
contact details at bottom of form)
o Ensure that forms are returned to the Autism Advisor Program with the following
documents:
Copy of diagnosis
Copy of treatment plan (if available)
Proof of your child?s birth date
Proof of your child?s residential address (e.g. utilities or rates notice)
Proof of your child?s CRN ? Centrelink Correspondence / Confirmation
Any parenting plans or court orders (that may impact your child?s residence)
Step 3: Attend an appointment with an Autism Advisor
o The Autism Advisor Program will assist in determining your child?s eligibility for the
Program
o An Autism Advisor will make contact to book an appointment if your child is deemed
eligible. You can choose the option of face to face or phone appointment
o The Autism Advisor will advise you at the appointment of early intervention service
options available through the HCWA package and non HCWA options
Step 4: Receipt of Letter of introduction
o The Autism Advisor Program will provide you with a letter of introduction to give to
service providers of your choice. Services will be paid directly by FaHCSIA for any
services your child receives.
Receipt of Regional & Remote Payment
o Families who live in an outer regional area or beyond, according to the Australia
Bureau of Statistics? Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia classification, will
receive a one off payment of $2,000 for each child diagnosed with an ASD in
addition to the funding package of up to $12,000 per child.
o You must be registered so that the Autism Advisor can determine your eligibility for
this payment
For Further Information
Autism Advisor Program (NSW)
PO Box 361 Forestville NSW 2087
T: 1300 978 611 F: 02 9975 1633
E: autismadvisor@autismspectrum.org.au
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
W: www.fahcsia.gov.au/autism
T: 1800 289 177 (Helping Children with Autism Inquiry Line)