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September 1, 2009 – The Australian Federal Government is allotting AUD$3.2 million to open the first of six new specialist centres for children with autism spectrum Disorder. A centre has recently been opened in Prospect, Adelaide as part of the government’s commitment to deliver up to 260 new early learning and care centres in Australia. The six centres are part of the Government’s $190 million Helping Children with Autism package.

The Adelaide centre will be managed by six specialist staff members including a childhood education teacher, a psychologist, a speech pathologist, an occupational therapist and five childcare workers. The centre hopes to provide a suitable learning environment for special needs children up to six years old.

“This centre will operate as a crucial support and service hub for Adelaide families,” said Jenny Macklin, Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Minister. “It will offer a welcoming and encouraging environment where children can learn and interact with others, and parents can receive much-needed support.”

Kate Ellis, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth, said the centre was crucial to the development of South Australian children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. “The period from birth to six years is considered the most rapid period of development for a child, after prenatal development,” she said.

Additional autism centres are set to open in Sydney, Brisbane, Tasmania, Melbourne and Perth.
Source:
• news.xinhuanet.com