OTHER AUTISM INITIATIVES AND INFORMATION
In addition to the $12,000 "Helping Children with Autism" early intervention funding, FaHCSIA have also released funding for further Autism initiatives to help children with Autism and their families.
Medicare Benefits Scheme
In addition to the $12,000 there is a number of other benefit schemes that will help assist families with early and ongoing intervention support for their child.
Enhanced Primary Care Plan
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Five sessions with an Allied Health Professional, (see below for a list of which professionals are Allied Health Professionals), as well as,
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$4250 worth of dental treatment (over 2 consecutive calendar years) if the doctor writing the referral feels that the chronic condition (autism spectrum disorder) is causing the dental problems. (Problems such as teeth grinding, eating non edible items, refusing to brush teeth etc could be contributed to the child’s Autism Spectrum Disorder.)
People with Autism are automatically eligible for the EPC because an Autism Spectrum Disorder is a Chronic Condition.
The EPC can be written by your G.P and the person with autism is eligible for this every calendar year.
Allied Health Professionals
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Psychologists
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Occupational Therapists
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Speech Pathologists
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Social Workers
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Dieticians
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Asthma Educators
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Audiologists
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Orthotists or Prosthetics
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Dental Therapists
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Pharmacists
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Dentists
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Podiatrists
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Physiotherapists
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Diabetes Educators
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Exercise Physiologists
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Aboriginal Health Workers
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Optometrists
Mental Health Care Plan
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12 sessions of individual therapy with a Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker or Psychiatrist. An additional six sessions may be available in exceptional circumstances
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12 Group Sessions of Therapy with a psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker or Psychiatrist.
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Rebates for assessment and treatment by a Psychiatrist.
The Mental Health Care Plan is an option available for anybody (individuals with an ASD, parents, siblings, carers…) who feels that their overall wellbeing and mental health is affected. Mental Illness is common; around 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives. Your Mental Health can be affected by a number of things; Physical problems such as chemical imbalances in the brain and infections, as well as non physical problems such as exposure to trauma, family environments, cumulative stress and difficult life events. We know that having a child with autism can be hard, any member of the family who are feeling sad, confused, depressed or anxious about the person in the family who has an autism spectrum disorder, should see their G.P to discuss other professionals who may be able to support them such as social workers, counsellors.
People who have autism spectrum disorders can also have mental health difficulties. They may be anxious about the environments around them; they may be depressed because they are having difficulty forming relationships with other people. There are many reasons why they would be eligible to access the Mental Health Care Plan, and they should be encouraged to seek support from the appropriate professionals.
Group sessions can be used for Social skills groups, play therapy groups, anxiety groups; any group that is run by the above listed professionals and is working towards building the confidence, self esteem and ability of the person with an autism spectrum disorder.
People are eligible for the Mental Health Care Plan every calendar year. You can get a referral from your G.P or Paediatrician. Make sure you book a long consultation with your doctor to allow you and your doctor enough time to prepare a GP Mental Health Care Plan and discuss your treatment options.
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-b-better
Helping Children with Autism - New as of July 1st 2008
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4 Appointments for Private Diagnosis with Paediatrician, Child Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist. This is called the ‘Helping Children with Autism Increased Access To Diagnosis’
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20 Sessions of Speech, Occupational Therapy or Psychology. This is called the’ Helping Children With Autism Treatment Plan’
Families have the option of using the Medicare rebate system to help pay for private assessments. The family’s paediatrician can diagnose the child with autism, in collaboration with a private speech therapist, an occupational therapist and a psychologist. The rebate allows a total of 5 sessions with these professionals. (Together not each)
With a diagnosis of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, the child will be eligible for 20 sessions shared between a speech therapist, an occupational therapist or a psychologist. Your pediatrician will develop a treatment plan for your child with you.
These rebates can only be used once in the child’s life time, and must be written by the child’s 13th birthday, and used by the child’s 15th Birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use all these at the same time.
A. Yes!
Q. Can I use the 20 Sessions more than once.
A. No, it is a once in a lifetime rebate.
Q. Does the referral need to be written by my Paediatrician?
A. The Helping Children with Autism referrals need to be written by your paediatrician, the EPC and MHCP can be written by either a paediatrician or G.P.
Q. Should I save the Helping Children with Autism Treatment Plan (20 sessions) until my child needs it when they are older?
A. We know that Early Intervention is very important for children with Autism. As soon as you are in a position to provide your child with autism specific treatment, therapy, or support, you should start. Laying down the foundation skills that your child may not be learning naturally as soon as possible enables you can continue to build on those skills later.
Quick Reference Table |
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Enhanced Primary Care Plan |
Mental Health Care Plan
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Helping Children with Autism Treatment Plan |
Total Number of Sessions |
5 + Dental |
12 Ind. + 12 Group |
20 |
When Must I Use It By? |
Each Calender Year |
Each Calender Year |
Childs 15th Birthday |
Speech Therapy |
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Psychology |
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Occupational Therapy |
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Social Worker |
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Group Sessions |
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G.P write the referral |
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Paediatrician write the referral? |
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Adults Eligibility |
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Click here> to download Medicare Benefits Factsheet
Support for Pre-school Children
PlayConnect - Playgroups for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
PlayConnect Playgroups are here to help families with children with autism, it’s about connecting with other families.
Who are PlayConnect Playgroups for?
Any family that has a child aged from 0-6 years who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ASD-like behaviours, is welcome to join a PlayConnect Playgroup. Your child does not need a formal ASD diagnosis to join a PlayConnect Playgroup.
What can I do to be a part of a PlayConnect playgroup?
Go to the Playconnect website and follow the details to submit expression of interest.
http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/index.cfm?objectid=01F699E9-E7F2-2F96-376A10D5AA031D9F
What will happen at a PlayConnect Playgroup?
PlayConnect Playgroups usually meet weekly for two hours. During playgroup sessions, parents, caregivers and children participate in a variety of play activities suited to the needs of children with ASD. Families also have a say in how playgroup sessions are run. The Playgroup is facilitated by a PlayConnect Playgroup Development Worker for between 6 – 24 months. After this time, families may choose to continue running the playgroup themselves or join another community playgroup program or early intervention service for children with ASD.
How will PlayConnect Playgroups benefit our family?
Numerous studies have proven the value of playgroup on young children’s social, cognitive, emotional and language development. Parents and caregivers say playgroups are beneficial because they help them connect with other families in similar situations. At a PlayConnect Playgroup, your child will be in a secure, supportive environment with you. Together, you and your child will join in play activities specifically suited to children with ASD. You will meet other families in your area and you will also have the opportunity to link with early intervention programs which are part of the Australian Government Helping Children With Autism package.
Who coordinates PlayConnect Playgroups?
Playgroup Australia, the national peak body for playgroups, has received funding from the Australian Government to implement the PlayConnect Playgroups program, as one of the components of the $190 million Helping Children With Autism initiative. PlayConnect Playgroups are being coordinated in partnership with state and territory playgroup associations and community organisations across Australia.
Is there a cost to families?
Funding from the Australian Government will enable families with a child with ASD or ASD-like symptoms to attend a PlayConnect Playgroup at minimal cost during the first two years of the playgroup’s operation. Some PlayConnect Playgroups may choose to undertake certain activities that are not covered by the funding for the playgroup and families may be asked to make a contribution to meet these expenses.
Is there a PlayConnect Playgroup starting in my area?
The sites for PlayConnect Playgroup are chosen according to a range of criteria including demonstrated community need. There will be 150 PlayConnect Playgroups starting before July 2011, in both metropolitan and regional areas of Australia.
The current locations announced in Victoria can be found by clicking here.
How can I find out more?
For more information about PlayConnect Playgroups call the PlayConnect Infoline 1800 790 335 (toll free) or alternatively follow the link to http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/