Launch of the Autism Victoria 2005 State Conference website

The Autism Victoria 2005 State Conference web site was launched on Friday 13th May.  The Conference will be held on the 19th and 20th July, with Plenary Speakers Professor Rita Jordan and Ms Wendy Lawson.  A full program and online and offline registration forms can be accessed from this site.

Between the 8th to 14th May, the focus was on a variety of local events and media stories assembled for Autism Awareness Week.  A new member of the Victorian Autism Family, Learning for Life, was launched, with valuable support provided by media identity Tom Gleisner.  Tom featured in several media stories and a segment on Good Morning Australia (12th May, Ten network), along with psychologist Julia Seedsman who is the Coordinator of the Autism Behavioural Intervention Association and a Family Counsellor with Autism Victoria.

Other activities in Victoria during the week explored the newly adopted theme “Through the eyes of Autism”.  Pin a Person encouraged community members to reflect on the difficulties faced by adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in overcoming the many barriers they encounter – ‘we are not stupid, just different’.  Information sessions were held to inform parents, teachers and other professionals about the sensory processing and social interaction difficulties experienced by people with autism.  Several autism specific programs had open days and two forums exploring the recreation needs of children with Asperger Syndrome were held.  In Ballarat, the parent support group launched their new web site at www.ballaratautism.com and staged an art exhibition.

The Spectrum – Vol. 1, No. 1 – Autumn 2005

The second issue of our new magazine focussed on supporting adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Feature stories included:

• Dolphins Sailing Program – a report from Statewide Autistic Services about their new sailing program for their adult clients, with a colourful photo on the front cover.

• Who will love him when I’m gone – raising the issue of the burdens on families supporting adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• A Plea for Understanding – Donna Williams writes an open letter to all ‘multi-trackers’.

All financial members of Autism Victoria receive a copy of The Spectrum.  If you are not a member, why not join up now – membership details are on our website – www.autismvictoria.org.au - click ‘Become a Member NOW’.

Events

The Events Calendar on the Autism Victoria web site maintains an up to date listing of forthcoming events that are submitted to our site.  Some of the events currently listed include:

Autism Victoria State Conference, July 19th and 20th 2005

The full program of presentations is now available.  The theme for Day One, Tuesday, is “Through the eyes of Autism” and the theme for Day Two, Wednesday is “Meeting Learning Needs”.  Each day of the program will feature a Plenary Address, Keynote Presentations, Workshops and Thematic Presentations.  An Exhibition will be staged in the Foyer areas, and will feature key suppliers and service agencies.

Registration is now open, and early registration is strongly advised.  You can register online, or download a registration form to register by mail or fax.  A printed brochure with the conference program and registration form is also available.  Copies can be obtained from the Autism Victoria office – phone [03] 9885 0533 or by email to Carol at office@autismvictoria.org.au

Dr Tony Attwood visits Melbourne

The Autism Behavioural Intervention Association presents “Managing the Social and Emotional Learning Needs of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder”, on Wednesday June 8th, 2005 at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Preston.  Download a booking form with full details here.

A message from Autism South Africa and the World Autism Organisation

The 2nd World Congress on Autism is being hosted in Cape Town, South Africa from October 30th to 2nd November 2006.  Call for Papers and Expressions of Interest are now sought.

Cape Town is one of the top destinations in the world and now you have a valid reason to book plane ticket!  So not only will this be a prime opportunity to be part of an extremely informative congress, but you will have direct access to rolling sandy beaches, extensive vineyards, the splendour of Table Mountain, an opportunity to visit Robben Island and the joy of feeling the warm sun on your face as you gaze in awe at the magnificence of Cape Town's beauty.  Wet your appetite and view www.tourismcapetown.co.za .

Visit www.autismcongress.com for full conference details, and consider joining us 2006!

The Autistic Family Support Association Annual General Meeting

This meeting will be held on Wednesday May 25th 2005 at the Mount Waverley Community Centre, 47 Miller Crescent Mount Waverley at 7:15 pm (7:30 start).  For catering purposes please RSVP the Autistic Family Support Association at afsa_aust@bigpond.com or leave a message on 9885 8777.

AFSA takes you to the Academy Awards!  AFSA presents the Melbourne Premiere of the 2005 Academy Award nominee in the Documentary Short Subject category.  “Autism is a World” is a documentary about Sue Rubin, a lady of 26 with autism.  Until the age of 13, she was believed to have a severe intellectual disability.  But then a new communication technique gave Sue the ability to connect with the world.

Developing Better Health Outcomes for People with Developmental Disability

This Conference will be held from September 28th to 30th 2005 at the Carlton Crest Hotel, Melbourne.  For details contact the Centre for Developmental Disability Health, Melbourne University on 03-9564 7511 or email faye.alphonso@med.monash.edu.au.

News

Announcing Autism NT Inc.

After a lot of hard work, Autism NT Inc. has been established in Darwin.  Mr Tony Milhinhos, Senior Australian of the Year, and a prominent NT businessman has provided the new association with an office space in one of his commercial centres as well as helping to establish their profile in the NT community.  Their website is at www.geocities.com\autism_nt_inc

Autism Victoria Staff Update

Our Family Counsellor, Laura Addabbo and her husband Pete welcomed the birth of a bouncing baby boy in late April.  They have called him Zane.  Psychologist Kirsty Kerr has joined our staff as Family Counsellor whilst Laura is on Family Leave.

Training Opportunity - DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and COmmunication disorders)

The DISCO is a three hour structured interview for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as other developmental disabilities.  It has specific scoring procedures for detection of Autistic Disorder and Aspergers Disorder and has been developed by Dr Lorna Wing and Dr Judith Gould at the National Autistic Society, UK.   It is for interviewing parents or other caregivers of people of any age with a developmental disability and is designed to form part of a high quality multidisciplinary assessment battery.

Autism Victoria is currently investigating the options for bringing this training course to Melbourne in either late October 2005 or February-March 2006, probably in partnership with another agency.  The approximate all-inclusive cost will be $3,200 based on 12 participants.  If you are interested please email Amanda Golding no later than Tuesday 31st May.  This is an Expression of Interest, not a booking.

Victorian Department of Education and Training Disability & Impairment Program

The department has changed their time lines for this program, and the due date for submissions has been brought forward to July 15th.  The Program Kit is not available in hard copy yet, but can be downloaded from www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/wellbeing/disabil/index.htm .

Whilst the date for submissions has been brought forward, Autism Victoria has checked with the department which wished to reassure families and schools that this is not the final closing date.  If a new enrolment or submission for a change in funding or school setting is planned, and the details are available, an early submission will mean earlier decisions and greater time for forward planning.  Submissions will still be accepted after this date.

Age journalist, Claire Miller, has written an excellent overview of the systemic problems with the D & I Program, which was published in The Sunday Age, May 15 2005, page 17.

Autism Victoria Fundraising – Entertainment Books and Lapel Pins

Like all not for profits, Autism Victoria has to raise a considerable portion of the funds needed to cover operating costs.  Two fundraisers currently running are the popular Entertainment Book of restaurant vouchers and the Autism Victoria Lapel Pin.  The Entertainment Books are in limited supply and are selling fast.  They cost $60 (plus $7 postage and handling).    The Lapel Pin is a small multi-coloured enamelled pin with the popular logo from the Inaugural World Autism Congress.  They cost $3 each, and are available on consignment if you wish to sell quantities to your school, office or next fundraiser.  Email Carol at the Autism Victoria office for full details for ordering both products.

Lobbying and Consumer Consultation

“Incidence and prevalence of autism”, K. Williams et al, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia

This paper is an excellent overview of the difficulties encountered when trying to formulate an answer to the question – what is the incidence/prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder?  It was published in the journal Advances in Speech-Language Pathology, March 2005; 7(1): 31-40.  The Autism Victoria office has a copy of the paper.  Queries about the paper can be directed to Katrina Williams at katrinaw@chw.edu.au .

Accommodation for People with a Disability

The Kew Cottages Parent’s Association has conducted a long and frustrating battle with successive Victorian State Governments in an attempt to secure a flexible approach to the provision of supported accommodation.  Many of the residents at Kew Cottages have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, although a significant number would not be formally diagnosed.  One of the KCPA’s platforms is for the development of a cluster-housing model.  Their latest newsletter referred to a recent NSW government report “Models of Supported Accommodation for People with a Disability” which indicated the need to consider ‘some clustering of houses’.  The NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care is currently drafting a policy for people with specialised needs.  If accommodation options is an area of concern for you, the report can be accessed from www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc .  You can contact the KCPA at kewcott@alphalink.com.au.

Changes to the Carer Allowance List of Recognised Disabilities (Child)

A press release in March announced that changes have been made to the List of Recognised Disabilities and that Asperger Syndrome was to be included in this list.  We are aware that several families have experienced difficulties when applying for the Carer Allowance, especially the ignorance of Centrelink staff of the change.  Thanks to the extraordinary persistence of one of our members, we have been able to establish that these changes will only take effect from the 1st of July 2005.  Applicants before this date will have to seek the allowance via the old system of completing the detailed questionnaire and furnishing doctor’s reports etc.  Applications made after July 1st will be able to use the new ‘fast track’ system in which Asperger Syndrome is a recognised disability.  It is not clear whether claims will be able to be backdated.

It is important to note that parents of children with Asperger Syndrome have always been eligible for the Carer Allowance.  This change simplifies the process in that parents will not have to complete the full questionnaire and eligibility will not be reviewed until the child reaches 16 years of age.

Federal Government Forum to Raise Awareness into Autism

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health & Ageing, Christopher Pyne, announced this forum at the beginning of Autism Awareness Week.  It will be held in Canberra in mid June.  The Autism Council of Australia is currently working with ministerial staff to ensure a comprehensive representation of the Autism Spectrum Disorder sector and state government officials at the forum.

It’s Budget Season!

Both the state and federal budgets appear to hold some joy to the disability sector, depending on your circumstances and perspective.  There have been several commentaries published by disability and social welfare groups, with the general message best summed up as ‘show me the money’.  One particularly poignant comment – “do the funding promises mean a real improvement in service quality, quantity and access, or just an increase to the maze of services we have to navigate?”

Everyone has a story, everyone has experiences

Would you like the chance to tell your story about secondary school experiences of people with disabilities?  Angela Thurbon from Youth Services, Knox City Council would like past and present students with disabilities, their parents, siblings, teachers or friends, describe their experiences of secondary school.  Help is available from Knox Youth Services to get stories onto paper in narrative or poetry formats.  Selected stories will be recorded onto a CD Rom and used as an awareness raising resource in schools.  The maximum story length is 500 words.  The due date is Friday 24th June 2005.  Submissions should be emailed (in Word format) to angela.thurbon@knox.vic.gov.au .

Resources

Rural Health Education Foundation

“Learning Difficulties and Child Behaviour: Autism Spectrum Disorder” was broadcast on March 22nd 2005 and featured key professionals in the field, as well as parents and generic service providers.  Norman Swan of the ABC hosted the program.  The Foundation has donated a copy to each of the State Autism Associations.  Copies can also be ordered ($AUD75 each) by contacting the Foundation at rhef@rhef.com.au or look at their website at www.rhef.com.au.

Circles & Squares Social Skills program

Lesley Matthews from Karinya Counselling Centre has developed an eight-week program which is being funded by the RACV Foundation.  The program will suit children on the spectrum aged between 8 and 11 years.  Lesley is a Social Worker who specialises in working with children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.  For details about the program, contact Lesley at Karinya, which is in Glen Waverley, on 9802 2886 or email her at karinyasyn@connexus.net.au.

SpringFree Trampolines

This is a new style of trampoline that has been designed to eliminate the dangers of the exposed springs found on traditional trampolines.  The SpringFree trampoline comes in two sizes and also has a detachable safety net.  Have a look at their website at www.springfreetrampoline.com.au for more details.  These trampolines are purchased direct from the supplier, and Autism Victoria is currently arranging for a demonstration model to be installed at one our affiliated programs.  Autism Victoria is also part of SpringFree’s community support program, and they make a donation to Autism Victoria for each purchaser who mentions our organisation.

“Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”

Autism Victoria staff have prepared an information and study package for Victorian VCE students who are studying Mark Haddon’s extraordinary novel.  A copy can be downloaded here, or from our web site.

New books – “Autism in the Classroom” and “Living with Autism”

These excellent books have just been published by the Autism Association of Western Australia.  The books cost $AUD17 each and can be ordered from their web site at www.autism.org.au.

New Video/DVD - “The Asperger Point of View”

This is an excellent program compiled by Autism South Australia.  In VHS video or DVD format, it costs $AUD60 and can be ordered from their web site at www.autismsa.org.au.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Information in Other Languages

Autism Victoria is trying to build up an annotated list of reputable web sites about Autism Spectrum Disorder in other languages.  The site at www.autism-resources.com/links-nonenglish.html contains a comprehensive listing, but of course it is difficult to ascertain the quality and suitability of the content of many of these sites.  If you are bi lingual, or have information about sites in other languages, please email the site details and relevant comments to Amanda Golding.

DariFree milk substitute powder

Kris Barrett, a parent in Queensland, has sourced this casein free milk substitute powder from the US.  You can email Kris at gc-free@bigpond.net.au for ordering, product and nutrition details.

Autism Consultation Team - ACT-NOW

This Team provides a program that will train and support early intervention service providers working with young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in Victoria.  The team has developed an informative web site containing training event details, information materials and tip sheets.  The site can be found at http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psychmed/units/devpsych/actnow/

eSpectrum is compiled and distributed by Autism Victoria Inc.  All information is included in good faith, and is current at time of release.  Queries and comments should be directed to Amanda Golding, Executive Officer, Autism Victoria at admin@autismvictoria.org.au