14-July-2008
Goldstein Media Releases, Health, Funding
The $190 million Helping Children with Autism program offers grants of up to $12,000 to assist families with a child who suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder access early intervention programs.
Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb MP, encourages all Bayside support organisations to apply for funding to assist local Bayside families who have a child with autism.
“Families with a child who suffers from either a mental or physical disability do it tough, whether it be financially or emotionally or both. This funding can help take some of the burden off Bayside families and improve lifelong outcomes for their child,” said Mr Robb.
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects suffers in many and varied ways. Autism Spectrum Disorders are lifelong disabilities that affect the way a person communicates and relates to other people and the world around them. People affected by autism typically display major impairments in social interaction, communication and behaviour through restricted interests and repetitive behaviours.
“This funding program sees the fulfilment of the commitment the Coalition Government made to families with children with Autism in October 2007,” Mr Robb said.
“I hope many Bayside families benefit from this program and I am happy to assist our local support organisations through the application process.”
Applications for funding close on 28 July 2008. For more information and to apply for funding please contact Mr Robb’s office on 9557 4644 or go to the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website at www.facs.gov.au.