The State Government has provided more than $6 million this year to support the special needs of South Australian school students with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Responding to the launch today of results from a ‘school satisfaction survey’, Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the State Government is committed to supporting students with disabilities.

Minister Lomax-Smith says she is pleased that Autism SA already has recognised the ongoing work with the Department of Education and Children’s Services to address many of the issues raised.

“I commend parents for their obvious commitment to improving the well-being of students with Autism. Our ongoing work with parents and Autism SA is important in improving the standard of education provided to these students.

“While we have done much, we will continue to listen to and recognise the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the parents of these special children.

“Students with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are among many thousands of children attending our State schools who have additional and special needs.

“I know that our teachers and State schools do exceptional work in teaching children with special needs, sometimes in the face of quite significant challenges.

“The Rann Government has increased the level of funding in recent years to increase support to students with special needs, including Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

“In the education portfolio, this includes:
$14.45 million to upgrade and develop new facilities for students with special needs.
An extra $22.1 million over four years, announced in this year’s State Budget, to assist schools to meet the needs of an increasing number of students with additional and special needs.
Extra State funding of $3.5 million over four years to assist students with disabilities through the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities.
A trial cognitive behavioural program in primary schools, which has led to a decrease in students with disabilities bullying and being bullied by others.
Establishing 6 preschool programs across the State for children with high support needs and disabilities, including Autism. These are located at Mount Gambier, Hewett, Murray Bridge, Whyalla Stuart, Mount Barker and Morphett Vale.
An increase in funding – from $180,000 in 2004 to $220,000 in 2005 – for the Intervac Program, providing vacation care for children with additional needs.

Support for children with disabilities through various social inclusion initiatives to keep young people engaged in school and learning.
A new parent helpline (1800 222 696) to give parents an avenue to seek advice on options to address their concerns.

“The government also has increased spending in the State Budget in other portfolios that provide services for children and adults with autism, their families and carers. It includes:
$20.21m for day activity programs, including Moving On for school leavers.
$18.25m for in-home care for people with disabilities, including psychiatric disabilities.
$25m injection for more than 100 non-government organisations, including the well-known Minda and Orana.

“That includes additional funding of more than $228,000 to Autism SA and a new $180,000 one-off funding boost to Autism SA so it can clear its waiting list for autism assessments for young children.”

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