Useful Links

Federal Government Initiative Helping Children With Autism <back to top>

For information about increased access to early intervention services for children with autism spectrum services refer to FaHCSIA: (Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs)

· E-mail enquiries to:asd@fahcsia.gov.au

· Information line: 1800 289 177

· Website:http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/services-help_child_autism.htm

For information about new Consultant Physician and Allied Health medicare items for autism and other pervasive developmental disorders refer to Department of Health & Ageing (DoHA):

· Information line: 1800 289 177

· Website: http://www.health.gov.au/autism

For information about education programs for education professionals and parents of school aged children Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR):

· Information line: 1800 289 177

· Website: www.dest.gov.au/schools/autism

· E-mail enquiries to: autism@deewr.gov.au

Australian Sites and Resources <back to top>

http://www.raisingchildren.net.au
You may be aware that the Australian Government is providing $4 million to support a new Parenting Information Website (PIW). Focussing on information about children aged 0-8, it is a resource for parents, professionals, the community and is funded under the Stronger Familes and Communities Strategy - through the Early Childhood-Invest to Grow program's 'Tools and Resources' category. The website is still under construction and will be launched during Families Week on 17 May this year.  For more information please click here

http://www.rhef.com.au/programs/502/502.html 
Learning Difficulties and Child Behaviour - Autism Spectrum Disorder Programme Sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasingly being diagnosed in Australian children. Consequently rural GPs are having to deal with the issues and associated problems that come with the diagnosis. This program examines the complexities of this disability and the benefit of early intervention. It also identifies the key issues facing carers and the barriers to receiving services and support. Program objectives
This program will enable viewers to:

• Increase their understanding of the complexities involved in the diagnosis of ASD.
• Understand the differences and implications of the varying types of autism.
• Recognise the benefit of early intervention for children with ASD.
• Identify strategies to effectively support children and families who are affected by ASD.

http://www.bookinhand.com.au/
A web site from Mary Jane Blackman, covering a premier stock list of books, audio and videos relating to autism spectrum disorder. The bookshop is located at Redcliffe, near Brisbane.

http://www.therapytoyshop.com/
The Main Home for Co-ordinates Therapy Services, West Brunswick, Victoria. Therapy supplies (Occupational, Physiotherapy and Speech) and bookshop. Other websites include: http://www.therapybookshop.com/, http://www.speechtherapyshop.com/, and www.autismbookshop.com

http://www.speechtherapyshop.com/
Co-ordinates Therapy Services, West Brunswick, Victoria. Therapy supplies (Occupational, Physiotherapy and Speech) and bookshop.

http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/
Computer technology for student with learning difficulties and disabilities, Brisbane, Queensland.

http://hunter.apana.org.au/~cas/
Carolyn Baird's website - Articles, Link to OzAutism Mailing List.

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rbmitch/Aspergers2.htm
Australian site for Aspergers Syndrome - Message Board, Chat Room, Kids/Siblings/Teen Mailing List, Information and Links.

http://www.picturepage.net/
Lindsay Weeke's Picture Page (Victoria).

http://www.mugsy.org/wendy/index2.htm
Wendy Lawson's Website (Victoria) Information and Speaking Engagements.

http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~josies/
Josie Santomauro's website on Aspergers Syndrome. Resources, papers and links.

http://communities.ninemsn.com.au/AutisticSpectrumDisorders/homepage.msnw
This community is for Neurologically Non Typical individuals and their families, friends, educators and anyone with an interest in autism. The aim is for information sharing and support. It is Brisbane based however people from anywhere are welcome to join this online group.

Support & Advocacy Sites <back to top>

Aspergers Syndrome Support Network (Qld) Inc
The ASSN (Qld) Inc provides support to parents, families, carers, and siblings as well as to children, adolescents and adults with Aspergers Syndrome.

http://www.a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) is a national organisation comprising and directly representing people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families and associates. A4 benefits its constituents through developing and promoting appropriate national policy; influence relevant decisions; and monitoring and reporting on outcomes.

http://www.disability.qld.gov.au/regional_councils/about.cfm
The major role of Regional Disability Councils is to build the knowledge and expertise of local communities in relation to disability issues; facilitate partnership between government and the community at a local level; and strengthen the capacity of people with disabilities and families to participate actively in the decisions that affect their lives. Your local Regional Disability Council members can be found by following the link to your local Area Map

Information Sites <back to top>

www.autismhelp.info
Gateways Support Services (Victoria) has produced website for parents and professionals. It has sections specifically for teachers (preschool through to tertiary) integration aides, child care workers, health professionals and more. The site is really useful resource for parents and teachers of children with high functioning autism or AS in a mainstream school. As well as lots of information there are downloadable tip sheets, forms and social stories.

http://www.autismconnect.org/
autismconnect aims to be a worldwide, interactive, personalised forum for the sharing of information by people whose lives are touched by autism. This includes people with autism, their parents, friends, educators and therapists, as well as researchers, legislators and volunteers. If you are interested in getting up-to-date information about autism, with the latest news items posted each week on your personal notice board, register at the site.

http://www.autism-resources.com/
Autism Resources pages (maintained by John Wobus) offering information and links regarding the developmental disabilities autism and Aspergers Syndrome.

http://www.jesseka.com/
This site contains information on ADD, Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, social and communication disorders, emotional training, building self esteem, behavior modification, training parents and professionals, individual consultation.

http://www.worldautism.org/
World Autism Organisation officially announced on November 21 1998 in Luxembourg, has for main goal to help making better the quality of life of autistic people and that of their families throughout the world. Has a resources page and search engine for the site.

http://www.pediatricneurology.com/autism.htm
Autism spectrum disorder - Sorting out Autism, Aspergers Syndrome and other related disorders.

http://members.tripod.com/trainland/autism99.htm
Papers from Autism 99 World Internet Conference.

http://www.autismtoday.com/
Comprehensive site of News and Resources for Autism and Autism Related Issues. Site has a search engine.

http://www.isn.net/~jypsy/
Autism spectrum disorder or "Ooops...Wrong Planet! Syndrome" - information and links.

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/Aspergers/
Online Aspergers Syndrome Information & Support O.A.S.I.S. Provides information and guidelines for parents, teachers and anyone who cares for individuals with Aspergers Syndrome.

http://access.autistics.org/
Autistic Continuum Connections, Education, and Support Site - Information, Support & Resources. This site was created by a group of autistic adults who are members of a support group at Vancouver Island Autistic Homes Society. Link to Homeschooling.

http://www.autism.org/temple/inside.html
Temple Grandin is a lady with autism who has achieved much in life. Here is one of her many articles on the subject. More are listed at http://www.autism.org/

http://trainland.tripod.com/
Beyond Autism is a site by a parent that has "been there, done that, and still doing it". This autism site contains many links to other resources and is a comprehensive source of information for those of you just starting out - to help you move "beyond" the label of autism-ASD-PDD.

http://www.epeconline.com/Hyperlexia.html
Educating parents of extra-special children – Hyperlexia.

http://autismfamilycircle.com/Links.html
Autism Family Circle of Links.

http://www.bbbautism.com/club_front_page.htm#awards
Help For Parents With Children Who Have An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Or A Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).

http://www.autism.org/sibling/sibqs.html
Handout page for parents and siblings.

http://ldonline.org/ld_indepth/family/family-sib1.html
Ideas on discussing issues with siblings of children with disabilities.

http://www.kidslife.com.au/
A website for parents - lots of ideas/discussions re parenting/family relationship issues.

http://members.tripod.com/~RSaffran/social.html
A page set up by parents who found their own version of social stories with the help of their therapist.

Government <back to top>

Disability Information and Awareness Line
The Queensland Disability Information and Awareness Line (DIAL) is a free, statewide information, resource and referral service.

Disability Online
The Disability Services Queensland web site with the latest news on disability along with general information of interest to the disability sector.

Queensland Government Home Page Education Queensland Special Education
Information on policy, processes and projects (Disability Support Services Unit)

http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/learning/students/disabilities/

Anti-Discrimination Commission Qld

State Justice and Attorney General

Federal Government Home Page

Commonwealth Family Youth and Community Care http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/aboutfacs/programs/disability-disabprogs_nav.htm

Commonwealth Disability Programs

Commonwealth Disability Strategy

Legislative Acts and Decisions

Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Provides a range of resources and links on disability rights and discrimination issues.

Guide to Social Security Law http://www.health.gov.au/acc/carers/crespcloc.htm
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre locations by State.

Non-Government <back to top>

http://www.qppd.org.au/
QPPD is a state-wide systems advocacy organisation advocating for PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, by PARENTS, against ABUSE AND EXCLUSION, for JUSTICE AND RIGHTS. Queensland Parents for People with a Disability vigorously defends justice and rights for people with disabilities by exposing exclusionary practices, speaking out against injustices and promoting people with disabilities as respected, valued and participating members of society.

http://www.qai.org.au/
Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI) is an independent, community-based systems advocacy and legal advocacy organisation for people with disability in Queensland. QAI's mission is to promote, protect and defend, through advocacy, the fundamental needs and rights and lives of the most vulnerable people with disability in Queensland. QAI does this by engaging in systems advocacy work - through campaigns directed to attitudinal, law and policy change, and by supporting the development of a range of advocacy initiatives in this State.

http://www.parent2parentqld.org.au/
Parent to Parent is funded by Disability Services Queensland and has a State Centre on the Sunshine Coast and Local Groups across the State, affiliated as Sub Committees of Parent to Parent Association Queensland Inc. Families who have a member with a disability are supported, empowered and enriched, enabling them to positively influence society to accept people with a disability as a valued citizen.

http://www.disabilitynews.infoxchange.net.au/
Disability News Infoxchange provides news, media releases, conferences/seminars/training, forums, new services and upcoming events, from around Australia.

Communication <back to top>

http://www.usevisualstrategies.com/
Linda Hodgdon's website - Improving communication is one of the primary needs for persons with Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, or others with communication or behaviour challenges. Our goal is to provide tools to help improve communication.

http://ccoder.com/GainingFace/
Team Aspergers has developed software to help people with Aspergers syndrome, high-functioning autism, and similar issues learn to recognise facial expressions. Site includes a free demonstration.

http://www.human-emotions.com/mindreading/default.asp
Mind Reading - A CDROM which is an interactive guide to emotions. It has been designed with awareness of the special needs of children and adults who have difficulties recognising emotional expression in others. It is also an invaluable resource for actors, directors, writers and anyone involved in the dramatic arts. The title enables the user to study emotions and to learn the meanings of facial expressions and tone of voice, drawing on a comprehensive underlying audio-visual and text database.

http://www.winningconnection.com.au/index.html
Sandra Winning is the parent of a child with high functioning autism and out of pure frustration at the lack of resources available, she has developed a flashcard system in conjunction with clinical psychologists, speech therapists, behavioural therapists, parents and teachers. The project was partly sponsored by RUCSN (Resource Unit for Children with Special Needs) and the cards are now endorsed by the Disability Services Commission, Western Australia.

http://www.do2learn.com
A disability site - contains ideas for working with children with special learning needs. It shows examples of some good classroom ideas and links to areas on this site that contain printable tools to be used in the classroom.

http://www.pecs.org.uk/welcome.asp
Information on Picture Exchange Communication Sysytems (PECS).

http://www.mayer-johnson.com/
Home Page for Mayer-Johnson Boardmaker Symbols.

http://www.compic.com/
Home Page for Compic Symbols.

http://www.herring.org/speech.html
Speech Language Pathology Websites.