NSW Autism Advisor Program

NSW Autism Advisor Program Call: 1300 978 611 or 02 8977 8345 Email: [email protected] Website: www.autismspectrum.org.au/aap Other...
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NSW Autism Advisor Program Call: 1300 978 611 or 02 8977 8345 Email: [email protected] Website: www.autismspectrum.org.au/aap

Other Options for Support Greater Hunter Contents Support Groups Additional family support options Early Intervention Services Financial support Respite Playgroups Child Care Options Workshops Useful Resources Sibling support

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Support Groups – Central Coast A place to meet and talk with other families who have a child with Autism

Central Coast Autism and Asperger’s Support Group

Morisset and District ASD Carers Support Group

Contact:

Contact:

Lee Blunt 4367 0370 or Julie 4357 2993

Suzanne 0466 593 946

My Special Home Support and friendship for carers of children with special needs Contact: Maggie 0457 127 778

Also on Facebook

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Support Groups – Hunter area

Family Strive ASD Support Group Location: Cessnock

Hunter Connect – Supporting Families Affected with ASD’s

Contact: Maxine Baird

Location: Port Stephens/Hunter

0419 913 033 or 4991 3004

Contact: Sam and Jackie Hays 0414 456 572

Newcastle Balance Support Group

Hunter Valley Families with ASD Kids

Contact: Helen Gadd

Online support group only through Facebook

4921 6267

Newcastle, Central Coast and State wide Asperger’s Support Network (for individuals who are

Father’s Group

(for fathers of children with an ASD)

on the spectrum themselves)

Location: Newcastle area

Have compiled a register of families who would like their child with an ASD to spend time with/get to know other children with an ASD.

Contact: Michael Robertson

Autism Carer Support Location: Mayfield Contact: 4935 0400

0409 245 029

Contact: Leigh Michel 4966 1717

Newcastle Temporary Care – Sharing the Care Support Group (for carers of children with an ASD)

Dad’s Group (general disability)

Contact: 4957 5008

Contact: Toni 4957 5008

Search: Hunter Valley Families with ASD Kids

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Where can I get some extra family support? Interrelate Family Centres

Brighter Futures A program that will support your family if you have complex needs. They will help you find services and supports Contact: Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Samaritans – 4014 9300

Offer a range of services including counseling, mediation & dispute resolution, disability family services, Indigenous services, Family Relationship Centre

Newcastle & Lake Macquarie (ATSI Families) Wandiyali – 4014 9300

Contact: Erina – 4363 8050 Newcastle – 4016 0550

Hunter region Benevolent Society – 4931 9342 Wyong & Gosford UnitingCare Burnside – 4325 9600 Intensive Family Support Options Program

Northcott Early Start Diagnosis Support Service

Carers NSW

A 24 hour counselling/ support line for parents

An intensive support program for families of children with a disability who are experiencing a high level of stress

Information and support for families whose child (0-6 years) has just been diagnosed with a disability or who are seeking a diagnosis

Information services and support for families caring for someone with a disability

Contact: 1300 1300 52

Contact: Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Contact: Central Coast – 4351 0861

Contact: 1800 242 636

Parentline

Central Coast – 4355 4752 Hunter – 4979 4333

Newcastle – 4935 0400

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Where else can I get some extra family support?

Central Coast Family Support Service

Early Childhood Information Team

Support for families on the Central Coast who have a child with a disability aged between 0-8 years

Central Coast Disability Network

Contact: 4340 1585

Provides information, referral, and advocacy services

Provides early childhood intervention information, coordination, and/or interim support to families living within Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or Port Stephens local government areas who have a child aged 0 to school entry with a disability

Contact: 4324 2355 Address: 29 Webb St, East Gosford

Contact: 4925 7847

Families Supporting Families Singleton Family Support Scheme

Provides information, personal and practical support, educational, therapeutic, and support groups, and can link families to other services

Contact: 6572 4288

Is an inclusive organization for the whole family of a child with special needs. Activities include workshops, guided discussions, coffee mornings, social outings, school holiday activities, a newsletter, website, and information sharing Location: Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter Valley areas Web: www.familiessupportingfamilie s.live.com.au

Contact: 0417 431 562

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Is there any other support for early intervention services? Families are able to choose only one state funded early intervention option.

(Wyong and Gosford local government areas)

(Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Lake Macquarie local government areas)

Provides home based, centre based, and outreach programs, and a toy library for children with a range of disabilities

For children aged 0-6 years with a range of disabilities. Services include centre based, home based, and outreach programs

Web: www.yarran.org.au

Web: www.firstchance.org.au

Contact: 0414 943 404

Contact: 4921 6265

Department of Education Early Intervention Classes

Children with Autism and an Intellectual Disability may be eligible for services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychology based services. Please note: due to demand, there is often a waiting list for this service

These classes are for children with a range of disabilities from 3 years to school entry. The class enrols between 5 -8 children. Please contact the Disability Programs Consultant to see if there is a class in your area.

Contact: 1300 205 268 (Hunter and Central Coast)

Web: www.samaritans.org.au/seict

Web: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/languagesu pport/documents/earlyintervention/services. php

Contact: 4903 1700

Contact: 4924 9914

Samaritans Early Intervention Program

(Hunter area)

Can provide a service to any family, school, early childhood setting or community organisation that is supporting a child aged 0-8 years with autism, developmental delay, or another disability

Contact: Rhiannon 0419 976 799 or Jessica 0419 255 813

Firstchance Early Childhood Intervention Program

ADHC Therapy Services

Aspect Early Intervention Readiness Program

Provides families with information, transition planning to appropriate services, and early strategies to support children with a recently diagnosed ASD or who are in the process of getting a diagnosis.

Yarran Early Intervention Services

Office locations: Cardiff, Bateau Bay, Maitland, Singleton

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

School Options in the Greater Hunter Department of Education and Communities (DEC) Mainstream Public Schools, Support Classes and Schools for Specific purposes Website: http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/ourservices/schools/disability-services

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Specialist schools and satellite classes for children with autism Website: www.autismspectrum.org.au Local base schools: Aspect Hunter School Location: Thornton Contact: 4922 5900

Contact: Disability Programs Consultant (Hunter/Central Coast) 4924 9914

Aspect Central Coast School Location: Terrigal Contact: 4382 8800

Catholic School System

Independent Schools

Offers mainstream schools with support as well as a limited number of special schools

Contact the Association of Independent Schools on (02) 9299 2845 or www.aisnsw.edu.au

For more information contact: Catholic Schools Office (Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle) 4979 1200 www.mn.catholic.edu.au Catholic Schools Office (Diocese of Broken Bay) 9847 0000 www.csodbb.catholic.edu.au

Useful services Australian Association of Special Education (AASE) Support and advocacy for people with special educational needs to ensure provision and access to quality education services Website: www.aase.edu.au Special Learning Difficulties Association NSW (SPELD) SPELD NSW is a not-for-profit organisation who provide services and advice for children and adults with specific learning needs and those who teach them Website: www.speld.org.au

Call: 9451 9477

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Financial Support ADHC NSW - Family Assistance Fund The Family Assistance Fund aims to increase family wellbeing and strengthen the capacity of families to provide ongoing care for a child or young person with a disability in their home. Small amounts of discretionary funding are provided to families to help them address needs that cannot be met through the standard range of services, are not available from other funding sources, or would otherwise be unaffordable. Unlike the recent Commonwealth Government’s annual Child Disability Payment, Family Assistance Funding is not a grant or entitlement. Web: http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/DADHC.htm SpecificLink: http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/People+with+a+disability/Services+for+families.htm Phone: 1300 205 268 Carer's Allowance This is administered by Centrelink and assists Carers looking after a child or an adult with a severe disability and/or medical condition which requires much additional attention – Autism included. Web: http://www.centrelink.gov.au (Search for carer’s allowance) Specific Link:http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/carer_allow_adult.htm Phone: Centrelink’s Disability, Sickness and Carer’s Line on 132 717 Carer’s Payment This is administered by Centrelink and is income and assets tested, similar to a full pension and difficult to qualify for. Web: http://www.centrelink.gov.au (Search for carer’s payment) SpecificLink: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/filestores/co029_0909/$file/co029_0909en.pdf Phone: Centrelink’s Disability, Sickness and Carer’s Line on 132 717 Health Care Card The Health Care Card may entitle the holder to significant discounts on visits to the doctor (bulk billing) / filling scripts at the pharmacy and entertainment venues (e.g. Easter Show, Sea World). Web: http://www.centrelink.gov.au (Search for health care card) Specific Link: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/conc_cards_hcc.htm Phone: Centrelink’s Disability, Sickness and Carer’s Line on 132 717

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Medicare Safety Net If you see a doctor often, or have tests regularly, your medical costs could be high. The Medicare Safety Net may help you with this. Once you reach a Medicare Safety Net threshold, visits to your doctor or having tests could cost you less for the rest of the calendar year. The Medicare Safety Net covers a range of out-of-hospital doctor visits and tests listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Web: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/ (And search for safety net) Specific Link: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/msn/index.shtml Phone: Medicare on 132 011 Medical Expenses Tax Rebate Taxpayers may claim a 20% rebate on their medical expenses over the first $1,500. Web: http://www.ato.gov.au/ (And search for Medical Expenses Tax Rebate) Specific Link: http://www.ato.gov.au/content.asp?doc=/content/Individuals/19181.htm Phone: ATO on 13 28 61

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Are there any options for respite?

Emergency Respite

Respite options (the amount of respite offered varies)

Commonwealth Carer Respite Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres will put you in contact with your local service (only shortterm / emergency service). They can also give you information regarding other services you may be eligible for. Call: 1800 052 222 www.commcarelink.heal th.gov.au/

Flexible Respite – Aging, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) Apply to ADHC to access flexible respite services that include in and out of home care, group and individual programs, day and over night stays and holiday and after school care. Please note this is not emergency respite.

Area Specific respite

In-home Childcare services

Central Coast Disability Network

Newcastle Temporary Care

NSW In-home care offers child care in the child's home by an approved carer. It is targeted to families who have no existing access to childcare services.

Has information about respite services on the Central Coast

Is a community based, not-for-profit respite care service for children and young adults with a disability and their carers and families, who live in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local government areas.

Call: 4324 2355 www.ccdn.com.au

Call: 1300 795 401 www.inhomechildcare.c om.au

Call: 49575008 www.newcastletempcar e.com.au

Call: 1300 205 268 The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Where can I find out information about playgroups I can attend?

Playgroups Australia can provide information on general playgroups in your area (not disability specific) • www.playgroupaustralia.com.au MyTime is a playgroup for children with a variety of disabilities. There is a parent support group that runs alongside the playgroup. You can find out information about your local playgroup from the web link below • www.mytime.net.au Call: 1800 889 997 Aging, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) have playgroups for children with a range of disabilities. Contact to see if there is one running in your area. • Call: 1300 205 268 Yarran Early Intervention Services have playgroups for children with a range of disabilities. There are groups in both Gosford and Wyong. • www.yarran.org.au Call: 4322 7011 Firstchance have playgroups for children with a range of disabilities. There are groups at the University of Newcastle - Callaghan, Salamander Bay, Belmont, and Raymond Terrace. Call: 4921 6265 • www.firstchance.org.au Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Open Playgroup is for families in the Hunter region who have a child with a recently diagnosed (or undergoing diagnosis for) autism spectrum disorder, and who are currently accessing limited services to support their child. The playgroup is held at the Aspect Hunter School in Thornton. Call: Rhiannon 0419 976 799 or Jessica 0419 255 813 • www.autismspectrum.org.au/eirp

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Child Care Options Pre Schools Provide early education and care for children 3-6 years http://www.preschoolsnsw. org.au/find-a-preschool

Long Day Care Centres (also known as childcare centres) For children 0-5years, with qualified and other staff. Generally open for at least 8 hours/day and for 48 weeks/year http://www.mychild.gov.au/

Family Day Care Family day care is care and developmental activities provided for other people’s children by a caregiver in their own home http://www.mychild.gov.au/

Occasional Care Services Are provided at a centre on an hourly basis for short periods of time. They provide developmental activities for children aged 0-5yrs http://www.mychild.gov.au/

Inclusion Support Funding Inclusion support funding is funding that is provided directly to all types of child care centres to support any children with additional needs (including those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder). It is not for a direct one to one worker, but is to increase the adult to child staff ratio to support all children with additional needs. You can ask the child care centre to arrange this.

Early Links Inclusion Support Service Early Links provides early childhood intervention support • For children with additional needs including those with a diagnosed disability or developmental delay and their families • Within the child’s early childhood setting including Preschool, Long Day Care, Play Group & some Family Day Care services • Throughout the Lower and Upper Hunter Valley regions (incorporating Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook, Scone, Murrurundi, and Merriwa local government areas). There is no cost to families or child care settings to use Early Links service Call: 4934 3773

www.earlylinks.org.au

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

What workshops are available?

Workshops under the Helping Children with Autism package Early Days workshops are free of charge for parents and carers to help them learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) • www.autismspectrum.org.au/earlydaysworkshops Positive Partnerships workshops are free of charge for parents and carers who have school aged children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). If you are unable to attend a workshop you could access their information through the online training modules • www.positivepartnerships.com.au Other Workshops Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) offers a variety of workshops for parents/ carers and professionals focused on information about Autism Spectrum Disorders • www.autismspectrum.org.au (click on the orange workshops tab to access the online calendar) Sue Larkey offers workshops for parent/ carers and professionals focused on information about ASD, social skills, play, visuals, behaviour, anxiety and school/ preschool strategies • www.suelarkey.com.au/Workshops.php Tony Attwood is running workshops throughout NSW in 2013 which have a focus on Asperger’s Syndrome. To find out more about dates and prices please access his website • www.tonyattwood.com.au

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Are there any other useful resources?

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Aspect is the state autism association and offers a number of services including family support programs, schools, intervention programs, adult programs and a diagnostic and assessment service. Aspect has also produced information booklets and manuals which are available on their website. Website www.autismspectrum.org.au Call: 1800 277 328 (1800 ASPECT) Autism Fact Sheets A variety of fact sheets on different topics from the National Autistic Society UK

http://www.autism.org.uk/a-z

Through the Maze Information and support handbook for parents and carers of children and young people with a disability in NSW (can be downloaded for free) http://www.acdnsw.org.au Autism Internet Modules Free online learning modules covering topics such as assessment and identification of ASDs, recognizing and understanding behaviors and characteristics, and numerous evidence-based practices and interventions. All module content has been written by ASD experts from across the U.S. http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/ Online Book Stores www.bookinhand.com (ASD specific book store) www.abilitybooks.com.au (disability specific books) The Australian Autism Handbook A handbook written by two parents of children with Autism in Australia www.autismhandbook.com.au Friendly Faces Helping Hands Foundation A website designed to network rural communities and its people to the major hospitals and health facilities. The website provides information on accommodation, parking, cheap eats, childcare, and other facilities that are located around each metropolitan hospital, as well as links to support networks, social workers and counsellors. www.friendlyfaces.info Useful Websites Autism Community Network Autism Awareness Australia Autism Noticeboard

www.autismcommunity.com.au www.autismawareness.com.au www.autismnoticeboard.com.au

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

Activities Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia The primary objective of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is to provide people with a disability, the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding. Website: www.rdansw.org.au Sailability The focus of this organisation is to facilitate sailing and boating throughout Australia for people with disabilities. Website: www.sailabilty.org.au Wiggle And Giggle Music Classes Operate from several locations on the Central Coast for children from zero to 5 years (not disability specific). Website: www.wiggleandgigglemusic.com.au Call: 4353 4115 or 0448 293 650 YMCA Inter-act This is a program for any child 5-12 years with a disability and incorporates dance, drama, and music. It is run by YMCA Newcastle in New Lambton. Website: www.ymcasydney.org.au/newcastle Call: 0419 356 745 Office of Communities, Sport & Recreation Provide activities during school terms and holidays for children with disabilities from age 5 and up. Website: www.dsr.nsw.gov.au Call: 4362 3184 (Central Coast area) or 4926 1633 (Newcastle area)

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by

What support can a sibling receive? Siblings Camp Aspect organises Siblings Camps once a year in the October school holidays. The camps are held in Sydney and are a great opportunity for children to connect with one another and partake in fun activities o

Contact Beth Del Rosario on 02 8868 8500, email [email protected] or access their website www.autismspectrum.org.au

Aging, Disability & Home Care (ADHC) Sibling Groups Located in Gosford for siblings aged between 6-12 years o

Contact Natalie Fisher on 02 4320 4100 or email [email protected]

Young Carers Program The young carer program supports young people who are helping a family member with any health issue. It is a 24 hour support number. o

Call 1800 052 222 or access on their website www.bensoc.org.au

Below are some websites where you can get some online support Young Carers http://www.youngcarers.net.au Siblings Australia www.siblingsaustralia.org.au Livewire www.livewire.org.au

The NSW Autism Advisor Program does not in any way endorse or recommend these resources or services. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research before selecting an appropriate resource or service for their child. Last updated July 2013. Please contact NSW Autism Advisor Program for the most up to date version of this document. Developed by