A total of $22.1 million will be provided for the two pilots which will focus on vulnerable infants from a diverse range of families.
Up to 1,500 babies and their families will benefit from the pilots which will be evidence-based and implement best practice design interventions for infants showing early signs of neurodiversity.
Bankstown’s Autism Community Network Ltd CEO Vanessa Gauci is a mother of five and has a son with a dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome.
She says early intervention, whether it be for autism or any disability, is critical in assuring the best outcomes for the child.
“Ensuring every child has a chance to receive diagnosis as soon as possible, allows parents and caregivers to be informed and armed with tools, resources and supports to help their child thrive,” she said.
“From the perspective of a parent who has been there, and those who receive informal supports provided by Autism Community Network Australia (ACN), pre-diagnosis and diagnosis is a challenging time.”
Up until now, she said it could take years to receive a formal diagnosis and there was nothing given to you to assist in navigating the road ahead.
“The largest study of needs of families requesting neurodevelopment assessments, found that the average time for families waiting on a completed assessment for their children was 3.5 years in public services,” she said.
“A need for wraparound support and a clear pathway of what happens next is imperative to give the child the best start, to access the right services and supports as early as possible is vital and long overdue.”
