Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Playgroup Program
The Australian Government has committed $190 million over four years to deliver the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package to help address the considerable need for support and services for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. As part of the education and support initiative for families and carers of children with ASD, $5 million has been allocated to deliver the playgroup component of the package.
Playgroup Australia will be the national provider for the ASD playgroups and will work in partnership with local organisations to establish 150 playgroups throughout Australia over the next 4 years. Rollout of the playgroups will commence from October 2008, with 50 groups up and running by June 2009. The playgroups will be targeted at children aged zero to 6 year olds with ASD or ASD like symptoms. Children will not require a formal diagnosis of ASD to attend a playgroup.
The playgroups will be branded PlayConnect playgroups and will offer play based learning opportunities for children and social support networks for their families and carers. These Playgroups will educate and connect families and carers of children with ASD or ASD like symptoms to resources available in their local area and to other elements of Helping Children with Autism package. PlayConnect playgroups will support families, carers and children who have ASD or ASD like symptoms, including those from Indigenous or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as rural and remote areas.
Further information is available on the Playgroup Australia website.
Families wishing to express their interest in attending a PlayConnect playgroup can contact Playgroup Australia on
07 3394 8448 or email info@playgroupaustralia.com.au.
Organisations wishing to discuss opportunities to partner a PlayConnect playgroup should contact Playgroup Australia on
07 3394 8448 or email info@playgroupaustralia.com.au.