New autism center opens in South Australia
The Australian Federal Government will provide 3.2 million Australian dollars (2.7 million U.S. dollars) to operate the first of six specialist centers for children with autism spectrum disorders, Australian Associated Press reported on Monday.
The center has just opened in Adelaide, South Australia as part of the government's commitment to deliver up to 260 early learning and care centers nationally.
Autism specific centers will also be established in Sydney, Brisbane, northwest Tasmania, Melbourne and Perth.
Six specialist staff, including a childhood education teacher, psychologist, speech pathologist and occupational therapist, will work together with five trained childcare workers at the Adelaide center.
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said one of the challenges many parents of children with autism spectrum disorders faced was the feeling of being unsupported.
"This creates unnecessary stress for parents and their children who are already coping with the challenges of the disorder," Macklin said.
"This center will operate as a crucial support and service hub for Adelaide families."
"It will offer a welcoming and encouraging environment where children can learn and interact with others, and parents can receive much-needed support," she added.