Actions from Autism report must not be ignored in Melbourne’s west
- Details
- Friday, 10 February 2012 05:41
Member for Williamstown, Wade Noonan MP, yesterday used the Victorian Parliament to call on the Minister for Education to implement a number of actions arising from an independent report into the future education needs of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Melbourne’s West.
Mr Noonan said that the Minister’s department received a report in August 2011 which outlined six key short term actions that would immediately benefit students with an ASD and their families.
In summary, the actions include:
- holding information sessions for local families about ASD services, supports and programs and posting more information on the department's website;
- initiating support opportunities for local families to network;
- reinforcing that all schools will accept children with differences and will cater for diversity through positive leadership;
- drafting a formal set of regional guidelines outlining that time out should be used for ASD children;
- and reviewing and streamlining regional processes where students may be eligible for support funding.
“I’m surprised the Minister hasn’t moved more quickly to implement these measures,” Mr Noonan said.
“I think these measures are very practical and would provide comfort to many families who have to constantly navigate their way through the autism maze.”
“It’s clear from the independent report that investing in a prep to year 12 autism specific school will not be enough and that additional support for mainstream schools and other generalist special schools in the western region must be considered as part of a holistic approach going forward.”
The western metropolitan area of Melbourne has the second highest prevalence rate of students supported under the ASD category of the Program for Students with a Disability (PSD) in Victoria.
“There has been a threefold increase in the number of students with autism receiving funding support in our region,” Mr Noonan said.
“The department’s report suggests that mainstream and specialist schools in the west have been placed under rising pressure to support those students exiting from the Western Autistic School.”
“I think local schools are doing their best to support children with an ASD, but it’s clear that more needs to be done.”
“The Minister has given me a firm commitment that he will speak with his Department and provide me with a response.”
The standing orders of the Victorian Parliament require that a written response be provided within 30 days.
A full copy of Wade Noonan’s speech can be found at: www.parliament.vic.gov.au
