Give autistic kids a chance

More than 15,000 people have signed a petition urging the Federal Government to fund therapy for preschoolers with autism to help thousands of children gain a place in mainstream schools.

Nicole Rogerson, the organiser of the 1000hours.com.au campaign, said toddlers with autism had "no chance at a normal life" unless they received at least 20 hours a week of therapy for at least two years.

The therapy, which involves one-on-one training in social and language skills, can cost parents up to $40,000 a year.

"That's just not fair," Ms Rogerson said.

"We have the children of wealthy parents being able to get help and the rest just miss out. This is a development disorder we know we can turn around, but unless a child has parents who can afford to pay for early intervention, their child doesn't stand a chance. To deny these children help is tantamount to neglect."

In October last year the prime minister John Howard announced a funding package called Helping Children with Autism, which would have provided money for 8000 play groups, 4000 low-level and 1200 intensive placements over five years, but the plan was shelved when the Coalition lost power a month later.

Now the Federal Government plans a new scheme, which it wants set up by July, but details of which have yet to be made public.

"We need to get in now and have a say about how the money is spent because while John Howard's plan was welcome, it just didn't go far enough," Ms Rogerson said. "Living with a child with autism is stressful enough. If you throw in the financial stress of paying for therapy it is abhorrent."

Jo Blair's son, Jamie, four, was diagnosed with autism 18 months ago after showing signs of aggression towards other children. He now receives more than 30 hours' therapy a week and has an adult attend preschool with him two-and-a-half days a week, but the cost has put a huge strain on the family.

"[Jamie's diagnosis] has been a life-changing event for us," Ms Blair said.

"He has moderate autism, but it is going to affect us for the rest of our lives. If he cannot communicate or socialise with others he will not be able to hold down a job, sustain a relationship or friendships, which means he will always be dependent on us unless we get him intensive therapy now. The cost is enormous, and family life is very strained, but he needs this help now if he is going to have a chance at life."