Helping Children With Autism (HCWA)

Where the NDIS has rolled out completely, as is the case in the ACT, new registrations for Early Intervention Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) and Better Start funding are not being accepted.

While children in the ACT may no longer be eligible for HCWA or Better Start funding at this time, families may still be able to access the following programs:

• Early Days Workshops, providing information for parents and carers of pre-school and school-aged children with ASD or ASD-like symptoms. Education and support workshops provide flexible, meaningful options through a national program of information that includes practical strategies to assist families and carers.
  
• PlayConnect Playgroups, providing play-based learning opportunities for children up to six years of age with ASD or ASD-like symptoms. The groups are conducted in a secure, supportive environment with parents and carers. Siblings are welcome to attend.
  
• The Raising Children Network website, providing autism information, online resources and interactive functions to support parents, carers and professionals. The website informs families and carers about services available for their children. It also provides information that helps families and carers to cope with pressures they face in raising their children and helps to maximise the day-to-day functioning of the family.
  
• Medicare items – up to four allied health diagnostic services for children under 13 years and 20 allied health services (in total) for eligible children up to 15 years (for those already registered with HCWA).
  

For more information, contact:

Barbara Laurin
Helping Children with Autism
Better Start for Children with Disability
Helpdesk: 1800 778 581
Email: Early.Intervention@dss.gov.au
Department of Social Services

Please note that the Early Intervention Helpdesk is located in the Perth State Office of the Department of Social Services and works to Western Standard time.

The information on this page is correct as at 20/11/2017.