Possible Dedicated Autism School in Canberra

[Geordie]

The Canberra Liberals have unveiled an election promise to build a school dedicated to young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

If the party wins government in the ACT next month, it's pledging to spend $1.5 million dollars building the school for up to 40 students aged between two and six years old.

The party estimates $1 million dollars would be needed per year to operate the school.

Opposition leader Zed Seselja says his party would also try to grow the program with the help of charities and the private sector.

"It's built on a model we've seen have great success in Queensland," Mr Seselja said.

"It would have a 1 to 2 staff to child ratio so a very high number of highly qualified staff.

"It would work all day and it would provide intensive early intervention."

The proposal is for the autism school to offer an intensive two year program based on interstate education models.

The Canberra Liberals have suggested the site could be built in central Canberra or the Woden Valley.

Mr Seselja says support from a young age is important for children diagnosed with ASD.

"Early intervention is absolutely critical to ensure that these kids have the best possible prospects in life," he said.

"That's what this autism school's about.

"It's an ACT first and it's about giving the best possible early intervention for kids with autism."

Promise welcomed

The ACT lobby group representing people with autism has welcomed the proposal

Autism Aspergers ACT's president Gay Von Ess says children on the spectrum need integrated early intervention which is not currently available in the ACT.

"There are some services offered by Disability ACT and the Education Directorate, but they are fragmented and certainly don't add up to anywhere approaching fulltime intervention," Ms Von Ess said.

"I just think its great that politicians continue to think about the needs of children, and of people on the autism spectrum.

"They are a growing proportion of the population and its a very welcome initiative."

Liberals promise dedicated autism school - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)