PlayConnect Playgroups are a component of the Australian Government's Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package.  This initiative, funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) aims to address the considerable need for support and services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. 

For further information Helping Children with Autism, phone the Information Line on 1800 289 177.

Other elements of HWCA include:

My Time

My Time support groups for parents of pre-school children with a disability.

Phone: 1800 889 997
Web: www.mytime.net.au
 

Early Days

A Parenting Research Centre Program promoting development of young children on the autism spectrum.  Early Days provides introductory workshops for parents of newly diagnosed children.

Phone: 1300 307 909
 

Raising Children Network

The Raising Children Network is an online resource for families with children with an ASD providing ASD-specific information, resources and interactive tools.  There is a forum on the website that serves as an online support group providing a great avenue for parents to share ideas and thoughts.

Web: raisingchildren.net.au/autism
 

Autism Advisors

Autism Advisors can be contacted through the lead agency associations in each state:

• NSWAutism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT)1300 978 611
• VICAutism Victoria Inc(03) 9885 0533
• WAAutism Association of Western Australia (08) 9489 8900
• QLDAutism Queensland Inc (07) 3273 0000
• ACTAutism Aspergers ACT Inc(02) 6290 1984
• NTAutism(08) 8948 4450
• TASAutism Tasmania Inc1300 288476
• SAAutism Association of South Australia Inc(08) 8379 6976

Other Sources of Support

Carers Australia

Carers Australia works with the Carer Associations in each states and territory to deliver programs and services and advocate on behalf of all carers. They provide services like counselling, advice, education and training .

Phone: 1800 242 636
Web: www.carersaustralia.com.au
 

Positive Partnerships

Positive Partnerships workshops for parents of school-aged children.

Phone: 1300 881 971
Web: www.autismtraining.com.au
 

Centrelink

If your child has a diagnosis, your family may be eligible for certain payments from Centrelink.

Phone: 13 27 17
Web: www.centrelink.gov.au
 

Medicare

Various support options may be available to you under Medicare.

Phone: 132 011 (24 hours, seven days a week)
Web: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

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