Early intervention is essential for children with autism.
My son Michael was incredibly luck to access a full-time early intervention centre in Brisbane called the AEIOU. The centre opened its doors for the first time shortly after Michael was diagnosed. So by great fortune we had access to a centre (only the second of its kind in Queensland) without having to endure long waiting lists. The intensive nature of the intervention contributed to the significant gains that Michael has made in the last 5 years. He is now able to attend a mainstream school.
Every child with autism should be able to access such a service. Currently most children with autism cannot access early intervention mainly because:
(1) lack of services
(2) too expensive
(3) too far away.
Here is a message from the 1000 Hours Campaign.
| It’s time for more…
Help Australian children with Autism by supporting our campaign to lobby government to fund a minimum of 1000 hours of Early Intervention for every pre school child with Autism. It takes only a minute to join and show your support. For more details on the 1000 hours campaign please visit our website |
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Gabe Feathers McGee 
Dr James Morton (who is part of the 1000 Hours team) established the AEIOU in Brisbane and he has set up a number of other centres throughout Queensland. His son was at the AEIOU when Michael was there. I think he deserves a medal.
I had to change my theme again because the other one is too narrow for lots of stuff.
what a great program…and how amazing that your son can attend a mainstream school because of it…were you living in Brisbane at the time? it seems like a long way to go from hervey Bay to Brissie..is there anything closer to you now?
It is a great program. We come from Brisbane and were living in Auchenflower (the AEIOU was at Moorooka). I lived there all my life until about 3 years ago. The closest centre to Woodgate is Townsville and Toowoomba (I think) but they have just recently opened. I feel sorry for the rural people who have absolutely nowhere to go unless they move – which is not a viable option if your finances are stretched. Plus the programs are usually very expensive.