Children-autistic(Question No 8)

Ms Hunter asked the Minister for Education and Training, upon notice, on 10 December 2008:

(1) What is the ACT Government doing to establish a training program in the ACT in specialist areas needed for autistic children, such as speech therapy.

(2) What professional training is there for specialists and teachers to ensure that professionals are being kept up-to-date.

Mr Barr: The answer to the member's question is as follows:

In October 2007, the Australian Government allocated $190 million for its Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package. The funding is implemented by three Government Departments.