Forum to raise awareness into autism
The Australian Government will hold a forum in June to raise public awareness into autism and related disorders.
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8 May 2005
CP22/05
With almost 20,000 Australians affected by autism and related disorders, the Australian Government will hold a forum in June to raise public awareness into the disorder the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Christopher Pyne, said today.
"The Australian Government invests almost $800,000 a year in autism research through the National Health and Medical Research Council," Mr Pyne said.
"In addition, a number of other NHMRC research projects have the potential to benefit people with autism."
Speaking on the eve of Autistic Spectrum Australia’s Autism Awareness Week 2005 (from 9 May), Mr Pyne said the autism forum and the continued government support for research into the disorder are positive steps.
"Autism continues to be a vital priority of the government as there is no single known cause of the disease.
"The forum will include discussions on the current research into this area, including genetic links, exposure to viral diseases and infections, metabolic disorders and physical traumas like birth injury," he said.
"There is strong evidence of a neurological basis to autism - as new methods for studying brain anatomy point to consistent differences between the brains of autistic and non-autistic people.
"Many of the Australian Government’s mainstream health, welfare and financial assistance programs help thousands of people affected by autism.
"Seven per cent of community support services and eight per cent of respite services funded through the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) 2002 - 2007, were being used for people with autism," he said.
"The agreement provides significant support for the health professionals, GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists and speech therapists involved in the treatment of autism and related disorders.
"As well, Medicare assists families to meet the cost of medical consultations on autism treatment."
Media contact: Adam Howard 0400 414 833
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