Northside families with autistic children will benefit from an expansion of the AEIOU early intervention program announced on Friday.
The Turnbull Government will provide $4.5 million for construction of a new complex at Bald Hills which will enrol at least 50 children.
The Prime Minister joined Peter Dutton MP and Luke Howarth MP in Bray Park to announce the new funding that will ensure more children are able to access these vital services.
The new facility will be built on the grounds of St Paul’s School in Bald Hills. It will cater for up to 50 children and employ 25 specialist staff to deliver a 2:1 ratio of children to staff.
The AEIOU Foundation is a profit-for-purpose organisation, which was established in 2005 to deliver high-quality therapy and the care is life changing for many children with autism.
Most who participate are able to then go on to continue in mainstream schooling with the intensive early intervention of AEIOU enabling children to reach their full potential.
AEIOU Founder and Chairman, Dr James Morton AM and parents whose children are currently using the services spoke firsthand of the positive impact the improved facilities will make.
Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said, “I’ve met with lots of families who have found it really hard to find the right pathway for their child with autism.”
“The stories are always very emotional and sometimes heartbreaking. Parents are often just pushed to the limit,” Mr Dutton said.
“I have known James Morton for a long time and he has a passion to help these kids. AEIOU have a proven model of early intervention and wrapping care around children with autism.”
“The results are amazing and life changing for many of the kids enrolled in the program.”
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said this $4.5 million in funding is just fantastic news and will give local families who have a child with autism the opportunity to attend an early intervention program with proven results.
“This funding is about ensuring these kids have every opportunity to reach their potential, which is what every parent wants for their kids.”
“It was so encouraging talking to parents from the AEIOU centre and founder Dr James Morton to hear about the great success AEIOU is having on children’s lives,” Mr Howarth said.