WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (14:48): I have a supplementary question. What is the government doing to expand supports for people once they pass the age of seven years and, therefore, can no longer access the Helping Children with Autism package?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:48): The government is participating in a range of support services for the community, in particular through working with Autism SA. I can say that early intervention is a very important part of the government's strategy in terms of dealing with autism. In 2010-11, approximately $2.8 million was expended on disability services and the early childhood program, including additional specialist positions in country regions, with approximately 25 per cent of children receiving services having autism spectrum disorder.

However, we note there is an issue where, if you have early intervention programs and if you front-end most of your expenditure in that area, there is a problem at the other end when people are leaving services, particularly in education. That is an issue that the government is working on with the sector to provide appropriate services to the community so that those children, when leaving education, are not left without supports.