New Telethon Kids service gives best chance to children living with autism

A new service run by the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth will see clinicians and researchers working side by side to provide cutting-edge interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, recently announced. 

With an estimated 1 in 150 Australians being somewhere on the autism spectrum, Mr Hunt said the service offers new hope and support for children with autism and their families, through providing holistic care and access to the best and latest evidence-based therapies available anywhere in the world.

Officially launched 31 October, CliniKids is a state of the art clinic specifically designed to meet the needs of children with autism and developmental delay, and is the first facility of its kind in Australia.

CliniKids will be staffed by a team of clinicians including speech pathologists, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists, who will work with families to provide individualised therapy to children with autism and developmental delay.

The Federal Government has committed $600,000 to support the initiative that will fund the unique fit out, which was designed to take into account sensory needs, and creates a welcoming space for children as young as six months old and their parents.

The clinical team will collaborate closely with the Telethon Kids’ autism research team, headed by Professor Andrew Whitehouse, to ensure children receive the latest innovative, evidence-based care.

Local Member Celia Hammond welcomed both the launch and the Government investment, saying it would “make a significant difference to the health, development and lives of children and young people who need it most.” 

She emphasised the importance of early intervention, noting that the earlier therapy starts, the better the results, adding that the new service “will go a long way to offering support for children with autism and their families.” 

More information about CliniKids may be accessed here.