Laurie Ferguson (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of development disorders that are apparent usually before the age of three and are overwhelmingly predominant amongst males. Whatever the country, it seems that the proportion of females with the disorder is always under about 20 per cent. The disorders are a unique combination of abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction, patterns of communication and restricted and stereotyped interests and activities.

On 26 May, I was fortunate enough to attend, with my colleague the member for Hughes, the annual gala event of the Autism Advisory and Support Service. The member for Hughes is a member of that organisation. During that evening, while discussing things with his wife, I learnt more fully—I already had some appreciation of them—of the kinds of challenges that families face in this sector.

Coincidentally, last week the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers announced a $300,000 allocation towards establishing a Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders. That is a very worthwhile gesture. The centre would have the support of 11 organisations, seven universities and one medical research institute, as well as 30 other organisations. This is in conjunction with the $1 billion over four years for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

There was some speculation earlier about the reasons for increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorders. Who knows whether it is because of more knowledge in the sector, a willingness of people to come forward, improved testing or some phenomena related to our environment and our lifestyle? There is a prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in south-west Sydney. People have put that down to a possible genetic connection with ethnicity, and particularly to the prevalence of public housing. One of the realities is that autism and many other of these kinds of issues lead to the separation of parents and the need for one party to go into public housing. Recently the Sydney French Film Festival featured the film Declaration of War by Valerie Donzelli. It was not about autism but it certainly drove home this issue. It was an account of the director's life as a young mother and the break-up of her relationship in connection with a child who had issues.

The Autism Advisory and Support Service is based in Liverpool. It has had a strong connection with me, the member for Hughes and the member for Fowler. The parliamentary secretary was there and she is certainly aware of the organisation's services and issues. At the moment, they are seeking a meeting with the parliamentary secretary to drive home their concerns. I particularly appreciate that a group of families in south-west Sydney can accomplish what they have, using volunteers to get off the ground, establish premises and run a 24-hour telephone service which is utilised nationally. They are heavily involved in a variety of other activities. There is a young adults—over 16 years old—peer group that meets every second Sunday and a family support group that meets twice a month. They have obtained significant support from a number of organisations, such as the Mounties club—otherwise known as Mount Pritchard—Canterbury League Club and Bunnings.

The event that we attended in May was again this year a very successful fundraiser. It enjoys very significant broad public support. The facility at Liverpool is first rate, with playground and teaching facilities to give parents some respite. The organisation also works very well with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, who provide concerts for children. The founder of the Autism Advisory and Support Service, Grace Fava, has said on the question of music in the lives of these children:

Children with autism and additional needs have a great affinity for music in general and classical music in particular. It relaxes them and gives them a safe outlet for their emotions.

I want to reiterate that all members, regardless of their political allegiance, are very supportive of Grace's efforts. We hope that the federal government can make sure that her knowledge, her activity, her enthusiasm and that of the other volunteers are recognised and that they get some say in the process around funding in this country and with regard to upcoming developments.

Debate adjourned.

Sitting suspended from 13:32 to 16:20

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