Around 1400 children with Autism Spectrum Disorders now have easier access to early intervention services, following changes to the Rudd Government’s Helping Children with Autism package.

The changes will increase the number of service providers, and allow families more time to use the $12,000 in early intervention funding available under this package.

This funding gives children with Autism Spectrum Disorders the chance to benefit from a range of early interventions, including one-on-one intensive activities and tailored group and individual programs.

Under the changes, families with children approved for early intervention funding will also be able to access early intervention funds until the child's seventh birthday.

This has been increased from six years, and will give families an extra year to access autism services.

Families will still need to have their child diagnosed with autism before their sixth birthday and see an autism advisor to receive early intervention funding.

Due to significant demand, some families had been placed on waiting lists and have not been able to use their full funding package before their child’s sixth birthday.

Parents who have lost access to their approved early intervention funding because their child turned six, will now be given an additional 12 months to use the funding.