New 'Nurturing Children with Autism' Resource Launched - Amaze

Press Information
For Immediate Release
New ‘Nurturing Children with Autism’ Resource Launched
Date: 13 March 2012, Melbourne
Autism Victoria trading as Amaze and Playgroups Australia announce the launch of a new resource to encourage
the development of skills in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through play.
This new computer‐based interactive resource, called 'Nurturing Children with Autism', has been designed to educate
and equip the families of young children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with useful
information and ideas for play.
" 'Nurturing Children with Autism' contains a whole array of different resources ‐ animations, video clips, information
about ASD and services available and lots of examples of play that will not only be fun, but will help develop your
child's skills," says Product Manager, Emma Godsil.
The varied play activities provided cover three different types of play ‐ sensory and physical play, imaginative and
pretend play, and social and interactive play.
"Using the interactive Wall Planner feature, parents
can choose which play activities they want to enjoy
with their child for the week. The Wall Planner can
be downloaded and printed out ‐ it makes it easy to
stick to your plan and keep on track."
The resource features animations, instructional
video clips and information on available support
services and explains the main principles of ASD,
with illustrations of play strategies that enrich each
child’s daily experiences. In the introduction,
‘Nurturing Children with ASD’ educates viewers
about children’s developmental milestones and
provides them with information to alert them to the
early signs of ASD. If parents are concerned about their child’s development, the resource gives advice and practical
guidance on how to start the process of getting a diagnosis. The various support networks available to families once
their child is diagnosed are also outlined.
"We are delighted with the result of this partnership," says Murray Dawson‐Smith, CEO. "Funding from FaHCSIA
(Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) assisted in developing this product,
specialist knowledge on play for young children came from Playgroups Australia, staff at Irabina Childhood Autism
Services provided video clips showing therapists modelling behaviours, and parents who use their services shared
their personal stories, and of course our own staff here at Amaze provided ASD expertise. The result is a credit to all
who have been involved, and will be of very great benefit to young children on the spectrum and their families."
'Nurturing Children with Autism' is available for $39.50 (inc. GST & postage).
ENDS

Contacts:
Murray Dawson‐Smith, CEO
T: 9657 1600 Mob: 0412 010 959 E: murray.dawson‐smith@amaze.org.au
Emma Godsil, Product Manager
T: 9657 1617 Mob: 0411 293404 E: emma.godsil@amaze.org.au
Fran Ludgate, Manager, Marketing & Communications
T: 9657 1600 Mob: 0400 636 947 E: fran.ludgate@amaze.org.au
BACKGROUND: Autism Victoria – trading as Amaze
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is being diagnosed in around 1 in 100 children in Australia: this rate is higher than
for all other disabilities combined.
ASD is a lifelong condition and there is no cure. However, early intervention, such as the use of this resource as well a
variety of therapies, can bring about tremendous gains for the individual.
Autism Victoria trading as Amaze is a member‐based not‐for‐profit organisation representing around 55,000
individuals in Victoria who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The organisation’s aim is to improve the quality
of life for people affected by ASD, their families and carers and to provide a range of services to individuals and
agencies that assist those individuals. Autism Spectrum Disorder includes Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD‐
NOS.
Autism Victoria trading as Amaze generates income from a range of sources including memberships, government
funding, philanthropic trusts, private donations and various other activities. The Association’s Patron is Professor
Margot Prior AO, who is an internationally acclaimed researcher, teacher and clinician in the field of Autism Spectrum
Disorders.
T: 9657 1600 W: www.amaze.org.au