❓ Hon. Sophia Moermond raises concerns about long wait times for ASD diagnoses and lack of support for students in mainstream schools, requesting emergency funding. The Minister denies awareness of students working in sick bays and states interim funding is already provided for students on assessment waitlists.
AnsweredQoN 649Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SCHOOLS — AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
649. Hon SOPHIA MOERMOND to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Education:
I refer to the current long wait
times for Department of Communities' child psychologists to confirm a diagnosis
of autism spectrum disorder, leaving students with a forthcoming ASD diagnosis
at mainstream schools with few options for
support. Students are reportedly working from desks in school sick bays, in
school offices, if they cannot cope in the class environment.
(1) Is the
minister aware that children are forced to work from the school office,
sometimes in the sick bay area, as they cannot be supported in class while they
await funding?
(2) Will the
minister consider providing emergency funding with a fast turnaround to schools
that are experiencing long delays and cannot support students to learn?
649. Hon SOPHIA MOERMOND to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Education:
I refer to the current long wait
times for Department of Communities' child psychologists to confirm a diagnosis
of autism spectrum disorder, leaving students with a forthcoming ASD diagnosis
at mainstream schools with few options for
support. Students are reportedly working from desks in school sick bays, in
school offices, if they cannot cope in the class environment.
(1) Is the
minister aware that children are forced to work from the school office,
sometimes in the sick bay area, as they cannot be supported in class while they
await funding?
(2) Will the
minister consider providing emergency funding with a fast turnaround to schools
that are experiencing long delays and cannot support students to learn?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) No.
(2) The
Department of Education already provides interim funding for students who are
on a waitlist for assessment of autism
spectrum disorder. This allocation is provided if a letter from the assessing
practitioner or government agency confirms that they have been accepted
for an ASD assessment, are on the waitlist for an ASD assessment or have an ASD
assessment scheduled.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) No.
(2) The
Department of Education already provides interim funding for students who are
on a waitlist for assessment of autism
spectrum disorder. This allocation is provided if a letter from the assessing
practitioner or government agency confirms that they have been accepted
for an ASD assessment, are on the waitlist for an ASD assessment or have an ASD
assessment scheduled.
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