Submission
No 68
INQUIRY INTO SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDER
Name: Trish Edgar
Date Received: 19 April 2016
Submission S068 Received 19/04/2016
Family and Community Development Committee
From: Sent: Tuesday, 19 April 2016 3:03 PM
To: FCDC
Subject: submission for autism inquiry
Dear Committee members, I write this submission with a strong passion for the world of autism.I come from both perspectives of both professional and personal. I am a little further along the line personally with a son who is 15 with autism (high‐functioning) who I am extremely proud of . I was lucky with my paediatrician to get answers and a diagnosis , which comes with support, unlike some parents who are left in limbo , a place where nobody likes to be….while the words are hard to hear, at least I knew what we were dealing with , and power is knowledge…although my paediatrician was not much into hugs when i hugged him a few years later..he preferred the slice i cook for him. Now that i have your attention, as i have mentioned food, I would like to say , that as a parent and a professional, who runs a program that 8 young men attend, I have many ideas on what we need and what will work. Shepparton needs a property that offers many things..from a kitchen/garden program (Stephanie Alexander one) , to respite, to activities and life skills programs. I am putting it out there to the universe,,and i would like this property to double up as social connections for parents and children alike, with animals, garden and big rooms with games , yes games like playstation and x‐box, but then big kitchens ..We have a local Facebook site called GVAutism /ADD/ADHD with over 160 members, who all have contacts that will be willing to help..I am willing to donate my time in the running of this, and there are many parents, like myself who have skills, and connections. Parents struggle with school and we need a life‐skills program running. How to budget, How to cook, How to communicate. There is a huge spectrum, which is why we need a big property. People need spaces, Safe spaces . Parents need connection. Parents need respite. The program I run is called Youth Adventures. It has a waiting list and is successful because we work around times that suit parents, and can drop them off to their homes. Respite does not work by people coming into the homes. Our homes are a private space, and often the times are not suitable, and the siblings are not included in the care..this program works, and we need one running from every school for all ages.My son is doing well, because i have had an early diagnosis and been to many workshops, and along with this have a very supportive husband and extended family..who i will be forever grateful for. This is not the case for all. At this property, we all also need professionals e.g.. speech pathologists and occupational therapist to be able to visit and do some group bookings..this would help to get through some numbers. I am happy for this to be seen by the public, and hopefully somebody with money and kindness to buy this property. I have my staff worked out, right down to the receptionist. Heres hoping. Trish Edgar Shepparton
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