Advisory.Board

Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders is the national peak body representing people who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their families, carers and helpers. Through its members, the Advisory Board represents over 12,000 people who live with an autism spectrum disorder and who are members of, or who obtain services from, the Advisory Board’s member organisations. There are many more people who have an autism spectrum disorder (often accompanying other conditions) but whose needs are met either privately or through other disability programs.

The focus of the Advisory Board is working with governments to develop appropriate policies for people who have an autism spectrum condition, their families and carers, disseminating information about ASDs and working with the Australian ASD community to build skills.

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is represented on the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders by CEO Adrian Ford, who is the Board's current Chairperson.

For more information visit the website http://autismaus.com.au/

2007 Autism Prevalence Study for Australia

An exhaustive three year study commissioned by the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders into the prevalence of autism, led by Perth paediatrician Dr John Wray, has concluded that one in 160 Australian children aged between 6 and 12 years have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - that is over 10,000 Australian children in that age group.

The finding is consistent with the latest overseas research on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders.

The report's finding could be extrapolated to suggest that as many as 125,000 people may have some form of ASD in Australia. Given the difficulties faced by many families, then half a million Australians could be impacted by ASD.

For more information including a copy of the study visit http://autismaus.com.au/index.php?page=research

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