Not many people are aware that Autism Advisory & Support Service (AASS) receives no recurrent government funding. This means we rely heavily on donations, fundraising and grants to operate our service. AASS fills the gap in service provision that exists, and do so affordably. This is important, as studies have shown that raising a child with a disability costs at least three times more than raising a child without a disability.
The main benefit that AASS provides is that many of our staff can personally identify with the issues faced by parents accessing our service. We have experienced the isolation and grief that a diagnosis brings; the frustration of searching for affordable and appropriate services; the battle to find a suitable educational environment for our children; the guilt connected with focusing on the child with the disability and possibly not enough attention on other children; the burden of wondering what will become of our children when they are older.
So when a family comes to AASS for assistance, our empathy and understanding is real. We have learnt about Autism from life, not a textbook. We understand that Autism should not be approached with a “one size fits all” attitude. This unique approach brings families coming back to volunteer when they are more comfortable with their situation. AASS provides unbiased advice, encouragement, guidance and support.
Which is why we are so grateful to Melanie Gibbons MP and the Hon Brad Hazzard – Minister for Health for the generous $15,000 donation which will allow us to continue to fill in the gaps in service provisions and support the vulnerable families in our community.
