Autistic Citizens Residential &
Resources Society of Victoria Inc.

Services

Around the world there are a vast array of services established for children and adults with ASD.   The services available in this State (Victoria) are much better than many other areas.

However, nowhere in the world that we are aware, exists a fully comprehensive system of support backed by legislative and budget measures that guarantees every individual with ASD the services and supports that they and their parents want, need and deserve.

Why is this the case?

Well, the reasons are complex and many, and the ACR & RSV Inc does not have all the answers, but we believe that a lot has to do with the community expectation generally, that a child, (adult, infant, school age or teenager) with a difficulty or disability, will never get all that a parent deems necessary.

We recognise that there are competing interests. Governments have to cope with all sorts of complex issues within a community, crime, health, hospitals, roads, defence, arts; we know the list goes on and on.

However, as the number of people with an ASD diagnosis grows in the community, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the population, it maybe worthwhile to consider the spending of your Government on the educational, training and support needs of people with ASD as a proportion of the total budgets in these areas.

In most instances it will probably fall short, considering the complex needs of individuals with ASD very short indeed.

The other issue within many communities is that Government may well consider the needs of the youngster (early intervention) or the school aged child (integration aides, special classes) but these services are very often limited to a small number of children who fit the assessment criteria, the less obviously disadvantaged, the late diagnosed, the non metropolitan residing, the older person or the non intellectually disabled person frequently misses out.

Many, if not most parents, with whom we have had contact over the years, perceive a need for a range of options, not all necessarily ASD specific, as the best approach.   Few, if any, have indicated to the Society that all individuals with ASD should always receive generic options solely.

Our experience is that Governments have often come to power with a pre-determined philosophical approach to service delivery (at all levels).  We have often experienced the one system fits all approach. The "wait till the budget/economic situation improves" and "integration is the only answer" have also been used, the "if you don't tow the line you'll lose the funding you've got, so don't complain" and the "it's just too expensive, get real" have also been popular.

These were often used to placate us, put us in our place or to scare us, to an extent some worked, having the affect of slowing us down. But we were able to keep developing services and getting funding, albeit at a slower than hoped rate.

One of the main reasons for the Society's continued push forward, was the relentlessness of the Society's Committee of Management (COM), assisted by a group of dedicated professionals who formed a Professional Advisory Panel (PAP).   The PAP guided the management and Committee of the ACR & RSV Inc. through some extremely difficult times.   The PAP was crucial in the continuation and development of many of ACR's services.   The COM and the PAP together provided a strong voice in this community for people with ASD.

ACR & RSV Inc. has a very strong interest in the development of more and better services and supports for all individuals with ASD.

The Society hopes that this web site may become a forum for the discussion of these and other issues in the future.

As for our own services we currently operate an Information service, manage some independent accommodation and as a Registered Training Organisation are further refining our registered pre-vocational/independent living course for people with ASD and are involved in training.

The Society, until mid 2002, also operated a number of Adult Training and Support services, an employment service, a prevocational program as well as the above services.

As detailed on the History page, the Society has changed focus to include service development as a primary aim together with the existing services supported by the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education and Training.   In doing so, these services were transferred as part of an agreement approved by the membership, to a new entity, primarily established for the operation of services.

The Society, until mid 2002, also operated a number of Adult Training and Support services, an employment service, a prevocational program as well as the above services.

The Society now wants to link with individuals, parents, service providers with an interest in ASD, interstate and overseas groups as well as service funders and legislators to explore new options, expand on proven models, provide information and support to all persons and groups who share our passion to ensure all people with ASD are given a fair go.

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