Autism Services
Directory Penrith
2014
Compiled by Belinda Attard Key Local Facilitator
Positive Partnerships
ABOUT THIS RESOURCE:
The Autism Services Directory is a free community resource for families and
organisations to use. Permission is granted to print and distribute this
resource throughout the community.
DISCLAIMER:
This directory does not claim to be a complete record of all the
services available for children with autism spectrum disorders and their
families, nor does it endorse particular services that have been listed.
This directory should be used as a resource only. Please contact the
relevant organisations to discuss more information for specific needs.
Workshops from Positive Partnerships
The Positive Partnerships website has articles for Parents, Carers, Teachers and
schools who support someone with Autism, Positive Partnerships also provides
free workshops all over Australia.
www.autismtraining.com.au
CONTENTS
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Associations NSW
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Support Services
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Therapy Services
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Nutritionists
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Support groups
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Respite Services
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Counselling and Support Services
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Sport and Recreation
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General resources
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Websites
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Advocacy and Support
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Siblings groups and support
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Playgroups
Associations NSW
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Building 1, Level 2, 14 Aquatic Drive
French’s Forest NSW 2086
Phone: 8977-8300
Website: www.aspect.org.au
Description: Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is Australia’s leading service
provider for autism and other disabilities. Our specialised, evidence informed
schools program is the largest in the world, with additional services that
include information and advice, diagnostic assessments, behaviour support,
parent and family support, and adult programs. We share evidence-informed
Aspect practice and applied research nationwide.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Intensive Family Support
Options Program
Address: Kingswood Centre,
University of Western Sydney,
Building G, Second
Ave Kingswood NSW 2747
Phone: 1300 888 378
Fax: (02) 9757 4071
Website: www.cerebralpalsy.org.au
Description: For children aged up to 6 years who have cerebral palsy,
Autism, or challenging behaviour.
Provide intensive support to families in difficult situations. Can take up to 3
families only in the Blue Mountains area if Northcott Services intakes are full.
Children with Disability Australia (CDA)
Website: www.cda.org.au
Phone: 1800 222 660
Description: Advocacy and advisory service represents children and young
people with a disability and their families.
Early Childhood Intervention Australia
Website: www.ecia.org.au/
Description: Promotes Early Intervention for infants and young children with
developmental delays or disabilities.
Aboriginal Disability Network Incorporated
Phone: 02 8399 0881
Fax: 02 8399 1664
Email: enquiries@adnnsw.org.au
Website: www.adnnsw.org.au
Address: 402/161 Redfern Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Description: Brings together Indigenous Communities with disability, for carers
and families to;
 tell our stories
 support each other
 create a voice for positive change
 speak for ourselves
Australian Advisory Board
Website: autismadvisoryboard.org.au
Description: National peak body representing people who have an Autism
Spectrum Disorder, their families, carers and helpers. The Advisory board work
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.
Siblings Australia
Website: www.siblingsaustralia.org.au
Description: Provides support for brothers and sisters of people with additional
needs.
Family Advocacy
Website: www.family-advocacy.com
Description: Independent, disability advocacy organisation which works
across New South Wales, Australia. The organisation works with families in
which there is a child or an adult with developmental disability.
NSW Family and Community services
Ageing, Disability And Home Care (ADHC)
Phone: (02) 9407 1650
1800 668 241
Website: www.adhc.gov.au
Description: Provide services and support for people with a disability.
Ombudsman NSW
Website: www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
Email: mailto:nswombo@ombo.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 9286 1000
Description: Review the performance and delivery of community services and
providers. Offering the following role;
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handling and investigating complaints about disability services
inquiring into major issues affecting people with disabilities and disability
service providers
reviewing the care, circumstances and deaths of people with disabilities in
care
coordinating Official Community Visitors in their visits to licensed boarding
houses and supported accommodation; and
monitoring, reviewing and setting standards for the delivery of disability
services.
Support Services
Northcott Penrith
Phone: 02 4720 4400
Email: mailto:penrith@northcott.com.au
Address: 9/28 Coombes Drive Penrith NSW2751
Description: Northcott provide the following services;
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Individualised and self-managed solutions
Intensive Family Support
Case management
Support for parents and carers
Advocacy and capacity building
Pre and Early diagnosis support
Person centred Behaviour Support
Siblings groups and activities
Education support
Lapstone Early Intervention (ECARS)
Phone: (02) 4739 2606
Fax:
(02) 4739 0020
Address: 173 Explorer’s Rd Lapstone
Email: director@lapstonepreschool.com.au
Description: Lapstone provides the following services;
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Early Childhood Advisory Service
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Early Childhood Assessment and Referral Service
Early Childhood Screening Service
Early Development Program
Integration Support Program
Early Learners
Lapstone Preschool
SDN Children’s Services
Website: www.sdn.org.au
Description: National Inclusion support subsidy provider which is part of the
Australian Government's Inclusion and Professional Support Program (IPSP).
KU Children’s Services
Website: www.ku.com.au
Description: National Inclusion support subsidy provider which is part of the
Australian Government's Inclusion and Professional Support Program (IPSP).
Carers NSW
Phone: 1800 242 636
Website: www.carersnsw.org.au
Description: Information services and support for families caring for someone
with a disability. Subsidise fees for carer’s to access counselling and support
services.
Penrith Association for People with Disabilities (PATH inc.)
Address: Community Connections Building,
114-116 Henry Street Penrith
Phone: (02) 4721 0866
Fax:
(02) 4721 0805
Email: path@pnc.com.au
Description: Provides information, support and advocacy for children, young
people and adults with disabilities and their carers, families and friends. Assists
children and young people with disabilities to take part in community
recreational activities and Support Group and resource Library.
Brighter Futures family support
A program that will support your family if you have complex needs.
They will help you find services and supports
Phone: 02 4722 6577
NOVA Employment
Phone: (02) 4721 3335
Fax: (02) 4721 3992
Email: novapenrith@novaemployment.com.au
Web: www.novaemployment.com.au
Description: Assists young people with a mild to moderate intellectual disability in
locating and obtaining open employment, Offers a support program once clients are
employed
Families NSW
Mission Australia
Community Hub St Mary’s co-facilitates the Duplo Club in partnership with the
Luke Priddis Foundation
Stepping Stones
Phone:
Gilgai Aboriginal Family Support – Lower Blue Mountains
Phone: 02 9625 2952
Families NSW Peppercorn Family Services
Offer assistance to families over a three month period.
Offering family support, case management, home visiting, supported playgroups,
Workshops and referrals to other services.
For children 0-5 years living in the Hawkesbury.
Contact: South Windsor Family Centre
Phone: 02 4577 9804
Luke Priddis Foundation
46 Bringelly Rd Kingswood
Phone:
PHaMs Kingswood
Transcultural Mental Health Centre
Provides support and information to carers from Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse communities who look after a family member or friend
with a mental health problem, including autism
Phone: (02) 9912 3851
http://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au
Sunnyfield
Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation (NADO)
Phone: (02) 4731 3330
Fax: (02) 4721 1333
Address: 114 - 166 Henry St, Penrith
Email: bsirocic@nado.org.au
Web: www.nado.org.au
Services include Keen Teens - social programs and flexible respite for teenagers with
additional needs
CRS Australia
Phone: 1800 277 277
Fax: (02) 4723 7710
Address: Level 1, 95 Henry St, Penrith
Web: www.crsaustralia.gov.au
Description: Assist people with a disability or injury to obtain and maintain
employment.
Therapy Services
Nepean Speech and Language Services
Chatterbox Speech
Belinda Hill and Associates
Konfident Kids
Penrith Therapy Centre
Psychologists - Clinical Psychologists - Experienced, Professional & Caring
159 Derby St, Penrith NSW 2750
Phone: (02) 4721 1488
Building Blocks
These classes are Autism specific. Early intervention classes consist of one 2
hour class per fortnight. It involves a group program for the child and a parent
training session.
Toongabbie and Lapstone
Phone: 02 8977 8341
Konfident Kids
Richmond Sensory Gym
Skills For Kids
Nutritionists
Paula Tazzyman
Nutritionist specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorders available for Skype consultation and
lots of free information about diet and nutrition on her website
www.paulatazzyman.com.au
Phone: 0418 162 202
Fiona Kane
Informed Health
Nutritional Wellbeing Centre
Fiona@informedhealth.com.au
Phone: (02) 4722 2111
Respite Services
Westlink Respite Services Host Family Program
Regular, planned respite for families who have a child or adolescent 0 -18
years with a disability, living at home. Can occur in the volunteer’s home,
the child’s home or in the community with a companion. Includes
Auburn, Parramatta, Holroyd, The Hills, Blacktown, Penrith, Blue Mountains and
Hawkesbury LGAs.
Phone: 8805 0916 or 8805 0917
Aunt’s and Uncles
Flexible Respite – Aging, Disability and Home Care (ADHC)
Apply to ADHC to access flexible respite services that include in and out of
home care, group and individual programs, day and over-night stays,
holiday and after school care. Please note this is not emergency respite.
Phone: 02 9334 3700
In-home Childcare services NSW
In-home care offers child care in the child's home by an approved carer. It is targeted to
families who have no existing access to childcare services.
Phone: 1300 795 401
www.inhomechildcare.com.au
Westlink Respite Services Host Family Program
Offers regular, planned respite to families who have a child or adolescent
aged 0 -18 years with disability, living at home. Respite can occur in the
volunteer’s home, the child’s home or in the community with a companion.
Phone: Nikki Jansons 8805 0917 or 8805 0916
Commonwealth Carer Respite
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres will put you in contact with your
local service (only short-term/ emergency service).
They can also give you information regarding other services you may be
eligible for.
Phone: 1800 052 222
www.commcarelink.health.gov.au/
Mission Australia Family Day Care
46 Bringelly Rd Kingswood
All Area’s Family Day Care
Long Day Care, Family Day Care or Occasional Care services
Web: http://www.mychild.gov.au/
Pre Schools
Provide early education and care for children 3-6yrs.
Web: http://www.preschoolsnsw.org.au/find-a-preschool
Counselling and Support Groups
Mission Australia/PATH inc./Nepean Speech and Language Services
Kingswood Autism Support Group
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month
Mission Australia building
46 Bringelly Rd Kingswood
Phone: Belinda 4724 3015 or 0407 255 419
Every 4th Thursday of the month
Nepean Speech and Language Service
Boardwalk Penrith
Phone: Catherine or Diana
My Time Minchinbury
Minchinbury Public School
Every Thursday 3.45pm-4.45pm
Asteen
Autism 24 Hour Hotline (AASS: Autism Advisory and Support Service)
Phone: 1300 222 777
AASS run an Autism 24 Hour Hotline which is run by parent volunteers who have
children with Autism. You can call any time of the day or night to chat to someone who
can offer service and guidance from a parent's perspective. Whenever you call AASS
either our office or the hotline you are speaking a parent with a child with Autism so you
know that you are talking to someone who understands what you are experiencing. For
parents and carers waiting for a formal assessment and diagnosis, looking for the right
intervention and joining the long waiting lists can be extremely overwhelming,
confusing and frustrating. We will help with unbiased advice, encouragement, guidance
and support.
Sport and Recreation
Riding for the Disabled
Riding for the disabled is available to people with a disability throughout NSW
Website: www.rdansw.org.au
Claremont Meadows location:
Phone:
Soccer
For children with additional needs ages up to 15 years
Website www.stmichaelssoccer.com
Sail-ability
The focus of this organisation is to provide sailing and boating to people with a disability
across Australia.
Website: www.sailabilty.org.au
Rainbow Club
The rainbow club provides swimming lessons for people with a disability.
Website: www.rainbowclubaust.com.au
Dance in Quakers Hill
For children with additional needs
Call Lisa Williams – 98361652
Gymnastics – Mount Druitt
For Children with additional needs
9881 1200
General Resources
Inga’s Essential Oils
Websites
Learning Links
Offer a variety of different workshops for parents/carers and professionals.
www.learninglinks.org.au/workshops.php
Sue Larkey
Training/workshops for parent/carers and professionals focused on information about
ASD, social skills, play, visuals, behaviour, anxiety and school/preschool strategies
www.suelarkey.com.au/Workshops.php
Early Days workshops are funded by FaHCSIA and are free of charge for parents
and carers to help them learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
www.autismspectrum.org.au/earlydaysworkshops
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Workshops for parents/carers and professionals focused on information about Autism
Spectrum Disorders
www.autismspectrum.org.au
Raising Children Network
Tony Attwood
Training/workshops throughout NSW which have a focus on Asperger’s Syndrome.
www.tonyattwood.com.au/
Advocacy and Support
Penrith Disabilities Resource Centre
Phone: (02) 4732 2363
Fax: (02) 4722 8168
Address: 114-166 Henry St, Penrith
Email: pdrc@pdrc.org.au
Web: www.pdrc.org.au
Description:
Siblings Groups and Support
Sibling Support Group for 13-18 year olds
Location: Blacktown
Contact: Sandy Robertshaw- 02 9620 4194
Autism and Aspergers Support Group
Location: Hawksbury
Contact: 0425 380 575
Website: www.autismsupport.org.au
info@autismsupport.org.au
Northcott Siblings Group
Northcott Siblings Camp
Kids Rock Siblings Program
Siblings program for children who have a sibling with a special need.
Two age groups- 8-10 years and 11-12 years
Location: Blacktown
Location: Family Development Services, Seven Hills
Contact: 02 9620 4194
Email: info@fdsinc.org.au
Siblings Camp
Aspect organises Siblings Camps once a year in the October school holidays. The camps
are held in Sydney and are a great opportunity for children to connect with one another
and partake in fun activities
Contact: Beth Del Rossio on 02 8868 8500
Email: bdelrosario@autismspectrum.org.au
Website: www.autismspectrum.org.au
Young Carers Program
The young carer program supports young people who are helping a family member with
any health issue. It is a 24 hour support number.
Phone: 1800 052 222
Website www.bensoc.org.au
Online support services
Young Carers http://www.youngcarers.net.au
Siblings Australia www.siblingsaustralia.org.au
Livewire www.livewire.org.au