AEIOU News

Abu Dhabi exchange in centre for autism

Tue, 25 May 10

Nathan's specialised autism centre, AEIOU - for children with autism will host a special visitor tomorrow when a delegate from Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mohammed Al Hameli and Michael Hogan, Deputy Director-General for Disability and Community Care Services come to see AEIOU's renowned autism early intervention program in action.

HE Mohammed Al Hameli is Deputy Chairman for Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care, People with Special Needs and is visiting Brisbane as part of a research tour.

AEIOU CEO, Mr Alan Smith said 'The United Arab Emirates is admired for their innovative approach to supporting Autism Spectrum Disorders and it's an honour to showcase our program for pre-primary school aged children to their representative.'

'Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by behavioural challenges. While there is no cure for autism, specific programs targeting the key early learning years can greatly improve the skills of these children and transform the lives of their families,' he said.

AEIOU - for children with autism is a not-for-profit organisation and Queensland's only provider of full-time early intervention programs to children of pre-primary school age. They have six centres across Queensland.

Queensland's Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (also known as AEIOU Nathan) is located on Recreation Road, Griffith University (Nathan campus).

To find out more about AEIOU's early intervention program, visit www.aeiou.org.au or call 1300 273 435.

Mr Alahmeli will also be visiting Endeavour Employment Services and Accommodation Support and Respite Services House while in Brisbane.