AEIOU News

Queensland Week COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD WINNER

Wed, 2 Jun 10

Dr James Morton, Founder of the AEIOU Foundation and passionate advocate for children with autism has been awarded the 2010 Suncorp Queensland Community Spirit Award for his contribution to the local community as part of Queensland Week.

Dr Morton was presented the honour at the Suncorp Queenslanders of the Year Awards ceremony by Anna Bligh last night.

James and his wife Louise Morton established the AEIOU Foundation in 2005 when they recognised the serious lack of suitable early intervention programs in Australia when their second child, Andrew, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 3.

Motivated to receive the best treatment for their child to help him communicate, manage his anxieties and socialise with people around him, the couple rallied together and set up the award winning AEIOU program to help as many families living with autism as possible.

Dr Morton used his own savings to buy an old church in Moorooka and convert it into a revolutionary autism preschool. Five years on, the AEIOU Foundation now provides valuable early intervention programs to over 130 Queensland children across their six specialised centres.

Dr Morton said "Louise and I are thrilled with what AEIOU has achieved in 5 years and are proud of the difference we've made to so many children with autism. We wanted to provide an affordable solution to Queensland families and have big plans to help even more people - especially in rural parts of the state."

Queenslander's across the state are celebrating Queensland Week 29 May to 6 June acknowledging everything great about our state from Government, business and community groups and individuals.