AEIOU News

Xstrata Coal extends grant for AEIOU Regional Autism Program

Mon, 7 Nov 11

Media Release

November 2011

Xstrata Coal extends grant for AEIOU Regional Autism Program

Xstrata Coal has announced its commitment to support the AEIOU Foundation – a charity providing a high quality early intervention program to children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – donating $300,000 to AEIOU over the next three years.

Over 350 Queensland children are diagnosed annually with an ASD; subsequently encountering difficulties with communication and language, social interaction, repetitive behaviour and routines.

The grant from Xstrata Coal allows AEIOU to provide specialist early intervention and support to children living in regional areas of Queensland. The program is geared towards children aged two-and-a-half to five years who have been formally diagnosed with an ASD. It is the first program of its kind in Australia. 

By the time a child leaves AEIOU Foundation (after two years of Best Practice early intervention), 90% can communicate and up to 75% of children will enter a mainstream school.

AEIOU Foundation CEO, Alan Smith said, “There is no cure for autism, but it is proven that early intervention helps children reach their full potential, developing their social, cognitive, communication and motor skills, as well as assisting with sensory integration and self-help tasks for everyday life.”

Mr Smith added, “With the support of Xstrata Coal, AEIOU Foundation stands to transform the way families living with autism in regional Queensland receive the appropriate support and high quality early intervention that many people in metropolitan areas take for granted.”

The funding from Xstrata Coal has also provided satellite technology in Maveo cameras, located at a regional hub. AEIOU Foundation’s occupational and speech therapists can now provide real time therapy and feedback to fellow teaching staff in Emerald, Hervey Bay and surrounding regions. The regional program has supported more than 15 students throughout Queensland.

AEIOU Foundation opened its first centre in 2005 and now operates its program in nine locations across Queensland including Nathan, Park Ridge, Bray Park, Toowoomba, Townsville, Emerald, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, and the Gold Coast. In total, AEIOU Foundation enrols 205 children in its early intervention program across Queensland.

Xstrata Coal is a long-time supporter of the AEIOU Foundation, having already donated $300,000 since 2009.

ENDS