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Changes to autism spectrum disorder specialised communication and behaviour support services
What are the changes to ASD BSS?
Families with children and young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who live outside the Auckland and Northland regions will soon be able to access communications and behaviour support specialist services.
IDEA Services/Timata Hou will be contracted to increase service coverage to other areas of New Zealand from 1 April 2013.
How will ASD BSS be accessed?
The local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination Service will refer eligible families to IDEA Services/Timata Hou. This service will be available for families with children and young people with ASD and/or an intellectual disability.
Paediatricians will also be able to refer families to the service.
Why is this change being made?
A review of BSS was completed in July 2011 which recommended regional specialist behaviour support services should be established and distributed regionally. The Ministry also undertook an RFP in August 2012 through Child Development Services, using a collaborative approach with District Health Boards, inclusive of Non-Government Agencies. For various reasons, including time frames, budget, capability or capacity of Child Development Services, no contract was awarded from the 2012 tender process.
In the interim IDEA Services/Timata Hou will be contracted to increase their service coverage to other areas of New Zealand.
Why have IDEA Services/Timata Hou been contracted to deliver these services
IDEA Services/Timata Hou already delivers ASD specific behaviour support in Auckland and Northland, and the service has been positively evaluated. This organisation has the capability and capacity to increase service coverage to other areas of New Zealand from 1 April 2013.
The contract with IDEA Services/Timata Hou will be for an initial period of 12 months; after that time frame alternative options will be explored.
Contacts
| Name | Ph Number |
|---|---|
|
Amanda Bleckmann Manager, Family and Community Support Team, Disability Support Services |
09 5809083 |
|
Liz Matthews General Manager IDEA Services/Timata Hou |
04 495 2774 |
|
Martyn Matthews National Manager, Clinical Services |
495 2772 |
Page last updated: 17 January 2013
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