PROGRAM COULD BE TRANSFORMATIONAL FOR 700 FAMILIES WITH BABIES SHOWING SIGNS OF AUTISM ACROSS WESTERN AUSTRALIA
21 February 2024 – Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign has welcomed the announcement of a new partnership between the Federal and Western Australian Governments to deliver the Inklings Program in WA – a pilot initiative providing support to 700 families with babies aged 6-18 months showing early signs of autism.
The announcement comes after a similar commitment made in South Australia last week.[1]
A world-first program, Inklings has been found to significantly improve parent communication with their baby and boost the social communication and language development of babies whose development of these skills are delayed.[2]
Minderoo’s Jay Weatherill said the program would be instrumental in connecting families earlier with the tools they need to understand their children’s needs and empower them to thrive.
“Earlier access to tailored support can change the life trajectories of children with autism and their families,” Mr Weatherill said.
“We know that strong relationships are vital to children’s development both at home and in educational settings. The Inklings Program supports caregivers to understand how their baby communicates and to adapt their own style for greater connection.”
Mr Weatherill said the benefits of Inklings would extend beyond children and their families to the disability and early childhood education sectors and Western Australia’s economy.
“These are sectors grappling with workforce challenges as the need to support all children grows.
“By enabling families to intervene earlier in a child’s life, Inklings eases the pressures placed on workers as families can better support their children to move through the education system with a greater sense of their learning, communication, social and emotional needs.
“A truly universal early childhood education and care system will not only recognise but celebrate the fact that every child is different.
“The Inklings Program does just that. We commend WA and South Australia for their commitment to redefining inclusivity for children with autism and encourage other states to follow their lead.”
Media contact: Maria Kelly (Essential) 0432 049 034
