ST GEORGE and Sutherland Shire families have welcomed the expansion of the federal govern-ment's Better Start For Children With Disability Program to children with Angelman Syndrome.
Angelman is a rare neuro-genetic disorder which is characterised by developmental delay, lack of speech, seizures, and walking disorders.
Parents of children under six years will now be eligible to apply for up to $12,000 for early intervention treatments including speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology.
Robert Leitner, director of the Angelman Syndrome Clinic at St George Hospital, said increased access to targeted early intervention services improved the health and well-being of children and their families and carers.
He said that recent genetic advances had "opened the door to the understanding of the behavioural patterns that are specific to Angelman Syndrome".
"This knowledge has made interventions much more predictable and has lessened parental anxiety and stress," Dr Leitner said.
The clinic was established in 1993 in collaboration with the Angelman Syndrome Association Australia to co-ordinate existing specialist medical clinics and treatments and provide access to psychological and educational assessment and services. It is the only clinic of its type in Australia.
Anne Funke, the NSW vice-president of the Angelman Syndrome Association Australia, and formerly of Blakehurst, said early intervention helped improved a child's quality of life, and confidence.
The expansion of Better Start also applies to children under six with Prader Willi, Williams, Kabuki, Smith-Magenis, Cornelia de Lange, Cri du Chat disorders and microcephaly. There are also Medicare rebates for some older children who have Angelman Syndrome and the afore-mentioned conditions.
About one child in every 20,000 has Angelman Syndrome, for which there is no known cure.
The Angelman Syndrome Association Australia NSW is holding a family day on Sunday, February 17.
Details: 0457 616 168
Better Start Helpline: 1800 778 581
