A petition tabled in the Legislative Assembly yesterday calls on the ACT Government to develop a standard for playgrounds that are appropriate for autistic children.

The petition, which was sponsored by Liberal MLA Giulia Jones, Shadow Minister for Health, received 451 signatures.

“As a mother of children with autism, my first act in this Assembly called on the ACT Government to provide safe playgrounds for children in the ACT,” Mrs Jones said.

“Nine years later, and I am still pushing this issue.

“But now it’s not about me anymore; my children are too old for the kids’ parks, and they are not really a danger to themselves anymore.

“This is about Canberra families under incredible strain every single day just to achieve the things that people think are normal and easy.”

Mrs Jones’ petition calls for:

•           the development of a standard for fully fenced playgrounds incorporating the needs of families of children with autism;

•           the construction of fenced playgrounds at Kambah and Throsby with fences of a least 1.6 metres; and

•           repairing all fully fenced playgrounds in the ACT.

“Mothers love to meet up at fenced playgrounds,” Mrs Jones said. “It’s a chance for some vital social time where mums can actually relax and chat with other adults without stressing about a toddler ending up on the road.”