Tasmanian parents protest closing of education program for children with Asperger's

From ABC News in Australia:

Parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome say the Tasmanian government is ill-informed about the condition.

They have condemned the Premier David Bartlett's explanation for axing a specialised Asperger's education program.

The Premier last week told parliament the A Team program was a pilot, never intended to be ongoing, and the best way children with Asperger's can receive support is at school.

But parents disagree.

Sue Scanlon has a 15 year old son with Asperger's.

She was one of 30 who today staged a protest in Launceston.

"My son suffers from depression very badly and has been on suicide watch," she said.

"This program has actually taught him that it's all right to be him."

"You know most of these kids have got no where to go, the school system calls them behavioural problems."

Greens spokesman Kim Booth has questioned the government's priorities.

"We're only talking about $140,000 in a $1.1 billion dollar education budget," he said.

Liberal spokeswoman Sue Napier says parents of children with Asperger's have enough problems without having to rally outside government offices to have their voice heard.