Canberra's Malkara School was the site for the unveiling yesterday of the single biggest expenditure on autism by the Federal Government a four-year package worth $190million.

From next month, an estimated 9000 Australian children under 6 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder stand to receive up to $6000 a year in early intervention support for two years before they begin school.

Launched by Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin and the parliamentary secretary for disabilities and children's services, Bill Shorten, the package was a Labor election commitment, although the Coalition had promised the same amount of funding for autism.

Mr Shorten said yesterday Labor had ''reconfigured'' the Coalition's package extensively and consulted with parents of autistic children. The parents all believed early intervention was the key, he said.

''The Howard government was proposing a lot less into early intervention ... this is principally an early intervention package.

''We do know early intervention makes a quantum difference in the quality of life of a child with autism and, of course, their family.''

For autistic adult and older children, Mr Shorten said the package was a major first step. He could not estimate how many hours of early intervention $6000 a year over two years would provide, noting that it depended on what profess-ionals charged for their services.

The money would be provided directly to service providers: ''Some of the behavioural therapies are very expensive ... but at an early intervention centre, where you've got service providers, we are optimistic that this will go a substantial way.

''Our best estimate is somewhere between 250 and 300 hours.''

Malkara principal Jennie Lindsay welcomed any extra investment in early intervention against autism.

Yesterday's financial outlay will also pay for the services of 40 new advisers on autism who will provide information and practical help after diagnosis; and an extra $2000 will be made available to parents of children with autism living in remote and regional Australia.

The Government will also provide Medicare rebates for autism diagnoses of children up to age 12 as well as for 20 visits to allied health professionals such as occupational therapists and psychologists.

Professional development will be available for 450 teachers and school staff to support students with autism, and 150 playgroups specifically for families and children with autism, will be set up.