Autism SA’s Early Development Program is a
multi-disciplinary team offering therapy and education services to clients with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in conjunction with their families. The team is made up of Consultant Teachers, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Early Intervention Consultants.
Please click here to download a pdf brochure.
Therapy Sessions
Through Autism SA’s multi-disciplinary team, a variety of short term therapy options are offered including individual therapy from an Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologist.
Foundation Skills Group
The Foundation Skills Group focuses on the development of communication, social and play skills, as well as skills each child will need for preschool and school settings. It is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team including Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and education staff. Children attending groups are still eligible to attend regular preschool sessions through the Department of Education & Children’s Services, Catholic Education or the private system. The foundation skills group is based at Salisbury East.
Kindergarten to School Transition
As well as therapy options, Consultant Teachers may assist children at home, at kindergarten and with the transition to school. The consultant teacher can provide programming ideas and recommendations to kindergarten staff to assist with the inclusion of children with ASD. Autism SA can also attend a child’s Negotiated Education Plan meeting. The Transition Program assists in the transition from kindergarten to school.
Short Term Consultations
In addition to therapy options, Autism SA offer a solution–focused short term consultation service to provide advice and practical strategies on topics such as toileting, behaviour and sleeping. Consultation may occur at home, kindy, child care or during the school transition process.
Small Group Programs
The small groups target up to 6 children around a specific therapy focus. They may include:
o School skills preparation “School Readiness”
o Gross Motor
o Fine Motor
o Early Play
o Social Skills
Family Focused Training Programs
The Family focused training includes a range of topics for parents/carers including:
o Communication and the Impact on Behaviour
o Meal Time Issues
o Motor Skills Development
o Sensory Motor
o Children’s Development and Play
o Using PECS with your child
o Visual Strategies
o Independent Living Skills (Sleeping, toileting, dressing)
o Behaviour Management
Playgroups
The purpose of the playgroup is to provide an opportunity for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to play in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment. It is also an opportunity for parents to exchange ideas, information, and talk with other parents and Early Intervention Consultants. Playgroup is not a therapy group.
Playgroups welcome children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, their siblings and their families.
We currently have the following playgroup available:
Northern Area - Thursday & Friday 10:00am-11:30am
Salisbury Campus Child Care Centre
31-41 Birch Ave, Salisbury East
For further information relating to Playgroups, please contact our Senior Early Intervention Consultant on 0421 995 796.
Helping Children With Autism Package
Please click here to download a pdf brochure.
Autism SA’s Early Intervention Team is a multi-disciplinary team offering therapy and consult services to clients with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in conjunction with their families. The team is made up of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Early Intervention Consultants.
Individual Therapy Programs (Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy)
Individual therapy interventions are short term therapy options that occur at home or in an Autism SA venue. Individual therapy blocks include 1 hour sessions on a termly basis. A comprehensive report with programming suggestions will be provided at the completion of each block of sessions.
Speech and Language Assessments (Speech Pathologist)
Initial Speech and Language Assessment including a comprehensive report and an individualised home program.
Small Group Program
The small group program caters for up to 6 children and address a specific set of skills with a therapy and/or developmental focus. Groups may include: School Readiness, Sensory, Motor and Social Skills Development and Fine and Gross Motor Skills.
Multidisciplinary team may consist of: Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Teacher, Developmental Educator and Early Intervention Consultant.
Family Focused Workshops
Parent/Family training providing information and support to teach families effective implementation strategies with a therapy or developmental focus. Topics may include: School Readiness, Behaviour Management, Communication, Sensory Integration.
For further information in relation to the 'Helping Children with Autism Package', please contact Kelly Stapleton on 8462 0678.