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Services provided by Autism SA |
Autism SA's
Terms of Trade (modified)
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Programs Funded under the Federal Government’s Helping Children with
Autism Package
Diagnostic
Services
To access services from Autism SA it is necessary for individuals to
be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Currently in South Australia there are
several options for families or adults seeking an assessment for autism or Asperger
syndrome that meet the international recommendations for best practice. Assessments
are made by professionals who are experienced in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum
Disorder, and who work in a multi-disciplinary setting. Autism SA is one of the major
centres for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in South Australia.
A diagnostic assessment of children at Autism SA involves:
- A play/activity based assessment, involving both interaction and observation which is videoed with the consent of the parents / caregivers
- An interview with the parents / caregivers documenting the child’s developmental history and current behaviours
- A questionnaire completed by the child’s teacher or a relevant adult who the parents feel knows their child well.
- Adults are assessed by way of a conversation based assessment conducted by two members of the Diagnostic Team with the person and anyone they wish to bring.
Assessments in the community can be accessed at the Child Development Units at the Women’s and
Children’s Hospital and Lyell McEwin Health Service, the Children’s Assessment Team at Flinders Medical
Centre and through a number of practitioners in private practice. As of 1 July 2008 Medicare rebates are
available for diagnostic assessments and treatment plans development by child psychiatrists and
paediatricians. This is for children under the age of 13 years. For further information regarding the
rebates please visit the Medicare website www.health.gov.au/autism or ring the Autism SA Info Line on
1300 288 476.
Individuals from interstate or overseas who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder are eligible for services from Autism SA after the Diagnostic Team has sighted copies of the
diagnostic report(s) detailing the assessment tools, and how the person met the criteria.
For further information, please contact the Coordinator Diagnostic Services at Autism
SA on 08 8379 6976
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The Early Development Program
The Early Development Program provides support for young children with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder up until the child commences school or 6 years of age and are registered for services with Autism
SA. Services include Foundation Skills group, playgroup, kindergarten/transition support, small group and
individual therapy programs offered according to need. These programs focus on the development of
communication, social and play skills, as well as skills each child will need for preschool and school
settings.
The multi-disciplinary team provides short term consultancy, which is accessible for the family at
home, kindergarten and/or child care setting, or by telephone contact. Early Development Consultants
are available to provide short term support to all families in the Early Intervention Service program
in the metropolitan area. Families who live outside the metropolitan area receive support services
through the Autism SA School Program. Staff from this program visit each country region twice a year.
The opportunity exists for country families to access metropolitan services if they are prepared to travel.
Autism SA has been approved by the Department of Families,
Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to provide early
intervention services under the Helping Children with Autism Package.
Eligibility for these services is through the Autism Advisor Program.
Please see the section at the back of this leaflet regarding these programs.
For further information, please contact the
Coordinator Early Development Program at Autism SA on
08 8379 6976
Playgroups
The purpose of these playgroups is to provide an opportunity
for parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to get together in
a safe developmentally appropriate play environment. It is an opportunity to
exchange ideas, information, and generally talk with other parents and Autism SA
Early Development Consultants. Playgroup is not a therapy group.
As well as the Wednesday group there is ….
- Thursday Morning 10:00 – 11:30 at Burnside Community Centre
(for children with Autism and their carers).
- Friday 10:00 – 11:30 Salisbury Campus Childcare Centre, Birch Avenue,
Salisbury East
(for children with Autism and their carers).
- Friday 12:00 – 1:30 Salisbury Campus Childcare Centre, Birch Avenue,
Salisbury East
(for children with Asperger’s and their carers).
Before coming to playgroup, children must be registered
with Autism SA. Parents/carers must also call Phoebe Salter on (08) 8462 0650 before
commencement.
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School Inclusion Program
Autism SA provides support to schools for students
with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the multi-disciplinary
School Inclusion Program. This service includes:
- Observations and strategy advice
- Attendance at education plan meetings
- Professional development sessions
- Specific one-to-one short term programs
- Peer awareness talks
- Fee for service support
Eligibility:
Anybody is eligible to access Fee for Service provision.
To access Government funded (no fee) services individuals must be a registered client of Autism SA. To register as a client, the individual must have a diagnosis of ASD from Autism SA’s diagnostic team or another accredited multi disciplinary agency or group of professionals. The Autism SA diagnostic team must sight copies of the diagnostic reports from the other professionals.
On receipt of written acceptance of services from the individual, or individual’s parent/s or legal guardian, where the individual is under 18 years of age or unable to give informed consent, the individual will become a client of Autism SA.
Access to Services:
Although individuals may meet eligibility for services, a waiting period for these services may apply.
The service can be accessed by parents, schools or professionals by contacting the appropriate ASD Consultant/Teacher or the School Inclusion Program Coordinator.
The School Inclusion Program can provide services to any Department of Education (DECS), Catholic (CEO) or Independent (AISSA) school with Metro postcodes on a request basis. Developmental Educators are available to support individuals in schools that are within 35km of the CBD with a metro postcode.
Inner country and country schools can access visits from ASD Consultant/Teachers on a twice a year basis but are welcome to consult relevant staff by email, over the telephone or through CENTRA.
The School Inclusion Team
ASD Consultant/Teachers:
Role: To provide consultative support to educational settings and staff to facilitate the inclusion of students with ASD.
What: The support from the consultant can take the form of professional development sessions, observations of students and subsequent strategies, peer awareness talks, attendance at Negotiated/Individual Education Plan reviews, teacher discussions, advice and guidance. The ASD Consultant/Teacher can refer within the School Inclusion Program for Occupational Therapy assessment or Developmental Educator support and they will collaboratively identify outcomes for this support.
How: A visit from the ASD Consultant/Teacher can be requested by school, parents or professional.
When: When the consultant is contacted (as above) a visit will be arranged at the next earliest convenience.
Who: Each school has a designated ASD Consultant/Teacher. If you are unsure who your consultant is, please contact
the Autism SA reception on 8379 6976 or Info line 1300 288 476.
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Louise Williams,
Acting Coordinataor,
School Inclusion Program |
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Tegan Foreman |
Erica Handley
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Janet Turner |
Alison Hannagan |
Sue Maschmedt
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Rachel Leal |
Merel Purmer |
Niki Welz |
Lexie Dryden |
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Danielle Moore
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Kate Skewes |
Ken Randall |
Sofie Vroulis
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Zieco Skeldon
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Developmental Educators:
Role: To plan, implement and evaluate programs to support inclusion of students with ASD in educational settings.
Programs will work towards goals collaboratively identified by the ASD Consultant/Teacher and school.
What: Developmental Educators may work in a number of ways to focus on ASD specific issues.
This support may consist of 1:1 in class, 1:1 withdrawal, small group support, preparation of visuals and strategies at the school, occasional meetings with staff and occasional observations at lunch and recess (this does not include lunch or recess duties). The identified outcomes will specifically focus on the Autism Spectrum Disorder and issues relating to social interaction, communication and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours.
How: Developmental Educators are allocated by the School Inclusion Program Coordinator in response to ‘Requests for
Service’, these forms are completed and submitted by the ASD Consultant/Teacher on behalf of schools..
When: Timetables are developed 4 weeks prior to the implementation date (any requests must be received before this date). Timetables run initially for a 5 week period subject to review and possible extension. Unfortunately due to the nature of the timetabled support, any sessions missed due to illness or unavoidable absence will not be rescheduled.
Occupational Therapists:
Role: To plan and implement assessments and services to support students with ASD in educational settings.
What: Occupational Therapists may provide assessments, advice and strategies on sensory issues and motor development. Professional development sessions are also available on a number of relevant topics from the ‘Alert’ (Engine) program to handwriting strategies, a fee applies for this service. Please contact the School Inclusion Program Coordinator on 8462 0639 for a quote.
How: For assessment or consultation a ‘Requests for Service’ is completed and submitted by the ASD Consultant/Teacher
on behalf of the school.
When: The Occupational Therapist will contact the school and arrange an appropriate time for assessment or consultation. The wait for assessment will be approximately 3-4 months after the request for service has been received. Schools are encouraged to discuss the results of this assessment with the parents. The Occupational Therapist is available for phone consultations, please contact through the Autism SA reception on 8379 6976.
Professional Development by Autism SA:
The School Inclusion Program runs a variety of Professional Development Sessions from the Autism SA site at Netley. To view the latest calendar, please visit www.autismsa.org.au.
The School Inclusion Program also provides a range of Professional Development packages tailored to suit individual organisations.
Fee for Service Activities:
Fee for service activities can be obtained for all services and include: Developmental Educators, Professional Development, social skill groups, Occupational Therapy assessment or consultancy. Quotations are available on request from the School Inclusion Coordinator on 8462 0639.
Helping Children with Autism Package:
School Inclusion Program also provides support for the ‘Helping Children with Autism’ package. Information on these services can be obtained by visiting http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/people/autism_panel/Pages/sa_default.aspx.
For eligibility please contact the ASA Autism Advisors on 8462 0611.
For further information:
Call 8379 6976 and ask for the School Inclusion Program Coordinator
Call the Autism SA Info Line on 1300 AUTISM (1300 288 476)
For further information, please contact the Coordinator School Inclusion Program at Autism SA on 8379 6976.
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Spectrum Advisory Services
Post Diagnostic Appointments: Spectrum Advisory Services arranges appointments with
families/individuals in the metropolitan area and telephone contact to families and adults in the
country to provide additional information about Autism Spectrum Disorder, relevant services, intervention
and treatment programs.
Infoline: The Infoline, 1300 AUTISM (1300 288 476), provides non-clinical information
about Autism Spectrum Disorder and referrals internally to Autism SA staff and externally to other
agencies or professionals. It is available 9am-4pm Monday-Friday.
Family Workshops: Topics include introductory sessions for new families, sibling issues,
working with difficult behaviours and helping your child with independent living.
The Mentoring Program: The peer mentor program assists people between the ages of 15 and
25 by providing trained peer mentors. The mentors and mentees meet fortnightly for social activities
supervised by the coordinator.
Brief Clinical Support: Time-limited centre-based assistance is available to families and
individuals to assist them to work through issues within structured sessions. Referrals are received
through the Autism SA Info Line.
Parent Support Networks: There are a number of family support groups in the metropolitan
and country areas. Further information is available on the website and through the Info Line 1300 AUTISM.
Resource Centre: The Resource Centre has a range of books and videos on autism and Asperger syndrome, and subscribes to journals from around the world. Staff are available to assist in finding information. The catalogue of resources is available through the Autism SA website. Publications produced by Autism SA are on display and are available to purchase.
Social Development Program: Entry to all social development groups listed below is by referral only.
Per Aspera Ad Astra (AAA): AAA is a group of adults dedicated to the expressive arts and
finding creative solutions to problems they face. They meet on a weekly basis to explore social issues
through theatre, music, writing and other art forms. There is also a social element to the sessions for
those who wish to meet others and form friendships. The group is open to adults 18 years and over with a
diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.
ALPHA: ALPHA is a group for people over the age of 16 years with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder. The group has been meeting for the past 18 years. The aim of ALPHA is to broaden the social
horizons of participants through fortnightly community outings, and to offer practical skill development
opportunities on a fortnightly basis.
WAASPS (Women with autism/Asperger syndrome participating socially). This group meets
fortnightly for friendship and outings.
Men’s Group. This social group meets every four weeks for outings.
For further information please contact the Autism SA Infoline on 1300 288 476.
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Community Services
Day Option Program
The Kandu (Craigmore) program is a specialised day options service
tailored to meet the needs of young people and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
who no longer attend school. The aim is to enhance lifestyles by providing support in
a range of recreational and prevocational experiences and opportunities. The focus is
on community based activities.
Respite Services
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Respite services operate out of two Variety Respite Houses,
one at Craigmore and the other is to be rebuilt in Onkaparinga Hills.
Respite provides a planned break for children with disabilities
and their families. Priority for the respite service is given to children with
challenging behaviours. Each service supports four children at a time, using
skilled staff and a program tailored to meet the needs of the children. In
addition to the overnight weekend stays, the respite service offers limited
day outings during school holidays.
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For further information, please contact the Coordinator Community Services on 8379 6976.
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Resources, Training and Development
Autism SA provides a range of training options including scheduled training for
parents and professionals, and flexible fee-for-service workshops. A training schedule
is available from Autism SA or you can discuss your needs with the Coordinator
Spectrum Advisory Services. Training topics include: information sessions for new
families, introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders, working through difficult
behaviours, sensory issues, communication, teaching strategies, and behaviour management.
For further information please contact the Coordinator Family & Information Services on 8379 6976.
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Community Relations
The Community Relations Department’s main role is to ensure that Autism SA engages in
effective fundraising to supplement annual government funding, and to attract grants and major gifts to
directly assist with service provision and special one-off projects.
Fundraising: The main fundraising activities of Autism SA are requesting donations and sponsorships, special events, major training and development activities and merchandise sales. Donations to Autism SA are tax
deductible.
Bequests: More and more people are remembering Autism SA in their wills, and we are able
to refer people to relevant professionals if they require such assistance.
Financial Membership: The Community Relations Department is also responsible for the
acquisition of new Financial Members to Autism SA as well as the renewal of existing Financial Members and associated correspondence.
Public Relations: Increasing community awareness is also a key goal of the department,
which oversees the following activities and publications including Autism Month (annually in May), The Autiser newsletter, promotional brochures, Annual Report, signage and electronic communications including the Autism SA website and the information email service, Infomail.
For further information contact the Manager Community Relations at Autism SA on 8379 6976.
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Autism Advisor Program
The Autism Advisor Program is funded by the Department of Families, Housing,
Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and provides information and support to families and carers
of children aged 0-6 years with a diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Advisors provide advice and
information about early intervention services that can help families address their child’s specific needs,
and on all aspects of the Helping Children with Autism Package including assisting families to access the
Early Intervention Funding Package and the Early Intervention Service Provider Panel.
For further information, please contact the Senior Autism Advisor on 8379 6976
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Early Intervention Service Provider
Autism SA provides services available to eligible families under the Helping Children
with Autism Package guidelines. Eligibility is confirmed under the Autism Advisor program. Services are
provided by a multi-disciplinary team and include individual therapy, small group programs, family
workshops, and short term consultations. Detailed information of these services can be obtained by
visiting the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/disability/autism_panel/sa/.
For further information, please contact the Coordinator Early Development Program at Autism SA on 8379 6976.
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Australian Autism Education Training Consortium (AAETC)
Autism SA is the state contact for the ‘Positive Partnerships: supporting school aged
students on the autism spectrum project’. These include professional development for teachers and other
school staff who are working with students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and workshops and information
sessions for parents and carers of school aged children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
For further information, please contact the National Education and Training Team Member, Australian Autism Education and Training Consortium on 8379 6976 or visit the website at www.autismtraining.com.au.
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