Spectrum Advisory Services (SAS) provides a range of front-line services across the lifespan to support families, individuals and communities who experience Autism Spectrum Disorders.
SAS Consultants are busy with the day to day running of the Info Line (up to 400 calls a month), the Resource Centre, training and development for families, counselling for young people and their families, and social development programs for adolescents and adults. Another important part of the Consultant role is to provide post diagnostic follow up to all people diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and referred to Autism SA. In the last year (2009) we have seen 598 families and individuals post diagnosis and provided them with information about our services and services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the community. The SAS staff are also visible in the community providing training to community based organisations and attending conferences and seminars.
Our staff
Senior Consultant (School Age Services): Erica Knapp
Senior Consultant (Adult Services): Katharine Annear
Consultants: Monica Terreri, Greg Healy, Sam Vincent, Lisa Olifent
Administration Assistant: Maddie McQueen
SAS provides the following 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.
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 click here or ring the Info Line 1300 AUTISM.
Resource Centre: The Resource Centre has a range of books and DVDs on autism and Asperger syndrome, and subscribes to journals from around the world. Staff are available to assist in finding information. Click here to visit the Resource Centre page. Publications produced by Autism SA are on display and are available to purchase.
Social Development Groups: Social Development Groups are developmental in nature and offer clients a range of interventions aimed at improving self-management, self-determination and self-advocacy. Groups may be age, gender or interest specific. Community based venues are utilised for these services. Contact the Info Line for more information.
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.