General Workshops for Families

General Family Workshops are presented to a group of participants and aim to develop participants understanding of a particular area relating to the autism spectrum. Presented by experienced professionals from across different teams within the organisation, participants will develop a greater understanding through these interactive, engaging and practical workshops. For Free sessions, participants must be either on the autism spectrum or a family member of someone on the spectrum. 

NDIS funding may be used to access these workshops. Please complete the questions relating to your participants NDIS Plan when registering. 

In order to use NDIS funding to access these workshops you must have 'Improved Daily Living Skills' OR 'CB Daily Living' listed as a support item within your, or your child's NDIS plan, have a budget allocated to this line, and the plan must be valid until after the workshop.

Venue:

NETLEY- 1/262 Marion Road, Netley, Adelaide, South Australia

ELIZABETH- 57 Elizabeth Way, Elizabeth, Adelaide, South Australia 

(unless stated otherwise)

For assistance in registering please contact Emma Bennett, Training, Consultancy and Research Officer on 8462 0658 or ebennett@autismsa.org.au 

For further information regarding the content of the sessions please contact Kate Exner, the Training and Consultancy Coordinator on 0421 326 710 or kexner@autismsa.org.au 

For Terms of Trade, please click here. 

Developing independent living skills                                         

The development of living skills maximises independence, choice and self-determination for an individual. This session looks at the value of, and strategies for, developing independent living skills
for people on the spectrum. Starting with the foundation skills such as organisation; problem solving, planning and prioritising; participants will learn how these can be applied to develop skills in the areas of
hygiene and self-care, housekeeping and beyond.

An introduction to the autism spectrum for families and carers                                     

This workshop is a great starting point for families of people newly diagnosed or as a refresher for families who have had a family member diagnosed for some time, and of any age. During this session you will learn more about the characteristics of the autism spectrum as well as some strategies that can assist an individual on the spectrum.

The presenter will also go over some of the service and funding options available to individuals on the spectrum and their families.

Upon completion, participants will have a better understanding of the profile of a person with autism, including their strengths and challenges, and a clearer pathway for implementation of strategies and services. This workshop also offers an opportunity to meet other parents of individuals on the autism spectrum and reminds parents and carers of the importance of looking after themselves too! The content is appropriate for parents, grandparents and other family members who play a significant role in the life of a person who has autism and wish to know more.

Implementing the Incredible 5-Point Scale in the home                                   

In consultation with the authors, Autism SA has developed a workshop based on Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis’ program ‘The Incredible 5-Point Scale’. The program, which is being effectively used across South Australian schools, talks in ‘numbers’ rather than using “socially and emotionally laden words”. The program can be implemented in a variety of settings and utilises visual scales to break down abstract social and emotional concepts including self-regulation. This workshop will guide participants through how they can implement the program in the home setting and will cover;

• The philosophy behind the
• program;
• Looking at the resources;
• Overview of the program,
• including hands-on activities;
• How to implement the program in
• the home and community setting;
• and
• How to monitor, tweak and review
• to suit individual and family needs.

Throughout the workshop the presenter will use discussion, activities and videos to deliver information on the ‘Incredible 5 point scale’, that will enhance the attendees’ knowledge and enable them to use this effective strategy successfully in the home.

Beyond school: preparing for the 'next step'

This workshop is aimed at parents and carers of teenagers and adults on the spectrum looking to develop skills to secure, maintain and change jobs. This workshop will also help develop skills to maintain and create new support networks.

Topics include:

• Setting up successful work experience;
• Employability skills;
• Support options for exploring, preparing for, gaining and keeping employment;
• Some of the autism specific employment programs;
• Matching skills to jobs;
• Showcasing your skills;
• To disclose or not to disclose;
• Self advocacy skills; and
• Strategies to use while volunteering/work experience/on the job.

Supporting your child through high school  

This workshop is specifically designed for parents who have a child currently attending high school, or starting high school in 2020.  This session will be presented by an Autism Consultant with experience in teaching in the high school setting.

The following topics to be covered in the session include:

• What to expect;
• Who to talk to at high school;
• What support your child might be eligible to access at school;
• Preparing your child for the transition from primary to high school;
• Creating and implementing systems to support academic expectations – learning new routines, use of organisational folders, assignment break down, and recording homework;
• Bullying prevention and strategies;
• Anxiety and stress management;
• What to do if things are not going well; and
• Post school pathways – transition from school to tertiary study/employment/other e.g Day Options.

Supporting your child through primary school  

This workshop is specifically designed for parents who have a child currently attending primary school, or starting primary school in 2020. This session will be presented by an Autism Consultant with prior experience in teaching and supporting students on the spectrum in the classroom.

The following topics to be covered:

• What schooling options are available;
• What to expect;
• Who to talk to at school;
• What support your child might be eligible to access at school;
• What to consider when looking at schools;
• Teaching school readiness skills;
• Preparing your child for the transition into Primary School or changing schools;
• Creating and implementing systems to support academic expectations – such as learning new routines, use of organisational folders, assignment break down, and recording homework;
• Bullying prevention and strategies;
• Supporting transitions and separation anxiety; and
• What to do if things are not going well.

Supporting girls on the autism spectrum

Girls on the spectrum often present with a different profile from that of their male peers and are four times less likely to be diagnosed on the autism spectrum than boys. This can often mean that girls on the spectrum are also misunderstood, and don’t receive the most appropriate supports for their particular needs.

This session looks at a range of topics including:

• Differences in making a diagnosis;
• Passions and interests;
• Social and communication skills;
• Developing friendship skills;
• Internal anxiety and depression;
• Using their strengths to build selfesteem;
• Bullying; and
• Menstruation and dating.