Autism Association of WA: Introduction to First Steps for Autism Early Intervention

4 | First Steps for Autism Early Intervention The First Steps for Autism approach is a combined approach Our combined approach means we use a variety of models and teaching strategies that are known to be effective for children with Autism. Our key approach is Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Intervention. This means our intervention is informed by developmental and behavioural principles to achieve the developmental impact on the core deficits of Autism. We use everyday situations and typical childhood activities to develop these skills and build relationships. Intervention takes place in safe, natural, and nurturing settings and there is shared control between children and their Therapists. Other models that we draw from include: • Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) • Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based Model (DIR) ® • Contemporary Applied Behaviour Analysis Frameworks • Hanen ® More Than Words • Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support (SCERTS) ® • Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communications Handicapped Children (TEACCH) ® • Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) ® We work with your family to determine your child’s strengths and challenges and tailor a plan that aligns with your family priorities, while also identifying the most appropriate evidence-based strategies and how best to combine them to support your child’s abilities and skill development needs. Our Early Intervention Team Your child has multiple skills, so naturally our Program operates with an experienced multidisciplinary Therapy Team, which includes Speech Pathologists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Early Childhood Educators. Each family is given a Therapist, who is the key contact and partners with the family to develop individual therapy plans that meet the needs of each child. The aim of the Program is to boost each child’s development and inclusion into mainstream settings. Utilising the multidisciplinary model allows your Therapist to work holistically with your child. They get to know you and your family well and can support with functional skills across all domains, as they are not solely focusing on one aspect such as their sensory needs, behaviour or social skills; they are supporting your child as a whole. Another benefit of this model, is that it allows you to have one point of contact when scheduling sessions and managing communications. How can we support you to achieve your goals? We are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for your child and your family. That is why we individualise our therapy approaches to offer a service with options that can meet your family’s needs. We also work in collaboration with your child’s school and other key environments to integrate your therapy goals across various settings. Under the new guidelines of the NDIS, we have worked to ensure that we maintain the aspects of our service that are important in ensuring we are best practice in Autism. Your Therapist, who is your key contact and the Autism Advisors, can work with you to plan the services you want and ensure you have choices and control in the services you receive for your child.

www.autism.org.au | Registered NDIS Provider