Autism Association 2022 Annual Report

Short Breaks

Our Short Breaks program specialises in 48-hour respite breaks for children and younger adults. While providing families with a break, it also provides children time away from home to do fun things in a different environment.

Short Breaks is an important support for families, allowing them to make plans with the knowledge that their child is happy and well cared for. Throughout the day, we ensure children can engage in their favourite hobbies, and spending time out and about in the community. Children are carefully matched based on age, gender, support needs and interests. Where possible the same children are grouped together each stay to provide the opportunity for children to form long lasting friendships and connections. This year we supported children and their families to receive regular breaks at our 4 homely Short Breaks houses across the Perth metropolitan area. Our community-based program also provides short visits and overnight stay options for teens and adults. This can include one-on-one support during the week or pick up and drop off at school followed by an overnight stay to support with building independence skills. It can also help make the first steps towards moving away from the family home and into supported living with friends. The Short Breaks program can be provided in a range of ways, including support provided in the family’s own home, through our community support programs, or at one of our Short Breaks homes. This year, we trialled a new respite day stay option for children who would prefer not to stay overnight. This new option has been very popular with families, and we look forward to offering more of these day stays in the year ahead.

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2022 28