Autism Association 2022 Annual Report

Regional services continue to expand, supporting families and local communities in 30 Western Australian regional and remote areas. Services include consultancy, holiday programs, online training, teletherapy and individual programs. We travelled to regional areas throughout the year to build the capacity of the local community through training, information, workshops and consultancy with families, service providers, allied health professionals, and early childhood educators. A key initiative this year was working with educators from the Education Department’s KindiLink Program and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander playgroups. A significant priority was also working with local TAFEs to train and support Certificate III and IV students within the allied health and disability disciplines to work with children with disability and support local families.

Derby

Derby KindiLink and Playgroup Workshops “The workshop was outstanding in all aspects of content, delivery and connection with the participants. The KindiLink and Bubanil Playgroup staff left inspired! This workshop was real information perfectly pitched for educators and support staff in a way that everyone can learn from and understand. The ideas and resources were fabulous, and I look forward to sharing them with the wider team. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn about supporting children with Autism from this team!” Christine Street, Early Years Deputy Derby District High School found it meaningful and useful. After the training, staff acknowledged that they were able to resonate with some of their immediate family members who have Autism, and learnt how they are better able to cope with their children and grandchildren and start conversations around Autism.” Jillian Hunter, Manager Family and Children Ngunga Women’s Group “Thank you for running the training in Derby. Ngunga staff shared positive feedback about the training and

Broome

Fitzroy Crossing

The Regional Intensive Holiday Program for families also continued in high demand this year with families joining the program during the July and January school holidays. There are 2 programs, the first for children up to the age of 7 years and the second for students aged 8 to 18. The work includes the development of an individual program plan for each individual based on assessment in addition to coaching and support to families to implement the plan at their home, school and in their local community. This program also provides a great opportunity for families to network and develop support groups. We look forward to continuing to provide regional outreach and expanding our Autism Regional Connect program thanks to support from the National Disability Services (NDS).

Port Hedland South Hedland

Karratha

Tom Price

Onslow

Newman

Paraburdoo

Mount Magnet

Geraldton

Jurien Bay

Caling i ri

Goomalling Jennacubbine

Kalgoorlie

Toodyay

Northam

Bakers Hill

Babakin

Corrigin

Brookton

Narrogin

Wagin

Waroona

Esperance

Katan n ing

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2022 33

Albany