Autism Association 2024 Annual Report

2024

ANNUAL REPORT

Contents

What is Autism? Our Strategic Direction

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Regional Services Community Development and Inclusion Autism in Cricket Optus Sensory Room Collaboration in Healthcare Support for Parents and Families International Collaboration Community Giving APAC 2025 Light Up The Spectrum Long Service Achievements In Conclusion

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Services Overview President’s Report The Board

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Chief Executive Officer’s Report Therapy and Clinical Services Community Living Individual Community Options Employment Short Breaks Autism Diagnostic Assessment

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What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder* is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts on child development in a number of key areas, including communication, social interaction, and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Autism is frequently associated with sensory sensitivities and sensory processing difficulties. While Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex, lifelong developmental disability, with appropriate intervention, children and adults with Autism can make significant progress and live fulfilling lives. Consequently, it is imperative that Autistic individuals have access to specialist services that understand their needs and are experienced in developing their skills and strengths. This report uses both person-first language (“person with Autism” or “person on the Autism Spectrum”), and identity-first language (“Autistic person”) in recognition of the different preferences around language in the Autism community. *For ease of use, the term ‘Autism’ will be used throughout this report to refer to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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Our Purpose

To advance the personal development, equality of opportunity and community participation of people with Autism and related disabilities.

Our Values

Passion Respect

to make the greatest difference

for the uniqueness of each person Commitment to treat individuals and families as we ourselves would like to be treated Excellence in all that we undertake Innovation to fulfil dreams and aspirations Courage to strenuously advocate for people with Autism and their families

Our Culture

Belief Driven Respect

in great possibilities for every child and adult with Autism

to assist each individual to achieve for individuals, families and advocates from people with Autism and their families

Learn

Dream

we dream BIG for each individual

Our Vision

What we work to achieve: • All children with Autism have a great start in life • All children with Autism receive the education they need

• All adults with Autism receive the support they need to lead an ordinary life • A community where people with Autism are understood, accepted and celebrated

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Goal 1 Enhance the lives of people with Autism

Goal 2 Support families and carers

Goal 3 Influence and promote best practice

Goal 4 Increase organisational capacity and efficiency

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Services Overview The Autism Association of Western Australia is one of Australia’s largest specialist service providers, and the only Autism specific organisation providing a full range of services for children and adults in Australia. Established in 1967, our services are person-centred and based on leading international peer-reviewed research in the field of Autism. We are deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life of every individual with Autism and their families, and are passionate about supporting them to live their best life.

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For Children

First Steps for Autism

School Age Therapy

The First Steps for Autism Early Intervention program provides multidisciplinary therapy for children up to 7 years of age, and is based on a wide body of up-to-date international research. Our experienced clinical team includes speech pathologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and early childhood educators. Each family is assigned a lead therapist who partners with them to develop individual intervention plans that are tailored to the needs of each child. The aim of the program is to maximise child development, including supporting the child to transition to preschool, school and other mainstream settings.

The School Age service provides a comprehensive range of intervention, therapy and support to school-aged children between 8 and 17 years of age. Our multidisciplinary team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers and teachers, work together to respond to the needs of each individual and their family. Our service is person and family centred. Our therapists work collaboratively with families, schools, and other community services to maximise the educational and social progress of each child.

Short Breaks (Respite)

Positive Behaviour Support

Short Breaks provides a home away from home, where a small group of children 6 to 18 years old, can stay on weekends or school holidays to do the things they enjoy, explore friendships and build confidence and independence. Short Breaks are provided in a range of ways, either at one of our homes in the Perth metropolitan area, at the child’s own home or through our community support programs. All children and young people are matched by age and interests.

The Positive Behaviour Support program supports individuals who need additional assistance in this area. These supports focus on developing a thorough understanding of the relationship between the individual’s ability to navigate their environment and the support they need to succeed. The program is delivered by an experienced multidisciplinary team.

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For Adults

Community Living

Our Employment program is a highly regarded, specialist employment service that focuses on securing and maintaining employment for people with Autism. We provide comprehensive support to individuals to prepare for, find, and maintain jobs that are matched to their goals, skills and abilities. Employment opportunities encompass a range of work settings from individual commercial environments to supported business partnerships in the community. Each person is provided with on-the-job training and continuous support tailored to their needs. Employment There are a range of support services that can be chosen by individuals and their families to assist them in participating in the community, or at home. We work closely with each person to identify the things they would like to do or achieve, and the support that best suits them. Our aim is to provide the support the person wants, at the time they want it and in ways that meet their needs. This can include developing a range of new skills, pursuing recreational interests, lifelong learning initiatives, activities that further independence, education, volunteering, or pre-employment assistance. Individual Community Options

Community Living provides support to adults moving from their family home into a home of their own. Options include support to live independently, or to share a home with one or two other people with comprehensive support. The Community Living team works with individuals and families to determine the supports that best meet their needs and circumstances.

Therapy and Clinical Services

Therapy and Clinical Services assists individuals to develop their skills, maximise their independence, and participate in the community. Our multidisciplinary team draws on the strengths of a range of therapists from different professional backgrounds to create a service that is tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. We work closely with each person and their family to achieve outcomes that are important to them in a range of environments, including home, education, employment and recreation settings.

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For Families

A wide range of workshops, seminars, and webinars provide support to parents, families, and professionals. These sessions are designed to provide practical strategies, information, and resources to assist participants to understand and support Autistic individuals in a range of environments. Parent, Family, and Education Workshops Support groups are tailored to individual or family needs at different stages of their life. Groups are also available for families of newly diagnosed children, school-aged children, adolescents and adults with Autism, and dads and father-figures. Support Groups and Networks Our advisory and information services provide information and advice to families and community members. This includes, but is not limited to, diagnosis, mainstream supports, education, community organisations, the NDIS, and more. In addition, information is available via brochures, fact sheets, and in our publications. Information and Advice

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Other Supports

Diagnosis

Regional Outreach

Diagnostic services are available for children and young people from the age of 2 to 18 years old. All assessments are completed with our multidisciplinary assessment team, including a consultant psychiatrist, psychologists and speech pathologists. Our multidisciplinary teams provide training services to a range of professionals and other groups, including teachers, allied health professionals, service providers, employers, and the broader community. We host leading international training and professional development for researchers and practitioners in the field of Autism. Professional Training and Development

We offer a range of services to families living in regional and remote areas through education, support and consultancy. This includes individual support to families and their support networks via regional trips, webinars and individual teletherapy sessions. There are also school holiday programs where families come to Perth and connect with other families and children.

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President’s Report

2023/2024 was another year of dedication to supporting people with Autism and their families to live their best life. Demand for our services continued to grow across areas including Therapy and Clinical Services, Community Living support, Individual Community Options support, Employment support, and Diagnostic services. However, our ability to respond in a number of our program areas remained impacted by sector-wide workforce shortages. Notwithstanding the challenges, we delivered on our strategic priorities and maintained high-quality service delivery to the people we support. We achieved service growth in several areas including Community Living, Individual Community Options, Employment support and Diagnostic services. To support our services, we continued to

make the necessary adjustments to align with the changing operational environment. We reviewed our staff and program structures; and refined our service offerings to people with Autism and their families. We continued our five-year infrastructure development initiative to expand Community Living options for individuals. We also continued development of our digital transformation to enhance our response to the needs of individuals who require our support. Collaborative work in the Western Australian advancement of Autistic people, progressed throughout the year. We were also very pleased to continue our work with East Java this year. In addition to direct service provision, we were very pleased to advance our work in advocacy and best practice initiatives through a number of specialist projects. 2025 will be a significant year, and we look forward to hosting the Asia Pacific Autism disability sector and with national and international bodies dedicated to the

Conference in November, with the theme of Inspiring and Creating the Future Together. The conference will bring together a wide range of people in research, medicine, education, allied health, policy makers, and support organisations from Asia and beyond. I would like to acknowledge our stakeholders, including the State Government through the Department of Communities and State and Federal funding bodies for their ongoing support. I would also like to extend my thanks to the Board for their dedication and support of the organisation to advance its mission. I look forward to continuing our endeavours in the year ahead. In concluding, I would like to pay special thanks to all staff led by our Chief Executive Officer, Joan McKenna Kerr, for their dedication to the Autism Association’s mission on behalf of people with Autism and their families. Dr Rob Storer President and Chair of the Board

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The Board

Dr Rob Storer CHAIRMAN

Dr Storer is a Consultant Anaesthetist and long-term member of the Autism Association. He has been actively involved in leading the Board at a time of major strategic development, maintaining a keen interest in the field of disability as well as Autism. Dr Storer is also a Committee Member of the Western Australian Branch of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists, and of the Anaesthetic Departments of both St John of God Subiaco and Murdoch.

Mr Geoff Kidd VICE CHAIRMAN

Mr Kidd is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand and has over 40 years’ experience in professional practice as an Accountant and Business Adviser to a wide range of clients. Until his retirement in 2015, he was the Managing Partner and Chief Executive of the Perth office and a member of the national executive of large multinational firm Crowe Horwath. Mr Kidd has been a former State Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has been a member of a number of not-for-profit Boards, including 10 years as a board member of Lifeline WA. Mrs Rank is a Senior International Training Specialist in industrial software. She has been a family member of the Autism Association for over 21 years and is married with two children. Mrs Rank has been an active member of the Autism Association for more than two decades and has supported the Association in public education, fundraising and other projects throughout the years. Mrs Vicki Rank

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Dr Monro has over 30 years’ experience as a Chartered Accountant and Business Adviser in Australia and internationally. He previously worked as Principal in the Finance division of RSM Australia Pty Ltd for the large accounting firms KPMG and Crowe Australasia. Dr Monro currently serves on the Boards of other not-for-profit organisations including Central Desert Native Title Services Limited, Yued Aboriginal Corporation, Yilka – Trustee Advisory Committee, Denmark Arts Council Inc., and South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc. Dr Monro has worked in a diverse selection of industries. His experience covers a wide range of areas, including business valuations, due diligence, business planning, financial mentoring and advisory services for Indigenous entities, and general financial consulting. Dr Duncan Monro Mrs Brownhill has been actively involved in the field of disability over many years both in Australia and overseas. Prior to returning to Western Australia from Melbourne, where she and her family had been living, Mrs Brownhill represented Mansfield Autistic Services on the Victorian State Council for Autism. As the mother of a son with Autism, she is involved with parent support groups and accommodation projects. She is also involved in advocacy for people living with a disability and their parents. Mrs Bobby Brownhill Mr Altus has held a number of senior positions in his career. He is a former chair of the Curtin Business School Advisory Board for the School of Economics and Finance. He was a Director of LLL Australia Ltd, an APRA-regulated Authorised Deposit Taking Institution. As a former Public Servant, he has held a number of positions in the WA Department of Treasury, including Director of Revenue and Intergovernmental Relations. He also undertook a secondment to the University of Western Australia as its Chief Financial Officer. He was also member of the University’s Senate Strategic Resources Committee. Mr Altus is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently chairs Lutheran Homes Foundation (WA) Inc. Mr Mark Altus Clinical Professor Coates AO is a former Paediatric Otolaryngologist and Clinical Professor at the University of Western Australia, specialising in the medical treatment and research in ear disease in remote Aboriginal children. After training at the Mayo Clinic, he worked for 38 years as a Consultant at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. He co-founded the first Paediatric Otolaryngology Society in Australia and was a Board member of the Telethon Kids Institute. He worked with the Commonwealth to develop the ear health roadmap; and has worked with the World Health Organisation. Professor Coates was honoured with appointment to the Officer in the Order of Australia in 2005. Clinical Professor Harvey Coates AO

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Chief Executive Officer’s Report

2023/2024 was a year of many challenges and opportunities in a fast-changing operating environment. However, we continued on our path of strategic development, remaining focused on our mission to Autistic people and their families. We delivered on our strategic objectives by providing high quality services to people with Autism across a wide range of services from early childhood to adulthood. We consolidated therapy services in Early Intervention, School Age, Young Adults, and Positive Behaviour Support. Furthermore, we expanded a number of services including Community Support, Community Living, Employment, and Diagnostic Services. In addition, we commenced work on a number of new projects to increase access and inclusion for people with Autism and their families in Western Australia.

We provided support to 7,768 individuals, of which 2,534 accessed our Early Intervention, School Age, and Adult Therapy services. We undertook 4,000 consultancies and supported individuals in the community and in employment. We provided support to 12 regional areas, delivered high quality diagnostic services, and supported 85 Community Living homes. We continued work on our five-year housing strategy to expand Community Living options for individuals requiring support in this area. We also continued our work on our Systemic Health Advocacy project to improve health outcomes for people with Autism and other disability cohorts with complex communication needs. We promoted and facilitated best practice across all areas and engaged in high-level clinical networks, including training with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and the West Australian Police Force. Additionally, we established our Provisional Psychology Academy this year. The academy provides Provisional Psychologists with access to

an integrated program of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) board-approved supervision, tailored training, and professional development aligned with AHPRA core competencies. We continued our statewide, national, and international collaboration promoting evidence-based practice to support Autistic individuals. As part of our overseas work, we were pleased to welcome a Delegation from Indonesia, and the Singapore Government, to explore our services and specialist programs for Autistic children and adults. Our digital transformation program has seen significant developments over the past year. This has included strengthening our cyber and information security, as well as significant infrastructure and network development to increase efficiency and mobility across all service areas. This work plays a significant role in increasing our capacity to expand services to children and adults with Autism. In November 2025, we look forward to hosting the first Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC) in 6 years. APAC 2025 will welcome

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to Perth educators, medical professionals, researchers, allied health professionals, Autistic individuals, policy makers, NGOs, and public sector professionals. We plan to make this an important and unforgettable experience for all. I would like to acknowledge and pay thanks to the valuable contribution of many stakeholders, including the State Government through the Department of Communities, and Commonwealth agencies, including the Department of Social Services, Department of Health and Aged Care, Department of Housing and the Department of Education and Training. I would also like to thank Telethon for their support of a number of our valuable programs, and their contribution to West Australian families. I would especially like to acknowledge the dedicated work and support of our Board, led by Dr. Rob Storer, and the staff at the Autism Association for their passionate work and commitment to the individuals and families we support. Thank you also to our donors and the many community organisations, individuals and employers with whom we work, and who make so much possible. Lastly, thank you to the people with Autism and their families who continue to teach us and inspire our work every day. Joan McKenna Kerr Chief Executive Officer

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Key Highlights

3,415 NDIS individual packages delivered

417 Individuals assisted to find employment

7,768 Individuals supported

239 Individuals assisted

2,534 Children, adolescents and adults accessed therapy services

in community participation

12 Regional communities supported

350 Diagnostic assessments undertaken

4,000 Consultancies undertaken

85 Community homes supported

5 New community projects

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Services Delivered 2023-2024

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• Diagnostic services for children and youths • Multidisciplinary Early Intervention services for newly diagnosed children • Primary and high school support for children and adolescents • After-school social groups • Community support programs for children and adults • Open employment support • Community Living - individual and small group homes • Family support programs, including groups for parents and siblings • Regional support services, including consultancy, webinars and school holiday program • Information and advice to individuals, families and community members • Therapy services • Positive Behaviour Support programs • Professional development services for teachers, allied health and other professionals • Systemic Health Advocacy project to improve health outcomes for Autistic individuals

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Therapy and Clinical Services

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Our Therapy and Clinical Services team assisted individuals to maximise their independence and participate in preschool, school, at work, and in the community. We worked closely with families, carers, and other key people in the individual’s life. Across each age group, we provided a comprehensive range of therapy options to suit people’s needs, circumstances and preferences. Over the last 12 months, the First Steps for Autism Early Intervention program provided multidisciplinary support to children up to 7 years of age. Children were supported to learn new skills and prepare for the transition to preschool, school, and other mainstream settings through one-on-one and group sessions. Throughout the year, School Age services supported children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years of age at school, at home, and in the community. We continued working closely with educators and schools to embed goals and strategies into each individual’s education plan to deliver the best outcomes for students. We also ran a number of important social skills groups that focused on learning and practicing social skills, communication, and confidence in a fun environment. These programs included KONTAKT ® Teens, PEERS ® for adolescents and young adults, and Social Magic. To support young adults and their families to prepare for life after school and navigate the wide range of options, we introduced our Stepping Out for School Leavers and Young Adults program. This program is led by therapists with specific knowledge of how to support young adults to succeed in areas such as community engagement, tertiary education, traineeships, employment, and recreation. Our Adult therapy team focused this year on skill development, community inclusion, work-readiness, and improving personal resilience. Each individual was supported to maximise their independence and participate in the communities important to them, focusing on increasing social opportunities, and improving overall quality of life. In all service areas, our TASTEE team collaborated with our Registered Nurses to develop online and face-to-face mealtime and dysphagia training for staff. This ensured high quality support to individuals and their families’ mealtime needs. This year, our Therapy and Clinical Services team supported 2,534 individuals across Early Intervention, School Age, Adult therapy services, and Positive Behaviour Support.

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“It’s easy, I do more when I like it.” - Daniel

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Daniel’s Story

When Daniel started collecting bottles for Containers for Change last year, he never imagined what it would lead to. Collecting bottles from staff, visitors, and housemates, Daniel’s therapist, Josephine and his support team, worked with him to transform his collection into works of art. Creating designs using the caps from each bottle he collected, Daniel has produced five beautiful pieces of artwork which he now uses to decorate his home. The first piece of artwork Daniel created was themed ‘Under the Water,’ and now, seven months later, Daniel is not done yet! As well as designing his art, Daniel spends time preparing for each piece. This includes talking to his support workers in advance about the supplies he needs and then shopping for these materials at his local Bunnings. Once Daniel has collected materials from Bunnings, he begins each artwork project. This starts with categorising the bottle caps into colours, followed by laying out the design and gluing down each piece. Planning and patience are an important part of the art process, and have taught Daniel some valuable skills while providing him with a project that relieves his anxiety through focusing on something he enjoys. Josephine, Daniel’s therapist says: “It’s been so great to see Daniel produce something he can be proud of. Not only does he enjoy working on his art, but he has also been able to work on important skills such as planning and organising, which he will be able to use in other aspects of his life.” Daniel’s artworks have brightened up his back patio. His aim is to produce enough pieces of art to cover his veranda wall! We look forward to seeing more of Daniel’s artwork on display at his home.

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Community Living

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This year, we continued to work alongside individuals and their families to find the right home, housemates, and support team. The goal is to build a lifestyle that suits each person and make the transition into their new home a success. We supported 85 homes in the community, of which 62 are shared homes supported by full time staff providing 24-hour support, and 17 are homes for individuals living independently with visiting support. In alignment with our five-year housing strategy, a number of projects are currently underway in collaboration with commercial entities, to refurbish, build, and develop new purpose-built homes. This has included the addition of 5 new homes to support individuals requiring full-time care. Additionally, we are undertaking partnerships with Specialist Disability Accommodation housing developers to construct Supported Independent Living homes. Close collaboration between the Community Living and Registered Nursing team continued this year to provide a high standard of regular health and wellbeing support to each individual. During the year, we continued development of our staff training, with a focus on quality of life for each individual we support. The Community Living program continues to expand, providing a range of options for people to live in their own home. Options include living alone with visiting support tailored to their needs; or sharing a home with one or two other people with comprehensive support.

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“Stephen is adventurous and thrives being out in the community. I enjoy seeing him interact with the world around him”

- Jamie, Residential Support Worker

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Stephen’s Story

Stephen moved into his first home with the Autism Association 6 years ago. Finding a home that was suited to Stephen’s needs, where he felt safe and happy, was a priority to his family, as it is to all families. Care and time went into working with Stephen and his family to find the right home and support team, making the required adjustments along the way. Getting out and about in the community is extremely important to Stephen. He lights up when he is outside and enjoys being active, whether he is swimming, running, or exploring nature. Over the past 12 months, Stephen has tried a number of new things, including travelling to venues around Perth on public transport with his support staff, going to shows, attending festivals in the city, and more! Spending time with his parents and grandparents is important to Stephen and his family, and this is built into all planning. Stephen looks forward to family picnics and shares his excitement with his team in the days leading up to seeing his family. Since the day he moved in, Stephen has had the same support team, and they have developed a wonderful relationship with one another.

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Individual Community Options

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This year, 239 individuals of all ages were supported in a wide range of activities and explored more of the things they enjoy at home and in the community. Support is tailored to each person. This can include being involved in the community, developing confidence, learning new skills to increase independence at home, preparing for life after school, participating in employment opportunities, and trying new recreational and social activities. To ensure supports are personalised to each individual, positive, and caring relationships are fostered. Each staff member is carefully matched to each individual’s goals and preferences. This year, we continued our social get-together groups for adults who want to connect with others who share similar interests. Staff work to facilitate ongoing friendships that can be mutually supportive and enjoyable. While some of our most popular options continued, several new initiatives were introduced by the people we support. Each person’s interests, goals and needs are unique. Our Individual Options team takes the time to listen and learn about the things people would like to do and support them to make it happen.

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“We are very proud of his achievements in becoming more independent and the joy he finds in his cooking”

- Anna, Victor’s mum

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Victor’s Story

Victor is of Italian heritage and has a profound passion for food and sharing delicious meals with his friends and family. With this in mind, Victor’s support team worked with him, to turn his love of food into a love of cooking! Over the past few months, Victor has moved from baking his first tray of muffins, cupcakes, and lemon meringue pie to sharing a cooked meal with friends and family. Routine is important to Victor, and Wednesdays are now cooking day – his favourite day of the week. Victor enjoys all aspects of cooking his own meals and his newfound independence. From planning his meals, heading out to the shops to get the ingredients, and cooking up a storm; all the way to washing up the dishes and leaving the kitchen spick and span. As Christmas nears, Victor is practising cooking a special roast meal and dessert to bring along and contribute to his family Christmas.

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Employment

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AIM Employment is a highly regarded specialist employment program for people with Autism. It is also the only Autism Specialist program that is contracted by the Department of Social Services to provide a Disability Employment Service (DES). This year, individuals were supported to find and maintain employment across a range of industries and sectors, including engineering, law, IT, hospitality, warehousing, banking and finance, healthcare, mining, retail, and many more. Additionally, we assisted individuals through the NDIS Employment program to prepare for and obtain employment. Assistance included public transport awareness, interview skills, resume development, work experiences, job sampling and paid employment. We continued to expand our partnerships, with new partners including The Water Corporation, Synergy, Tomra Recycling, and Redrawn as well as strengthening our partnerships and increasing our employment opportunities with Hospitality Disability Network (HDN) and the Autism Academy of Software Quality Assurance (AASQA). Ongoing advocacy and employer training continues to result in more conversations with prospective employers and an increase in opportunities for Autistic job seekers. We continued training sessions for local businesses to increase their understanding of Autism and provide them with strategies to better support Autistic individuals in the workplace. This year, we provided training to a range of employers, including the Department of Transport, BHP, Bankwest, CSIRO, and Rio Tinto. In addition, we continued to work with schools and families to provide information on employment pathways and post-school support options. We also increased our employment supports to incorporate school leavers. This provides the opportunity for school leavers to develop job-readiness skills and gain valuable and positive workplace experiences. During the last 12 months, we also undertook a strategy called Work Assist, for new and existing employers. This service supports employees who are experiencing difficulties in maintaining their employment, and supports employers to keep their experienced employees. The consolidation of both the DES and NDIS programs into an integrated employment service this year is providing opportunities for an effective pathway into long term employment for Autistic job seekers. Our Employment program is dedicated to supporting job seekers with Autism to find and maintain work in an area of their choice. Across the year, we supported 417 individuals to prepare for, find, and maintain employment.

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“AIM’s support is invaluable. It helps boost Michael’s confidence and social involvement”

- Elena, Michael’s mum

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Michael’s Story

Over the past year, Michael has been looking for the right role and employment opportunity. After connecting with our employment services, we secured an interview with a leading international data management company. Michael made a great impression during his probationary period, and was delighted to be offered a position with this company. In his new role, Michael is responsible for sorting and preparing files for archiving, and he looks forward to attending work and seeing his colleagues each day. Throughout the week, our job coach is on hand to assist with his daily tasks, and creating a structured routine and comfortable work setting. Michael loves his job with his confidence going from strength to strength in all areas of his life. Keep up the great work Michael!

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Short Breaks

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Our Short Breaks program offers opportunities for children to spend a weekend away engaging in their favourite activities in the community, supported by dedicated staff. It is also an important step in building independence away from their usual home environment. To ensure everyone has an enjoyable stay, children are carefully matched based on age, gender, support needs, and interests. Each child also has their own private bedroom, so they can enjoy their own space and bring their personal belongings to make it their home away from home. Short Breaks runs throughout the year for day, overnight, and weekend stays. In addition, there are school holiday programs to provide opportunities for children to meet others with similar interests and to enjoy activities throughout their school break. The program is a great opportunity for children to develop friendships and for families to relax in the knowledge that their child is happy and cared for. Our Short Breaks Program provides the opportunity for children and adolescents to have a fun time away from their family, and build relationships with peers who have similar interests.

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“I love hanging out with my friends that I have made at Respite” - Hayley

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Hayley’s Story

Over the past 6 years, Hayley has regularly attended the Short Breaks Program. On each occasion, Hayley looks forward to a weekend stay with friends and engaging in her favourite activities. Hayley has a passion for music and finds enjoyment in learning new songs. This year, she shared her talent with her friends, something everyone looks forward to. Hayley and one of her peers got to know each other over their love of playing the guitar, at one of our house BBQs. This friendship has blossomed, with both teens enjoying getting together to play new songs for their friends while spending time together. We look forward to seeing Hayley’s performances in the future.

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Autism Diagnostic Assessment

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Our Diagnostic Clinic team is dedicated to providing a positive, strengths-based assessment experience. Assessments are conducted according to current international best-practice standards, and are aligned with the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia. Diagnosis is a critically important service. It is the first step in others understanding the person’s support needs, especially in relation to early childhood supports, education, employment, independent living, relationships, and social participation. An Autism diagnosis provides parents with insight into how their child experiences the world and what we need to do to support them. For young adults, diagnosis allows them to develop a better understanding of themselves. It also helps families to support areas of difficulty. Very importantly, understanding the strengths and difficulties of an Autistic person allows much better strategies in helping them to find a good job fit and maximise their independence. Children’s Diagnostic Clinic Our specialist Children’s Autism Diagnostic Clinic provides multidisciplinary assessments for young children and links parents with community and other supports. Youth Diagnostic Clinic The multidisciplinary specialist Youth Autism Diagnostic Clinic has been in high demand since its establishment 4 years ago. The specialist team includes a Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologists and Speech Pathologists. Referrals include individuals who have been waiting a long time for assessment, and others who, for a variety of reasons, have missed out on diagnostic evaluation. Our specialist diagnostic services undertake multidisciplinary diagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults.

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Regional Services

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During the year, we provided training and support to families, teachers, allied health professionals and community organisations through face-to-face and online support. This year, we delivered Early Indicators workshops and webinars to community professionals. In collaboration with Parenting Connection WA, we hosted webinars to provide information on early identification of Autism, pathways to diagnosis, and access to supports for families. Over 80 TAFE students within the allied health and disability disciplines, from Broome, Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Geraldton, and Northam, participated in face-to-face training and student placements. Students gained knowledge and experience working with children with Autism and supporting local families. We welcomed 56 families to be part of our one-week intensive therapy holiday program. The holiday program takes place twice yearly during the school holidays and includes a number of programs: one for children up to 7 years of age, and one for older children and youth up to 18 years of age. At the same time, staff work with families to develop a support plan and provide coaching on how to implement these plans at home, school and community. First Nations Initiative We launched our range of communication boards and visual aids this year, translated by Aboriginal Interpreting WA into indigenous languages including Kriol, Martu, Ngaanyatjarra, and Nyangumarta. These were well received and have been used to support the inclusion of children with Autism in early learning environments. This service provides support to families in regional and remote areas of Western Australia through training and education, consultancy, holiday programs and teletherapy.

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“Coming to the regional holiday program has been one of the few places Kooper feels comfortable because she can be herself and the staff get how she communicates.”

- Carol, Kooper’s Mum

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Kooper’s Story

Over the past few years, Kooper and her family have joined our Regional Intensive Holiday Program, travelling from their hometown in the Pilbara to visit Perth each January. Throughout the year, Kooper continues to meet with her Speech Pathologist via teletherapy to work on communication and personal goals. Kooper enjoys using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device which she calls her ‘talker,’ to help her to communicate and interact with others. This year, Kooper’s Mum Carol, her therapist, and her teachers worked together to support Kooper to feel more comfortable using her talker at school. To explain what Autism means to her, Kooper did a presentation to her class. In the lead up to the presentation, the class learnt about different forms of communication and how these look different for everyone. Kooper planned and recorded her presentation in advance with her mum, and then played the video to her class. Following the presentation, she answered questions with her talker, and her classmates completed an activity using visual communication boards to play Simon Says together. Since this presentation, Kooper has felt more comfortable and confident using her talker at home, at school, and out and about to communicate with her peers. Marcella, Kooper’s therapist, says, “It’s been wonderful to witness Kooper’s growth and confidence in recent years both in person and over teletherapy.” Well done Kooper!

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Community Development and Inclusion

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Through these relationships, we worked to create greater understanding of Autism, and more opportunities for Autistic individuals and their families to take part in local recreational, leisure and community events and activities. We continued to provide advice, education and consultancy to our community supporters and hosted a number of events. Quiet Tuesdays at the Art Gallery of Western Australia are now in their fourth year. Quiet Tuesdays are designed to provide a quiet, low sensory experience for individuals to view the State Art Collection when the gallery is closed to the general public. WA Museum Boola Bardip introduced Quiet Mornings to provide greater opportunities for individuals to visit the Museum all year round. At our Scitech Sensory Session, 170 science enthusiasts explored the Scitech Science Centre and Science Theatre Show, enjoying special after-hours access and experiencing the low-sensory adaptations at their leisure. We continued our close collaboration with Ocean Heroes, delivering training to their volunteer team who support Autistic individuals to learn to surf. Families were welcomed to attend the Royal Show before its official opening for a quieter, less overwhelming experience, thanks to the Royal Agricultural Society of WA. In partnership with RAC Arena, individuals had opportunities to attend concerts and sporting events throughout the year. In addition, we continued our work as part of the Perth Airport Access and Inclusion Panel and the METRONET Access and Inclusion Reference Group to create better travel experiences for all. We also provided consultancy and advice to the Town of Victoria Park in the design of their new community space at Edward Millen Park. This year was our eigth festive season of Sensitive Santa sessions, with 380 children and families visiting Sensitive Santa at metropolitan shopping centres. For many families, these Sensitive Santa sessions provide the opportunity for their first family photo with Santa, in a quiet environment before shops are open to the public. We are pleased to see this becoming an annual tradition. Our Inclusive Communities program, with support from the Department of Communities, has developed an online community inclusion training program. This will support organisations, businesses, and venues to create inclusive spaces, by providing an understanding of Autism and strategies to facilitate participation and inclusion across different spaces and environments. Over the last 12 months, we have continued to build relationships with local organisations and businesses to establish more inclusive communities across Western Australia.

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“I enjoyed seeing Santa in a calm environment. I usually feel too overwhelmed and anxious with the other ones because of all the people and noise. My favourite part was walking through the nature path to see Santa” - LEILANI

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Autism in Cricket

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Throughout the season, we supported cricketers to join their local cricket clubs. We provided training to community cricket clubs to build skills and confidence in welcoming and supporting players of all abilities to have a positive sporting experience. The Autism in Cricket team provided support and training to clubs and its members throughout the year. The program welcomed 2 new Endorsed Clubs this season, now supporting 12 Endorsed Inclusive Cricket Clubs across Western Australia. Due to the increased participation and a need for additional volunteers and support staff at local clubs, a new initiative to connect support workers in our Community Individual Options team with cricket clubs was established. Throughout the season, new resources were added to our online resource library, adding to the large selection of free printable resources available to families and cricket clubs to help them support Autistic players. We also delivered training to physical education teachers at Edith Cowan University and the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) conference, delivering training to SEDA students who will go on to become sports leaders in the local community. Recognition at a state, national and international level We were honoured to have the Autism in Cricket program named as the winner of the Inclusive Communities Award at the inaugural 2023 National Disability Awards. The program was also featured in an article titled ‘Thinking outside the box: Cricket and Autism’ in the Wisden Cricket Almanack, the most famous sports book in the world. Additionally, the programs Come and Try Session featured on media channels across the state. During the season, the Autism in Cricket team also received several enquiries from outside of Western Australia, seeking support or advice relating to Autism inclusivity in cricket. Through our strong collaboration with WA Cricket and the WA Cricket Foundation; and the support of our Program Ambassadors, Adam Gilchrist and Boyd Duffield, the program has broken down barriers to inclusion in sport. It provides hundreds of children and young people with the opportunity to be part of their local club and build valuable friendships through participating in the game of cricket. The start of the 2023/2024 cricket season was a smash hit with our fourth Annual Autism in Cricket Come and Try Session welcoming a record number of attendees. The event saw approximately 100 individuals with Autism attend, and an almost equal number of siblings, making this our best attended event yet to date!

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“This is such an amazing initiative that brings such joy and wonderful opportunities to so many children, their families and our communities.” - PARENT

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Optus Sensory Room

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In April this year, Optus Stadium launched their Sensory Room, providing a safe and comfortable space to take a break from the bright lights, loud noises, and large crowds of the stadium. We provided extensive consultation and advice on the fit-out of the room, and guidance in developing a space for individuals with sensory sensitivities. This space was co-designed with Autistic individuals and their families. The space gives everyone the opportunity to see their favourite musicians, cheer on their favourite sports teams, and attend events at the stadium in a way that meets their needs. It has received extremely positive feedback from the West Australian community. Following the success of the Fremantle Dockers Sensory Room during the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, the Autism Association and the Purple Hands Foundation worked to make the sensory room a permanent feature of Optus Stadium.

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Collaboration with Healthcare

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Since commencing this project, we have established a co-design team comprising individuals with Autism, their families, caregivers, and health professionals who have identified key areas for improvement in the healthcare sector. These insights have guided the development of workshop topics, resources, and training initiatives which are now being delivered to a range of health providers, including hospitals, mental health services and dental health services. Additionally, we have facilitated initiatives aimed at improving the patient experience in emergency healthcare settings, such as Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital. The team also presented at a conference hosted by the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA) sharing the systemic barriers and enablers to oral health care for Autistic individuals. Our partnership with the Curtin School of Oral Health continued into its fourth year, providing Autism-specific training to third year Oral Health Students and hosting oral health therapy clinics for individuals with Autism. Interest in these clinics continues to grow with 113 Autistic children and adults attending appointments across 4 clinics. This year, our Youth Diagnostic Clinic Consultant Psychiatrist once again received invitations from the WA Branch of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and the WA Metropolitan Psychiatry Training program, to deliver seminars to psychiatry trainees completing their Psychiatry Training Program. We are pleased to see this Autism-specific content form part of the program curriculum. for Autistic people. This project is funded by the Department of Communities through the Western Australia State Disability Systemic Advocacy Program. This year marks the second year of a three-year project working with health professionals to improve access to health care services

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