Autism Association 2024 Annual Report

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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