Autism Association 2024 Annual Report

Workshops and Webinars We continued to offer information sessions via face-to-face workshops and webinars. Our workshops provide parents and carers with information about Autism and the opportunity to explore tools and strategies to support their child with greater confidence. This year we expanded our calendar of events to include new topics such as puberty, mental health, mealtime management, and augmentative communication. In addition, 41 families participated in an 8-week Hanen™ family-focused program led by our specialist Hanen qualified speech pathologists. Our educational forum for school-age families, with representatives from the different school sectors including the Department of Education, Catholic Education Western Australia, and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia, was very popular with families. We also grew our collaboration with Parenting Connection WA, presenting webinars to provide information on early identification of Autism, pathways to diagnosis and access to supports to over 3,000 families across Western Australia. LINKS Playgroup Links playgroups provide much needed support to families of young children who are showing signs of Autism. Through our ongoing work with Child and Parent Centres and Telethon, more than 140 specialist playgroups were run by our experienced therapists and therapy assistants at 7 metropolitan locations. Key components of the program include supporting staff in these local areas to develop their knowledge and understanding of Autism and supporting parents to join the playgroup. Parent Coffee Groups This year, we offered both online and face-to-face weekly MyTime Parent Coffee Group sessions, including a specific dads group. Coffee groups are led by a parent of a child with Autism. Play-leaders are available to supervise children under the age of 6 years to allow parents time to meet and participate in discussions. These groups provide a support network and bring parents and carers together to share experiences, develop tips and strategies to support their child, and build community connections and friendships. The Dads Autism Connect events continued this year, bringing together dads and father-figures of young children to connect with each other and develop new friendships. These included our annual Family Christmas BBQ, Lego and Pizza Night, and movie nights. Supporting and empowering families is a core part of all our services. Throughout the year, we hosted parent groups, workshops, webinars, and events, providing families with the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences and build a network of support.

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