Autism Association of WA 2020 Annual Report

Individual Options

The Individual Options program continued this year with each person with Autism and their family in

This year we assisted over 332 people to explore individual opportunities and supported them to achieve the things they wanted to achieve. Independence is different for every person. It can include a wide range of community involvement, networks, skills development, pre-vocational goals and exploring opportunities for further education or work readiness. However, independence is always about the right to choose what you want to do and how you want to be supported. We also developed a number of small friendship groups this year supported by staff. Each group has around 2–3 people who share similar interests. One of our groups, is the ‘Girls Night Out Group’. This group chooses who can join and they love their nights out going to movies, going to dinner, singing karaoke, or attending quiz nights! In addition to this work, there was a wide range of one-on- one support to give individuals opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities including recreational, vocational and volunteering pursuits. Shared Management is another component of our programs to support the person with Autism and their family to have as much choice and control in their service as they wish. It provides families and individuals with the tools and knowledge to shape and drive the support they receive. This initiative has been very successful and creates great personal bonds between the person and their support staff. It also maximises control and choices, as well as maximising flexibility in the delivery of services.

the driving seat directing what works for them.

Veronisha’s Story Veronisha (Nisha) is very connected to the land and being out in the open air is important to her. She enjoys watching people doing activities at the park. With support Nisha has been able to build her confidence to explore new places within her local community and find new hobbies and interests. Recently Nisha has begun participating in dancing, arts and crafts, cooking, swimming, and visiting the local shops to purchase groceries. Last year we also supported Nisha to attend a NAIDOC Festival to celebrate and feel connected to an important part of her identity.

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2020

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