Autism Association Annual Report 2023

This year, we continued to provide a range of supports to families living in regional areas of Western Australia. Services provided include consultancy, holiday programs, online training, teletherapy and individual programs. The regional team travelled to regional areas throughout the year including Albany, Geraldton, Jurien Bay, Kalbarri, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Northam and Roebourne. These trips were focussed on building the capacity of the local community through training, information, workshops and consultancy. We worked with families, service providers, allied health professionals and Early Childhood Educators. Additionally, during these visits, therapists worked with families to develop individualised therapy plans to implement into daily routines. We visited local schools to provide support for teachers to adapt the curriculum to better support students with Autism in school. To support Aboriginal families to identify Autism, we collaborated with Aboriginal Interpreting WA to develop resources in 5 Indigenous languages. We also developed a range of visual resources that can be used in children’s learning environments to support the inclusion of children with Autism, and collaborated with local professionals on supporting families and linking them with support pathways. We hosted a holiday program during the July and January school holidays where we welcomed 65 families who travelled to Perth to be part of the program. Over 5 days, children participated in a range of fun activities focused on developing their social communication, play, self-care and fine and gross motor skills. Families received support and resources to assist them in their parenting role at home, in addition to building networks of support and friendships that continue when they return home.

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2023

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