Autism Association of WA: Introduction to School Age Therapy

10 | Introduction to School Age Therapy Specialised Therapy Teams At times when accessing therapy services, there may be a need to seek input from a specialised service. Within the School Age Therapy Service, we have 3 specialised Therapy Teams, who can provide intensive support or work on complex issues. All of our staff meet the NDIS Code of Conduct and Worker Screening rules and have completed the ‘Quality, Safety and You’ Worker Orientation Module. A referral is required to join these Teams. TASTEE:The Autism Specific Team for Everything to do with Eating TASTEE Team members are specialist clinicians in areas of Speech Pathology, Psychology and Occupational Therapy. They work collaboratively with families and Therapists to provide education, support and advocacy for Autism and mealtimes. The TASTEE Team help to bridge the gap between mealtime challenges and their relationship with your child’s behaviour, diet preferences, sensory needs, communication, and co-occurring conditions. The Team play a pivotal role in engaging medical teams when required, to ensure your child’s needs are appropriately identified and are supported. 2 Specialist Communication Team - Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) The Specialist Communication Team are available for children and adolescence with complex communication needs who may require the support of a high-tech AAC device. Following a referral to this Team, an experienced Speech Pathologist can support you with: • Comprehensive assessment of communication strengths and needs • Trial of high-tech communication devices • Application for purchase of a device through the NDIS – Assistive Technology (AT) budget • Setup and training on the implementation of the device PBS: Positive Behaviour Support Team Our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Team run a comprehensive program tailored to your child’s individual needs to encourage lasting, positive behaviour change. These changes aim to improve the quality of life for your child and your family by increasing their own capacity, as well as their environment and support systems. Our PBS Program is tailored to meet the needs of your child and family and can include: • Completion of a comprehensive assessment process with your child, family and other stakeholders to better understand the ‘why’ behind the behaviour • Development of a PBS Plan in collaboration with your family and other key people in your child’s life • Support for the implementation of the PBS Plan including modelling, direct teaching and resource development and implementation • Ongoing monitoring and review of the PBS Plan and strategies

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