Services for people in the Northern Sydney Region

Services for people in the Northern Sydney Region (Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Manly, Mosman, North Sydney, Pittwater, Ryde City, Warringah& Willoughby ) At Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), we understand that when it comes to autism, there is no one size fits all approach. We celebrate the differences, and value the individual strengths and interests of the people we work with. With over 50 years experience, our team of professionals work together to support individuals, parents, carers and families. From diagnosis and assessments, early intervention and therapies, to specialised schooling, social groups and employment mentoring; we provide advice and support throughout the life stages, from the early years to adulthood. Everything we do is informed by research and evidence, ensuring we offer the best services and supports. Aspect is a registered NDIS service provider. This brochure provides an overview of the Aspect services in your area. a different brilliant inspiration, strengths & interests is our of people on the spectrum focusing on the

What we do at Aspect Early childhood Aspect Research & Aspect Practice Building evidence informed practice. Diagnosis and assessment, early intervention including specialist home- or group-based support, positive behaviour training. School years Diagnosis and assessment, Aspect schools which include satellite classes, positive behaviour support, speech and occupational therapy, transition support, social groups and support at non-aspect school, home and in the community. Adulthood Diagnosis and assessments, speech and occupational therapy, adult social groups, supported living, employment mentoring, transition support, community and lifestyle support. Families & carers Professionals & businesses Information and advice, parent support network, sibling events and workshops. Advice, information, professional development, research forums, workshops and customised consultancies. Aspect Diagnosis and Assessments Do you need a comprehensive assessment for autism, for yourself or your child? A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is often required to access many funded services and supports. At Aspect, we offer a range of assessment services undertaken by clinical psychologists and psychologists with experience and post-graduate training in the diagnosis of autism. Aspect conducts comprehensive, evidence-based assessments for autism in children, adolescents and adults. We also complete developmental or cognitive assessments, or review assessments for adolescents and adults who may not have been seen for some time.

Aspect Vern Barnett School Would your child benefit from specialised autism education? Aspect operates one of the world s largest educational programs for children and young people on the autism spectrum. Aspect Vern Barnett School is one of nine independent schools with tailored learning environments for students on the spectrum. Our special education teachers work with occupational therapists, speech therapists and psychologists to develop programs within small classes that have a high teacher to student ratio and teacher aide support. Through the Aspect Comprehensive Approach for Education, our goal is to help students develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. Many Aspect students transition to less specialised educational environments. Our research indicates that most students are able to maintain their placements after transitioning from an Aspect School. As a registered school, all areas of the curriculum are covered while working to students strengths and interests to ensure learning is meaningful. Aspect Schools work closely with parents and carers to collaboratively achieve positive outcomes across school, home and community. Positive Behaviour Support Curriculum Individualised Planning Aspect Comprehensive Approach for Education Evidence-Informed Practice Environmental Supports Structured Teaching Approaches Mental Health & Wellbeing Supported Transition & Inclusion Learning Support Team Professional Learning Family Involvement & Support Locations Aspect Vern Barnett School caters for over 135 students on the autism spectrum. Based at Forestville, we also operate a range of satellite classes located in both NSW Department of Education and Catholic schools at Lane Cove, St Ives, Mona Vale and Eastwood. A satellite class is an Aspect class located within a mainstream school setting. Application and enrolment process Aspect Vern Barnett School enrols children from 3 years, 10 months living across the Northern Sydney region. Contact the school for full details about the eligibility criteria and enrolment process. Aspect Vern Barnett School (02) 9454 8359 41 Cook St (PO Box 359) Forestville NSW 2087 vbschool@autismspectrum.org.au

Aspect Therapy Do you or your child require individualised early intervention or therapy? Aspect Therapy has over 30 years experience in providing early intervention, screening, individual and group services for people of all ages on the autism spectrum. Our therapy team can visit you in the home, school or community setting or at one of our centres. We have a team of trained professionals in; Speech and Language Pathology Occupational Therapy Psychology Social Work Special Education Families and individuals are involved in all aspects of decision making and are allocated a single main point of contact to coordinate the right supports. We use a transdisciplinary, family and person-centred approach, based on evidence-informed practices which can include a focus on the following: Self-regulation/ sensory supports Play Social and emotional development Motor development/ (including lego programs) Daily living Communication Relationships School readiness Transition Positive Behaviour Support Services and supports can be delivered individually or in small groups with programs and supports flexibly designed based on what people want. Aspect Therapy also offers internationally renowned parent training programs called Hanen More Than Words and Hanen Talkability on a fee for service basis. These workshop programs are presented by our Aspect Hanen-certified speech pathologists. Each program runs over five months and includes nine parent group sessions and four individual home consultations. Speech and language pathologist To maximise your child s language, communication and social skills. Transdisciplinary approach model Psychologists/Social workers To help your child understand and manage their emotions and behaviour. Family support worker To offer information and guidance to address any concerns you have for your child and family. Occupational therapist To build on your child s physical skills and independent participation in everyday routines and activities. Early childhood intervention teacher To foster your child s learning and meaningful inclusion in all places of everyday family and community life. Community activities Early childhood education and care setting or school Key worker An early childhood professional who you select as the main point of contact for your family. A key worker s primary role is to coordinate and deliver the intervention and support needed for your child and family. Child External family supports Family

Aspect Choose & Connect Would you or your child like assistance in achieving life goals? Aspect Choose & Connect is a service for people of all ages on the autism spectrum, specialising in tailored planning and opportunities to help achieve life goals. Including employment, social groups and independent living skills, our staff provide support and guidance along the way. We can: Facilitate involvement in social groups and individual interests such as arts, media and other recreational participation Provide vocational support including skills assessments, workplace assessments, job searching, preparing for employment, employment mentoring, counselling, volunteering opportunities andworkplace support Work alongside participants and their families at moments of key transitions such as leaving or changing school, further education, employment and adult life Work with individuals, families and other organisations to implement positive behaviour strategies Provide training and professional coaching for employers, professionals and family members to support participants to achieve their full potential Support living arrangements including assistance with accommodation; starting and maintaining tenancy obligations; household budgeting and housekeeping Increase access with the community Develop essential independent living skills with those who want to live as independently as possible Improve skills and knowledge in the use of assistive technology in day to day life Aspect Practice Are you interested in learning more about autism? Aspect works in partnership with other organisations to support positive experiences for people on the autism spectrum across education, employment and community. Standard or customised learning experiences aim to build knowledge about autism and increase awareness and participation. Aspect Practice consults with people on the spectrum to ensure content is respectful and relevant. Where possible, we always try to involve people on the spectrum as part of the delivery team. A range of learning opportunities also focus on supporting parents, carers and extended family to support their loved ones. Aspect Practice aims to transfer the latest evidence-informed research to practice. Snapshot of Aspect Practice work: Creating autism friendly environments Taronga Zoo, Questacon, Museum of Contemporary Art, Theatres Providing webinars to health professionals Facilitating professional learning to regional education staff Working with first responders to understand autism Using ipads to support inclusion Aspect Education Outreach Aspect works with families and schools to improve the outcomes of school aged students on the autism spectrum by increasing their engagement and participation in school and the wider community. Services and supports are tailored to your requirements and may include: Targeted whole-school support School or individual student based consultancy Diagnosis disclosure Peer education Social skills programs including our popular Movie Club Workshops for students Professional learning for educators (accredited with NESA)

Aspect Research All Aspect services and education programs are based on years of research and evidence. Our research focus is on providing the best possible treatment, services and programs for people with autism here and now; the best practice, based on evidence from around the world, to provide the best opportunities for the people we support. In addition to undertaking our own research and evaluation projects, we also partner with universities, government bodies and other external organisations on research projects. Aspect is an essential partner in Australia s Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), the world s first national, co-operative research effort focused on autism. Cost Cost will be quoted for you depending on your individual circumstances, the service you choose, funding, and pricing determined by the funder. Individualised programs on a fee-for service basis are priced according to Aspect s fee schedule. Fundraising To help us create an autism-friendly Australia, you can donate to Aspect at www.autismspectrum.org.au/donation Working with Aspect really opened my eyes to what s possible. It s amazing how many people are around to support you when you need it. - Amy Nosworthy, Aspect client