I attended a seminar recently on ‘Building a Resilient Future for people with ASD’ with guest speakers Dr Wenn Lawson, Jeanette Purkis and Dr Emma Goodall.
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I particularly liked Dr Wenn Lawson’s comment that it’s all about “being human, whichever spectrum we are on!”.
Prominent throughout all the speeches and discussions were the following points:
- reflect on what a person can do, focusing on a person’s strengths not deficits.
- importance of individuals being stretched and challenged within their capabilities.
- respectful, honest, open and authentic relationships. Families recognising each person’s individual strengths and skills.
- supporting individuals to learn new skills by learning together.
Many of the points raised by the speakers resonate with the approach we take to our ASDESI (Autism Spectrum Disorder Education Support and Information) Program.
Families who attend our monthly ASDESI Carers’ Network actively engage in discussions that include these points.
The ASDESI Carers network provides a supportive environment for parents and carers, giving them the support they need to help their children achieve their full potential. Whilst parents are engaged in the session, children have the opportunity to participate in fun supervised activities including games, art and sport.
Our popular ASDESI Holiday Kids Klub offers kids six-18 years with ASD and their siblings a wide range of exciting activities. The goal is to increase their self-confidence and make friendships.
Both of these ASDESI initiatives work towards building a resilient future for children with an ASD and their families.
Our next ASDESI Carers’ Network session will be held on Tuesday, June 26 on the topic of Strengthening Communication Skills and Friendships.
The next ASDESI Holiday Kids Klub will run throughout the July school holidays.
For full details of both events and to register, please call 4868 6677 or visit the ASDESI facebook page: www.facebook.com/asdesiau.
- This article was written by Interchange Australia support worker Amber Hall. Interchange Australia provides a wide range of services for people with disability, older people and families with a child with autism. For information go to the website www.interchangeau.org, www.facebook.com/interchangeau or call 1300 112 334.
