Bridges for Learning aims to improve the lives of young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families through early intensive education and treatment. The program offers a comprehensive, individualised treatment that emphasises the child's development in the areas of language, communication, socialisation, and personal behavior, focusing on skills in:

• functional communication
• social interaction
• daily living
• sensory issues
• new environments
• challenging behaviours
• attention, play and imitation

Our program jointly focuses on providing a structured learning environment for the child, while at the same time following the child's lead to encourage independence. Typically, young children learn primarily by play, and the importance of play in teaching language and social skills cannot be overemphasised.

Diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis of autism can be devastating to some parents, but for others it can be a relief to have a label for their child's symptoms. Many parents can be overwhelmed by fear and grief for the loss of the future they had hoped for their child. A diagnosis of Autism or Asperger's Syndrome can be very upsetting. However, these strong emotions also motivate parents to find effective help for their children. The diagnosis is important because it can open the doors to many services, and help parents learn about treatments that have benefited similar children.

Please see your paediatrician for a diagnosis. After this diagnosis, you have access to specific financial help to help your child receive the therapy they will need.

Assessment

Abilities in a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can vary widely from person to person, and the skills of one child can be uneven. Your child may be advanced in one area, and behind in others. It is important to assess your child's abilities and areas of challenge.

Entering the Autism Program at Bridges for Learning involves an initial assessment so that we can get to know your child, as well as meetings and planning sessions with the family. An Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) is developed for each child and will include the needs of the whole family and any other related service the child is involved in.

Progressive and varied settings

The Program progresses in steps:

Step One - self-help skills, receptive language skills, nonverbal and verbal imitation, and appropriate play through one-to-one interaction.
Step Two - expressive language and interactive play with other children.
Step Three - preparation for school and other mainstream settings with early academic tasks, socialisation skills, cause-effect relationships, and learning by observation and modelling.
Step Four - transitioning to a school setting.

The Program occurs in varied settings:

Individual Sessions

Individual sessions are with the Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologist and/or Psychologist.

Weekly Small Group Therapy Programs.

Groups have highly structured activities focusing on attention, following instructions, imitation, and social skills, while at the same time participating in activities to develop tactile/sensory skills, social language and descriptive language.

Home Visits

Therapy and/or educational sessions in the home setting

Preschool and School support

Consultation and/or practical assistance at the child's preschool or school.

Family Support & Education

Therapists help parents/carers access information and support including educating them in the expectations of, and communications with, the preschool or school settings. Helping parents become advocates for their child and family empowers them to achieve higher outcomes for everyone. We will also work with the family to develop specific resources that can be used in other settings that will assist the child in developing their skills.

Families are provided information about ASD. Parents/carers are given information to educate them on the importance of consistency and routine in the child's interventions, as well as information and resources to support themselves as parents.

• PlayConnect – playgroup for families with children with an ASD
• MyTime - parent support group for parent of children with a disability.
• Resource Library – equipment, toys, books, DVDs, etc. A resource manual of local community services.

Fees

For more information about our fees, please see the government website: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/people/autism_panel/nsw/Pages/BridgesforLearning2.aspx

ASD Resources

Website: Raising Children with Autism
Website: Government Funding for children with Autism

Article: Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guidelines for Best Practice.