I WISH

A seminar for professionals working with autism

10am-2pm
Tuesday 7 April 2015

CIVIC THEATRE,
16 McMahon St, Hurstville

The NDIS will see disability services change from program to client based funding. Organisations will need to find a competitive edge, something that sets them apart, something that makes clients choose them. 

So, what do clients want? 

This seminar explores common problems in service delivery, gives examples of best practice and discusses a wish list of support from the point of view of families living with autism. It will benefit Board members, CEOs, Managers and frontline workers in healthcare, schools, therapy and disability services.

$60 or $50 early bird before 15 March 2015. 
Morning tea and lunch provided.

Program

MORNING SESSION
10:00 to 10:30am Registration and morning tea

10:30 to 10:45am - Setting the bar 
Briana Blackett
Sometimes the biggest hurdle for people on the spectrum is one they have absolutely no control over…the expectations of others.  Delayed responses or trouble communicating can be mistaken for an inability to learn, to think and to understand.  When this happens it is not our kids who ‘fail’ but we who have failed them.  Briana’s talk will be about the implications of setting the bar too low, of how our children/clients respond to our expectations, and how a simple change in attitude can have huge, positive and life changing effects on people with ASD.

10:45 to 11:00am - Diet and behaviour
Leanne Pearce
Frontline workers are often expected to support clients adhere to strict diets implemented to support the health, development and behaviour of the individual. It can be difficult to balance Duty of Care against Dignity of Choice when it comes to food. How can staff make judgement calls when it comes to what, how much, or how often a client eats? Leanne will explain why diet is important, what the benefits of dietary interventions are and how services can best support clients in their efforts toward better health.

11:00 to 11:15am - Coordinating services in a school setting
Jane Tzakos
Coordinating services in a school setting. Transitions are often a stressful time whether it is starting school, changing year groups or having multiple teachers. Parents, teachers and clinicians - How can we all work together to ensure our children can access the curriculum, engage with their peers and achieve their personal goals in a school setting.  Jane will discuss some useful strategies for working together in managing transitions, reducing anxiety and boosting self esteem for children with ASD in a mainstream setting.

11:15 to 11:30am -  Quality and innovation
Claudia Walters
Individualised funding will drive innovation as quality service provision is redefined. The question is, what do people with autism and their families want? How do providers plan services that will meet the diverse needs of such a varied population? Claudia will discuss the types of issues that often confront families on the spectrum and will offer some ideas on how to turn wish lists into tangible services that we will want to buy. 

11:30 to 12:00pm - Panel discussion

AFTERNOON SESSION
12:00 to 12:30pm Lunch and networking

12:30 to 12:45pm - The art of play
Judi Huxedurp
Simple interactive fun play is getting lost in a world of electronics and direction led toys. Judi talks about the need for service providers to remind parents about the joys of simply playing. The abilities that play creates from just being together and building language to problem solving and team work. Judi will discuss following the child’s lead and expanding, using non-toy toys and taking play to the next level.

12:45 to 1:00pm - What I like about Autism
Mitchel Sawan
Being part of a community is just as important for someone with autism as it is for a neurotypical person. The importance of relationships can not be understated. Mitchel’s talk will be about his experiences growing up with autism. He has a lot of positive things to say about the support he has received from many people, especially his school environment. He will talk about his school experience both primary and secondary, and his social opportunities.

1:00pm to 1:15pm - Help me succeed
Matt
Education and employment are two of the most important spheres of everyday life. They can be sources of self-fulfilment and pride or sources of stress and debilitating anxiety. Matt was diagnosed with Autism at age 5 and has succeeded in following his passion to become a pastry chef. Today he shares the secrets of his success in the hopes of improving life for other young people and their families.

1:15pm to 1:30pm - Caring for our Carers
Steve Drakoulis
In 2010 Access Economics estimated that it would cost the Australian taxpayer over $40 billion to replace the billions of hours of unpaid care provided. Caring creates significant challenges including poor health outcomes, financial stress and social exclusion. Steve will talk about the Autism Community Network model and how real engagement translates to better outcomes for everyone.

1:30pm to 2:00pm - Panel discussion and close



Venue provided by Hurstville City Council

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