AUTISM QLD OUTREACH SERVICES – SCHOOL AGE SUPPORT

OUTREACH SERVICES
SCHOOL AGE SUPPORT
CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND SERVICES
GREATER BRISBANE AREA – IPSWICH – GOLD COAST
TOOWOOMBA AND SUNSHINE COAST
AUTISM QUEENSLAND SERVICES ARE FUNDED THROUGH GOVERNMENT GRANTS, PRIVATE FUNDRAISING AND FEES FOR SERVICE. THE NON SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS
The Outreach Services Team is a multidisciplinary team consisting of teachers, speech pathologists and occupational therapists. The team is available to provide support to education staff and parents of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder living in the above areas. Certain criteria apply for access to a direct NSO funded service.
OUTREACH ADVISORY VISITS
These visits usually occur in the student’s educational placement, e.g. school, SEU. In most cases the visit will be made by two members of the Outreach team. Visits are scheduled throughout the school year upon request. Prior to requesting a school visit please ensure that Autism Queensland is identified on the EAP Consent/Permission form (if the child has been/is going through the EAP process).
The visits provide the opportunity to address current educational and developmental needs and concerns related to communication, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, accessing the curriculum and general behaviour.
The advisory visit service consists of:
Pre-visit information gathering, e.g. IEP reports, medical reports, therapy reports, case history information.
In most cases the visit to the student’s educational/other relevant placement will comprise of:
a) observation of the student in the group/class activities
b) meeting with school staff, educational support staff (ie Guidance Officers, AVT’s, Special Education Consultants), relevant agencies and parents.
c) Discussion during the meeting would focus on current concerns, IEP goals, and relevant strategies that would enhance the student’s educational outcomes.
d) Summary visit report
In some instances, additional direct support may be provided to the student where appropriate (e.g. meeting with the student to discuss issues or strategies, focused play session). This type of support must be arranged with the team prior to the visit
Further references, information papers and resource lists will be forwarded as necessary
Referral to or contact with other agencies regarding the student as required
Follow up contact from AQ to check progress approximately 6 weeks post visit
Follow–up visit 6 – 12 months after the initial visit if required (further documentation required)
Phone contact with AQ as needed

No cost for this service
Whilst every endeavour is made to accommodate requests for visits as soon as possible following the provision of all relevant documentation, in many instances wait times may apply as a result of the need to organize multiple visits in the one area. Eligibility criteria will also apply for this funded service. Please contact the Brisbane and Close Regional Outreach Team for a Request Form on 3273 0000 or email outreachservices@autismqld.com.au (when e-mailing, please state your location).
 OUTREACH SERVICES
SCHOOL AGE SUPPORT
CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND SERVICES
GREATER BRISBANE AREA – IPSWICH – GOLD COAST
TOOWOOMBA AND SUNSHINE COAST
AUTISM QUEENSLAND SERVICES ARE FUNDED THROUGH GOVERNMENT GRANTS, PRIVATE FUNDRAISING AND FEES FOR SERVICE. THE NON SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS
The Outreach Services Team is a multidisciplinary team consisting of teachers, speech pathologists and occupational therapists. The team is available to provide support to education staff and parents of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder living in the above areas. Certain criteria apply for access to a direct NSO funded service.
OUTREACH ADVISORY VISITS
These visits usually occur in the student’s educational placement, e.g. school, SEU. In most cases the visit will be made by two members of the Outreach team. Visits are scheduled throughout the school year upon request. Prior to requesting a school visit please ensure that Autism Queensland is identified on the EAP Consent/Permission form (if the child has been/is going through the EAP process).
The visits provide the opportunity to address current educational and developmental needs and concerns related to communication, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, accessing the curriculum and general behaviour.
The advisory visit service consists of:
Pre-visit information gathering, e.g. IEP reports, medical reports, therapy reports, case history information.
In most cases the visit to the student’s educational/other relevant placement will comprise of:
a) observation of the student in the group/class activities
b) meeting with school staff, educational support staff (ie Guidance Officers, AVT’s, Special Education Consultants), relevant agencies and parents.
c) Discussion during the meeting would focus on current concerns, IEP goals, and relevant strategies that would enhance the student’s educational outcomes.
d) Summary visit report
In some instances, additional direct support may be provided to the student where appropriate (e.g. meeting with the student to discuss issues or strategies, focused play session). This type of support must be arranged with the team prior to the visit
Further references, information papers and resource lists will be forwarded as necessary
Referral to or contact with other agencies regarding the student as required
Follow up contact from AQ to check progress approximately 6 weeks post visit
Follow–up visit 6 – 12 months after the initial visit if required (further documentation required)
Phone contact with AQ as needed

No cost for this service

Whilst every endeavour is made to accommodate requests for visits as soon as possible following the provision of all relevant documentation, in many instances wait times may apply as a result of the need to organize multiple visits in the one area. Eligibility criteria will also apply for this funded service. Please contact the Brisbane and Close Regional Outreach Team for a Request Form on 3273 0000 or email outreachservices@autismqld.com.au (when e-mailing, please state your location).

AUTISM QLD - OUTREACH SERVICES EARLY YEARS SUPPORT

AUTISM QLD -  OUTREACH SERVICES
EARLY YEARS SUPPORT
SUPPORT TO CHILDREN PRIOR TO COMPULSORY SCHOOL WITH
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND SERVICES
GREATER BRISBANE AREA – IPSWICH – GOLD COAST
TOOWOOMBA AND SUNSHINE COAST
AUTISM QUEENSLAND SERVICES ARE FUNDED THROUGH GOVERNMENT GRANTS, PRIVATE FUNDRAISING AND FEES FOR SERVICE. THE NON SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS (NSO) PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPLEMENTARY FUNDS TO AUTISM QUEENSLAND FOR MANY OF THE SERVICES LISTED BELOW.
OTHER SERVICES MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR ‘HELPING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM’ (HCWA) EARLY INTERVENTION PACKAGE.
Outlined below are a range of services offered by Autism Queensland’s multidisciplinary Outreach Team for children prior to the time they commence compulsory school. Certain eligibility criteria apply to funded services.
OUTREACH ADVISORY VISITS
These visits usually occur in the child’s educational placement, e.g. kindy, Prep, ECDP. In some instances, where there is no educational placement, this service may take place in the child’s home or other setting. (Please contact the team to discuss). In most cases visits are made by two members of the Outreach team from different disciplines. Visits are scheduled throughout the school year upon request. Prior to requesting a school visit please ensure that Autism Queensland is identified on the EAP Consent/Permission form (if the child has been/is going through the EAP process).
The visits provide the opportunity to address current educational and developmental needs and concerns related to communication, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, activities of daily living and general behaviour.
The advisory visit service consists of:
Pre-program information gathering, e.g. IEP reports, medical reports, therapy reports, case history information.
Observation of the child in his educational program (or other relevant setting if applicable)
Meeting between AQ staff, parents/carers, centre/school staff, any other relevant stakeholders
Summary visit report
Follow up contact from AQ to check progress 6– 8 weeks post visit
Phone contact with AQ as needed
Additional follow-up visits may also be requested (up to two additional visits per calendar year) following provision of updated eligibility information and progress information

NSO provides supplementary funding for this service. There is no cost for this service to parents/carers or the child’s education setting.
Whilst every endeavor is made to accommodate all requests for service, where demand for visits exceeds team capacity, requests will be prioritised by eligibility for NSO funding, provision of necessary documentation (e.g. diagnosis, ascertainment details), order of return, urgency of request, no or minimal previous contact.
EARLYAQTION OUTREACH PROGRAMS
EarlyAQtion Outreach Programs are individualised programs which are available to children prior to compulsory schooling (and under 7 years) throughout Queensland and are designed to address the key areas of concern for the child’s parents/carers and other relevant individuals (e.g. childcare staff) regarding the child. The length and structure of the program will be determined by a number of factors including issues to be addressed in the program, remoteness, existing supports and programs (e.g. mainstream early childhood programs), need for similar programs by other children in the area, etc. Following a request to the Outreach Team, staff will collaboratively develop a structure for the program with the child’s parents/carers. Early Intervention Support – Greater Brisbane Area – Ipswich – Gold Coast – Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast Issue:04 Nov ‘10 Page 2 of 2 EI SE Qld and close regional 2011.doc
Fees apply for these programs however as all programs are individualised, a quote for the program will be provided following identification of program structure and format. EarlyAQtion Outreach Programs are approved ASD Panel services and are therefore eligible for the Helping Children With Autism (HCWA) Early Intervention Funds. Please contact the Autism Advisor Program on 3273 0000 first to discuss your child’s eligibility for these funds.
WORKSHOPS
The Professional Learning & Development Team offers a variety of workshops on a range of topics in the field of ASD and Asperger Syndrome. These are held at the Sunnybank Hills and Brighton Centres and in several regional centres throughout Queensland during the school calendar year.
For further information, contact a member of the Learning & Development Team on (07) 3273 0000; Fax: 07 3273 8306; or email: learning@autismqld.com.au or see our website.
PROFESSIONAL AND PARENT NETWORKING
The Outreach Services team encourages regular contact with ASD specific parent support groups. The Outreach team upon request will attend meetings of support groups joining in discussion and sharing information on nominated topics.
Outreach Services also participates in discipline specific or ASD special interest groups and professional network meetings to provide opportunity for professional networking, sharing of information, general discussion and links into local services and teams. Professionals interested in accessing this service should contact the Outreach team.
ADDITIONAL AUTISM QUEENSLAND PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR SCHOOL AGE STUDENTS
Other services are available for school age students through our Education and Therapy Centres (Group Placement) and Disability Services (Respite and Holiday Programs). Please contact AQ on (07)3273 0000 regarding these programs.
Further information about Autism Queensland is available on our website www.autismqld.com.au
or by contacting us on (07) 3273 0000, Fax (07) 3273 8306 or outreachservices@autismqld.com.au
For more information about the HCWA Initiatives please go to
www.fahcsia.gov.au, www.health.gov.au/autism and www.dest.gov.au/schools/autism
For more information about NSO Australian Government Targeted Programmes, Non-Government Centres Support please go to www.education.qld.com.au
AUTISM QUEENSLAND WISHES TO THANK OUR MAIN FUNDING BODY – NON SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS AND OUR SPONSOR ANSVAR FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE OUTREACH PROGRAM. WITHOUT THIS SUPPORT THE OUTREACH SERVICE WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. AUTISM QUEENSLAND IS SEEKING FURTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ENABLE US TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THIS MUCH NEEDED SERVICE TO STUDENTS WTH ASD AND THEIR SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT QUEENSLAND.

CONTACT FORM AUTISM QLD FOR OUTREACH VISIT - READS AS FOLLOWS

I:\Outreach\SCHOOL VISITS\Request Form SE Qld school visits 2011 .doc
OUTREACH SERVICES
VISIT REQUEST FORM
The Outreach team offers advisory visits to children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger syndrome/autism, to schools, pre-schools and kindergartens. Please note that in certain circumstances where there is no educational placement, this service may take place in another setting – please discuss this with the team. These visits provide the opportunity to discuss issues and strategies with our Outreach staff to assist the child’s inclusion into his/her setting. Issues addressed may include behavioural and educational issues, communication, sensory processing, gross and fine motor skills and activities of daily living. Visits are usually 1.5 hours in duration and consist of observation and discussion time.
Following the visit, a written summary will be forwarded to the child’s family and the educational setting in which the visit took place.
VISITS WILL BE SCHEDULED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ON A NEEDS BASIS
If you would like a visit please complete all sections of the request form below and return it to:
Autism Queensland Inc or Fax: (07) 3273 8306
PO Box 354, Sunnybank, Qld 4109
We will then contact you to arrange an appointment. There is no charge for this service.
If you would like any further information please contact Cathy McNeill on phone (07) 3273 0000
Please note that if form is not completed by all relevant parties and required information not attached, we will be unable to schedule a visit.
Refer to checklist attached to ensure all information is included.
Prior to returning form please check that all sections are completed and relevant information attached.
Copy of IEP (Individual Education Plan) for all children in educational settings
Details of verification and EAP status
Copy of letter of definite diagnosis or Verification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Education Queensland form 3A) for newly diagnosed or very young children
Any other report or information you may feel will be helpful for our team.
Visit Request Form Regional
Issue: 4 May 2010 Page 2 of 4
CHILD DETAILS
Name:
DOB: School Year Level:
Postal Address:
P/Code:
Phone Number:
Parent/’s name/s:
Parent/’s email address:
Is the child a registered client of Autism Queensland? □ Yes □ No
PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT TO VISIT:
I ………….…………….…………………… give permission for relevant documents and information to be released regarding my son/daughter ………………………………….. to Autism Queensland to enable adequate preparation for the visit, to provide eligibility documentation to our funding body (NSO) and for Autism Queensland to discuss my child and share relevant information with his/her support team (e.g. local therapists, teachers) after the AQ visit. A visit summary will be provided to the parent/s /guardian/s and to the education setting in which the visit took place.
Data collected is stored and managed in AQ files and a secure data base according to our Data Management Policy. Please refer to the Autism Queensland Inc Privacy Information and Policies for further information regarding the collection, storage and sharing of information. This is available on our website, www.autismqld.com.au. Alternatively you may request a hard copy by contacting the Outreach Team.
Please tick one box to indicate below whether you give permission for the meeting regarding your child to proceed if you are unable to attend.
I DO give permission for the meeting regarding my child to go ahead if I am unable to attend.
I DO NOT give permission for the meeting regarding my child to go ahead if I am unable to attend.
By signing below I confirm that: I have read and understood the information provided about the outreach visit and the requirements outlined for access to, sharing and storage of information. I have legal custody of the above mentioned child and the legal authority to complete this document. I have provided any relevant custody documentation, where applicable.
Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: _________
SCHOOL DETAILS:
Name of School:
School Email:
Street Address:
P/Code:
Please provide any additional information which may assist us to locate you more easily (e.g. different campuses, parking with different street access etc)
Phone Number:
Fax Number:
Name and position of person requesting visit:
Class Teacher:
Contact Person:
Email:
Visit Request Form Regional
Issue: 4 May 2010 Page 3 of 4
Days and time of child attending:
Preferred times (While every effort is made to accommodate preferred times, these cannot be guaranteed.)
Times Unavailable: (e.g. school excursion etc)
Does the student access a special education service? If so please specify:
Special Education Program, please specify: ______________________ □ Special Education School
Therapy service, please specify: _________________________________ □ AVT service
Other, please specify: ___________________________________________
Please provide details of any other support services accessed by the student (eg. Services provided by non government organisations, private therapists, CYMHS etc):
EVIDENCE OF ELIGIBILITY:
The following information MUST be provided in order for students to be eligible for a visit.
1. Indicate which category applies and attach requested information (Tick ONE box only)
ASD Verification date: ____/____/____
Verified by (circle one): Education Qld/ Catholic Education/ ISQ
Primary verified impairment category (circle one): ASD/II/PI/HI/VI/SE/SLI/other _________
Other verified impairment categories (circle one): ASD/II/PI/HI/VI/SE/SLI/other _________
OR
For younger children or recently diagnosed – copy of letter of definite diagnosis or Verification
of Diagnosis (EQ form 3A)
OR
For students without an EAP:
Ascertainment Category ____________, Level ___________, Date ______________
Reason still ascertained: ___________________________________________________________
AND ___________________________________________________________
2. Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Copy of most recent Individual Education Plan (IEP) has been provided Yes/No (circle one)
*If No, reason not provided _________________________________________________________________
Documentation to determine eligibility is required according to NSO (Non-School Organisations) guidelines.
Visit Request Form Regional
Issue: 4 May 2010 Page 4 of 4
SCHOOL CONSENT TO VISIT:
I give permission for staff from AQ to visit our school in regard to the above mentioned student.
I confirm that the abovementioned student requires a high level of adjustment.
NSO requires acknowledgement of AQ’s involvement with the abovementioned student in his/her
IEP. I confirm that AQ’s involvement will be recorded on the students IEP and that AQ will be
provided with a copy of this IEP.
I confirm that Autism Queensland has been listed under “Other Agency” on the EAP Consent/ Permission form (N/A to Kindergartens).
Principal’s Name:_________ Principal’s Signature:
Date: _____
Financial contribution for Autism Queensland Outreach Services is provided by the Non School Organisations funding
CURRENT ISSUES/IEP GOALS WANTING TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE VISIT
1.
2.
3.
Relevant Information: Does the child have any co-existing conditions or are there other factors that we should be aware of? If yes, please specify _____________________________________________________

Autism Qld Update

Hi everyone,

I am the new Autism Advisor for the Sunshine Coast. Carla Smith has moved on to take over the same position in Cairns. Just letting everyone know that I am here to answer your questions, give advice and support. If you have a child under the age of six years with an ASD diagnosis who is not receiving the Helping Children with Autism funding, please contact me. My role is to support you through the use of the $12,000 funding package and give advice around Outreach services, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists in your area.

I can also provide you with information regarding workshops, other funded services, holiday care and schools so please do not hesitate to contact me J. Just a reminder: the current financial year ends June 30th 2011, so keep an eye on your funding to ensure you get the most out of it. If your child is turning seven in the next 12 months, it may also be worth making a note of what you have left and how to best use it this financial year and next. I can give you information about your balance and the financial year breakdown if required.

PlayConnect Play Groups and I are currently trying to facilitate the start of a PlayConnect Play Group for the Sunshine Coast. If you have a child under the age of six with ASD or a suspected diagnosis, please contact me and I will send you an expression of interest form – lets try and get one up and running for 2011!! PlayConnect Play Groups provide a supported play and learning environment for children with ASD, those currently running are very popular.

I understand that the holiday period can be an unsettling and difficult time for some families. I will be available to chat up until the 23rd Dec and will be back in the office from the 4th of January, so please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me. A tip for Christmas Day: have a ‘calm room or spot’ in which your child can go at anytime during the day if needed. This is their place; siblings, parents and cousins keep out J. If you are visiting a friend or family members home, pre-plan where this place will be and take your child there to show them as soon as you arrive. Having their own ‘calm’ area can help children to re-regulate when needed.

I look forward to chatting with you all over the next year or so,

Kind Regards

Nicola Weston.

Nicola Weston
Autism Advisor
136 North Road, Brighton Qld 4017
Phone:      07 3631 6303
Fax:          07 3269 3780
Mobile:      0488433254
www.autismqld.com.au
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