Project Spotlight

Welcome to Givewell's Project Spotlight. Each month we highlight a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. We also provide details on how to give directly for this project.

Organisation:	Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Project Name:	Early Intervention for young children with autism

Background Information:

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is the largest provider of autism-specific educational services in Australia. It started in 1966 with one class of six students and today provides for over 6,000 people who are affected by autism via a variety of services from first diagnosis through to adult community participation.

Project Description:

Early intervention is crucial for children with autism so that they can learn to manage their disability and integrate into mainstream programs and community activities. There are approximately 10,625 children with autism aged between zero and six in Australia.

Aspect's early intervention programs have a particular emphasis on supporting and empowering parents and training them to work effectively with their children through play and natural routines. The programs run for 12 months and include a concurrent parent session so that parents are able to continue each week’s program for the child to obtain maximum benefit.

As part of Aspect’s early intervention service, each child attends either a specialised home based or centre based program. Before commencing, each child is assessed and a comprehensive individualised plan is designed in conjunction with their parents and other professionals who are working with the child.

Project Outcomes:

The anticipated outcomes of an Aspect early intervention program are:

teaching functional communication skills;
enhancing social development;
extending attending and play skills;
addressing sensory processing issues;
developing independence skills;
improving fine and gross motor;
assisting pre-academic skill development;
increasing participation in small group activities;
preparation for integration into regular preschool settings; and
assisting parents to manage their children's behaviour using positive behaviour support strategies.

Aspect has the expertise to provide autism specific early intervention programs, however, demand outstrips supply and Aspect is limited by the funding available. Whilst there is some government funding available for these services Aspect still needs to raise $300,000 this year in order to assist the 360 children to whom it is committed to providing specialised services. Aspect would also like to raise additional funds so that it is able to expand this service to reach more young children with autism.

Can donors/grant makers give directly for this project? Yes.

If so, how?

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be made via:

Credit card: click here if you would like to make a secure credit card donation online.
Phone: call 1800 288 476 to donate.
Fax: download the donations form and fax it to (02) 8977 8399.
Phone: call 1800 451 737 to donate.
Mail: please forward cheques/money orders (payable to Autism Spectrum Australia) to: Early Intervention Appeal, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), PO Box 361, Forestville NSW 2087.

Contact Details for Further Information:
Ms Sarah Pieters, Individual & Planned Giving Manager
Ph: (02) 8977 8382
Email: spieters@autismspectrum.org.au
Web: www.autismspectrum.org.au

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