AQ Sunnybank Hills

These programs support children up to school entry age to develop the skills necessary for successful participation in-home and community life and transition into the next stage of their education.

They provide intensive, evidence-informed services for children on the spectrum five years and under. Each group contains a maximum of six children and is led by either a speech therapist, occupational therapist, or teacher supported by two program assistants. Input from other relevant professionals is provided on a weekly basis.

Children attend for either two or three days during school terms. Most join the program at the beginning of the school year and attend for at least 12 months. All children receive an individual assessment before their enrolment commences. Families and Autism Queensland early childhood staff jointly set your child’s goals for that term. These are reviewed at the end of each term and new ones set. This process continues throughout your child’s placement.

Autism Queensland’s early childhood group programs:

• Recognise the specific needs of young children with autism
  
• Recognise parents are crucial members of the team who will help your child achieve success
• Use the child’s individual strengths and interests to motivate learning and develop skills
• Teach skills that are meaningful and useful for each child
• Utilise a positive approach to behaviour support which focuses on understanding the reasons for undesirable behaviour.

For more information about accessing a place for your child, fees, NDIS funding etc please complete the expression of interest form.

NB: A waitlist may apply to some groups.

AQ EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES APPROACH INFORMATION PAPER

This nine-week program follows the principles of the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding to help children develop positive eating habits and reduce anxiety around mealtimes. It aims to help children have positive experiences with food, learn about mealtime routines, decrease resistance to touching, tasting, and swallowing food, and expand the range of foods they will try.

Program dates:

Wednesday 3 February – Wednesday 31 March,  3:30pm-4.45pm.

This week-long program follows the principles of the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding to help children develop positive eating habits and reduce anxiety around mealtimes. It aims to help children have positive experiences with food, learn about mealtime routines, decrease resistance to touching, tasting, and swallowing food, and expand the range of foods they will try.

A group program for children on the autism spectrum and their parents that help prepare for a successful transition to mainstream Prep. Children will have the opportunity to participate in a group education setting, and build their pre-academic skills including handwriting, cutting and fine motor skills. Parents will also gain greater knowledge and understanding of their child’s individual needs and be better equipped to support their child’s transition to Prep.

Program dates:

Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April,  9.00am-11.30am.

Individuals on the autism spectrum aged 16-18 are invited to join our autism specialists & mentors for five days of self-discovery and learning. Each participant will be supported to identify key goals they wish to work on and achieve across the five days.

Participants will have the opportunity to:
– Learn how to express themselves through makeup and clothing
– Choose the right outfit for different events (eg what to wear to your
school formal vs a job interview)
– Meet new friends and practice conversation skills
– Identify their strengths and abilities
– Explore areas of interest.

Program dates:

The Autism Hub Woolloongabba

Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April, 1.30pm-3.30pm.

A short-term program for children aged 8-12 and 12-15 years attending mainstream school that aims to help them with conversation and social skills. Available during school holidays, sessions run for two hours each day over five days.

Program dates:

Ages 8-12: Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April,  9.00am-11.00am.

Ages 12-15: Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April,  10.00am-12.00pm.

A 10-week program that teaches children (7-11 & 12-17 years) and their parents how to better manage their child’s anxiety. The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of children and parents and focuses on teaching practical skills. Topics covered include: Learning about anxiety; Learning to think realistically; Parenting an anxious child; Facing fears using stepladders; Learning coping skills such as assertiveness or problem-solving.

A nine-week group program to help children (7-9 years) develop positive eating habits and reduce anxiety around mealtimes. The program aims to help children learn about the ‘science’ of food (using food for energy, learning about digestion), have positive experiences with food and learn about the properties of food, learn simple recipes they can use at home and expand the range of foods they will try.

A four-day, small group program delivered during school holidays for children aged 5–7 years and their parents that focuses on using the group environment to teach and reinforce a range of social skills including coping with stress and frustration, communicating and making friends. Available during school holidays. Sessions run for 2.5 hours each day. This program is delivered during the school holidays.

Program dates:

Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April,  9.00am-11.30am.

A six-week program designed to help children on the spectrum aged 8-12 years develop their social skills. This program uses LEGO®, alongside the expertise of an experienced allied health professional, to facilitate and build on your child’s social skills within a structured small group. Children will work collaboratively in groups of three, following assigned roles to complete LEGO® sets.

Program dates:

Wednesday 24 February 2021 – Wednesday 31 March 2021, 3:30pm-4:45pm

A five-day intensive version of the above program run during school holidays. Also available for two age groups (5-7 years & 8-11 years).

Program dates:

Ages 5-7: Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April,  1.00pm – 2.15pm.

Ages 8-11: Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April,  1.00pm – 2.15pm.

A facilitated group activity program to help teens develop independence and daily living skills through activities including cooking, budgeting, shopping and social participation.

Program dates:

Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April,  12.00pm-2.00pm.

Movie Club is for teenagers on the autism spectrum 14-17 years who enjoy movies and would benefit from practising their social skills in a small group setting. The program provides a friendly and supportive environment in which participants will enjoy movies together and then join in group discussions and activities around social skills. Goals of the group include: making and keeping friends, social interactions, coping with feelings and emotions, understanding the perspectives of others. Bean bags and popcorn included!

Program dates:

The Autism Hub Woolloongabba

Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April, 10.00am-12.00pm.

Tech Shed is a 10-week group program for young people on the autism spectrum aged 13-17 years. It encourages appropriate socialising around technology while encouraging students to extend their knowledge of programming, coding and digital media. Sessions are facilitated in a safe and nurturing online environment that is moderated by program mentors during sessions. Teen Tech Shed mentors are current students or recent graduates in Creative Industries programs that have a strong IT focus such as Game Design, Coding, Illustration, Animation and Film and Television. They work with the participants to encourage social skills and create opportunities for the students to learn more about technology. All software and technology support is provided, however, participants are required to have access to a laptop or computer with an internet connection to take part in the program.

Program dates:

The Autism Hub, 191 Merton Road, Woolloongabba
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 28 January-1 April, 3:30pm – 5:30pm