https://aeiou.org.au/blog.atom.xmlAEIOU Foundation Blog2024-03-28T10:03:03+00:00AEIOU Foundationhttps://aeiou.org.au/info@aeiou.org.auSupporting AEIOU Townsvillehttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/supporting-aeiou-townsville-3592024-03-26T14:00:00+00:002024-03-26T14:00:00+00:00Our beloved Townsville centre was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Saturday 23 March. This is a matter that is now with the police.
AEIOU Townsville, located at Ridley Road in Kirwan, has supported hundreds of families over more than 15 years.
<p>In the early hours of Saturday 23 March, AEIOU Foundation's Townsville centre was destroyed by fire. This is a matter that is now with the police.</p>
<p>This is a devastating blow to our team, and the children and families we support. <br /> <br />We have been working around the clock to secure an alternative centre location to support these young children, and hope to share an update on a temporary solution very soon! <br /> <br />In the meantime, Hutchinson Builders are working hard to bring the completion date of the new AEIOU Townsville centre in Idalia forward by up to three weeks, with an expected open date in July. <br /> <br />This new centre is a huge expansion for AEIOU and we can now offer more than 10 new enrolment spaces! <br /> <br />Despite the tragedy which unfolded for our team in North Queensland, we want to assure our community that we are on track to securing a new leased space to support the children, and the new centre is being fast-tracked. <br /> <br />Our existing site in Kirwan was an old building but, while it didn't have the capacity or resources we need to deliver our service into the future, it was filled with heart and has been a cornerstone of our community for over 15 years. Anybody who entered the doors there knew immediately that our team is skilled, committed, caring and that this centre environment was warm and inviting. <br /> <br />We'd like to thank our community for the extraordinary outpouring of support, with special thanks to our friends at Hutchinson Builders who stepped in and quickly donated office space for our team to get together and commence our recovery. If you would like to show your support, we would be so grateful. <a href="https://aeiou.org.au/Our%20beloved Townsville centre was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Saturday 23 March, in a suspected arson attack. AEIOU Townsville, located at Ridley Road in Kirwan, has supported hundreds of families over more than 15 years. The centre itself was humble, and we have been excited about our new build over in Idalia. However, the existing site is more than just a building. It was filled with heart, and a beautiful community nurtured by our centre manager Emma Newham, and our wonderful Townsville team. Our team and the families in our Townsville community are our immediate priority. We are urgently seeking an alternative space to get back to doing what we love: working alongside the children we have the privilege of supporting. There has - and continues to be - an outpouring of support from far and wide in our community, for which we are so grateful. If you would like to show your support, we would be so grateful. We extend special thanks to our friends at Hutchinson Builders, who immediately offered us office space as a temporary HQ for our team. We hope to be able to share a positive update with our community soon." target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can show your support here.</a><br /> <br />We hope to be able to share a positive update with our community soon.</p> Media Statement: Townsville centre firehttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/media-statement-townsville-centre-fire-3582024-03-24T14:00:00+00:002024-03-24T14:00:00+00:00It is with great sadness that we address a recent fire incident which occurred at AEIOU Foundationâs Townsville centre.
In the early hours of Saturday, 23 March 2024, our facility experienced a devastating fire, which occurred when no children or staff were onsite.
While are grateful there were no injuries, the loss of this centre is distressing and heartbreaking for our entire community.Families of children with additional needs experience clinically high levels of stresshttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/families-of-children-with-additional-needs-3622024-03-20T14:00:00+00:002024-03-20T14:00:00+00:00Recent research at AEIOU addresses the higher levels of stress parents of autistic children experience, as compared to those raising typically developing children. In fact, 45% of parents and caregivers in the study met the threshold for high or clinically high stress when their child first enrolled at AEIOU (Mead, Lee & Bullot, 2024).
AEIOUâs dedicated Family Support team, with enrolment specialists and expert NDIS advisors, empowers families to navigate funding conversations and connects them with the right support.
<p>Parents and caregivers of children with additional needs often have higher levels of stress than parents of typically developing children. Parental stress can impact a caregiver’s overall mental health and, in turn, can damage the all-important relationship between parent and child. Concerningly, 45% of parents and caregivers at AEIOU met the threshold for high or clinically high stress when their child first enrolled. <br /> <br />Mariah Hartshorn, Manager, Family Support, says when families first enquire with AEIOU, they’re often overwhelmed. <br /><br />“These families are reading all about autism and what their child’s new diagnosis will mean. It’s a lot to take in. Sometimes, they tell us we’re the first ones to sit with them, make that space for them, and help them understand what their next steps might look like.” <br /> <br />Best-practice early childhood early intervention is holistic, rooted in the understanding that quality of life is impacted by physical, mental and social needs. Just as a child requires support to help them develop new skills and reach individual development milestones, it is equally important to equip their family with the skills required to best support a child with additional needs. <br /> <br />AEIOU’s dedicated Family Support team, with enrolment specialists and expert NDIS advisors, empowers families to navigate funding conversations and connects them with the right support. <br /> <br />For Mariah, education is at the heart of how her team supports families. “Our goal is to equip families with accurate information, right from their initial enquiry with us. We are fully-versed on what it means to enrol in an intensive support therapy service, and if this is the service for them. <br /> <br />“We don’t want to take anything away from families – we’re here to empower them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and seek the right support for their child.” <br /><br />Mariah encourages health professionals to connect families with AEIOU early if they’re looking for support or guidance. “This is a great team. Whether it’s through AEIOU or another support service, we help families make sure they get the support they need.” <br /> <br />To contact AEIOU’s Family Support team, email<a href="mailto:info@aeiou.org.au"> info@aeiou.org.au</a> or phone 07 3320 7500.</p> AEIOU Foundation teams up with Dolphins as official charity partnerhttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/aeiou-foundation-teams-up-with-dolphins-as-3572024-03-14T14:00:00+00:002024-03-14T14:00:00+00:00AEIOU Foundation and the Dolphins NRL club have forged a new alliance with Australiaâs leading provider of autism-specific early intervention now on board as an official charity partner.Milestone achievement for world-class databasehttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/milestone-achievement-for-world-class-database-3612024-03-10T14:00:00+00:002024-03-10T14:00:00+00:00AEIOU holds Australia's largest data resource regarding autistic children between 2-6 years old, comprising longitudinal information from now over 1,000 preschoolers and their families.
A new paper by AEIOU outlines trends around childrenâs journeys to diagnosis, ongoing development, parent experiences, and more.
<p>AEIOU holds Australia's largest data resource regarding autistic children between 2-6 years old, comprising longitudinal information from now over 1,000 preschoolers and their families. <br /><br />In a new paper to be released by AEIOU, our Research team outlines insights into trends around children’s journeys to diagnosis, ongoing development, parent experiences, and more. <br /> <br /><strong>What does the data tell us? </strong><br />On average, parents first become concerned about their child’s development around 18 months. <br /> <br />However, those children don’t receive a formal diagnosis of autism until they’re 3 years old (i.e. 1.5 years later). <br /> <br />Children typically access early intervention at AEIOU around 10 months after diagnosis. <br /> <br />AEIOU’s program helps children make significant progress across domains of development, regardless of their skill set at enrolment. <br /> <br />Children with low verbal skills on enrolment make the greatest improvements – their verbal skills increase by 30% over and above their expected gain in just two years at AEIOU. (Children with high verbal skills on enrolment improve by 16%.) <br /> <br />Children with more complex needs benefit from more time attending AEIOU. <br /> <br />Individualised plans and transdisciplinary support are effective components of best-practice early intervention. <br /> <br />Children with autism will always experience greater challenges than neurotypical children, but the AEIOU program gives all children an opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and connect with others. <br /> <br /><strong>What does AEIOU’s Research team do? </strong><br />Research at AEIOU is not white coats and microscopes. This team turns data points into information, showing how effective our program is for children from a range of backgrounds. <br /> <br />There are few providers like AEIOU, and fewer still who document child gains, family experiences, and intervention impacts in the way that we do. <br /><br />AEIOU research and data (evidence) is essential to show the NDIA and other government decision makers how critical specialist therapies and education is to children just like yours.<br /><br /><a href="https://aeiou.org.au/research">Meet our Research team here</a></p> The importance of transition supports for autistic children, their family and their teachershttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/the-importance-of-transition-supports-for-3602024-02-18T14:00:00+00:002024-02-18T14:00:00+00:00What happens when children with additional needs move on to school, transitioning from full-time specialist support? How can they be supported to reduce the risk of regression, and how can we support teachers as they strive to support children with additional needs in the classroom?
When transition support is evidence-informed, individualised and consistent, it not only helps children survive the move to school but thrive.
<p>When a child reaches school age and prepares to move on to school, what happens to the life-changing support they were able to access as part of a specialised early intervention program? Leaving a supportive learning environment is a big change and presents a series of unknowns for families. In some cases, children without appropriate support risk regressing in their skills during this transition period. <br /><br />At AEIOU, we provide ‘transition support’ where our skilled team of therapist and specialist educators provide individualised therapeutic support to a child through to a new education setting. <br /><br />When transition support is evidence-informed, individualised and consistent, it not only helps children survive the move to school but thrive, even. <br /><br />Paige Archard, Manager, Clinical Delivery, says transition support is a win for the children, their families, and the new teaching team. <br /><br />“Most educators in a mainstream setting have children with additional needs in the classroom, but they often don’t have access to the level of support or the specific therapeutic knowledge that’s required to best address those children’s individual needs. <br /><br />“For teachers welcoming a student with additional needs, access to a therapist through transition supports is like a bridge to a new world. The therapist helps the teaching team make sense of the child’s needs, and helps translate and embed evidence-based therapeutic supports into that new setting so the child is well-supported.” <br /> <br />AEIOU offers individualised transition support to help children move into Prep, kindergarten or another learning environment. Paige says the most significant benefit for the children is the consistency of care the AEIOU transition program provides. <br /><br />“Having a therapist who knows the child, their goals, and the specific strategies that have been working well for them in their early intervention journey, is key to a successful transition. <br /><br />“Their new educators don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Plus, using those familiar clinically informed strategies can be a source of comfort to the child in an otherwise new environment.” <br /><br />Melinda Luscombe, now an alum parent, said, though she had to make the tough decision to change schools early in her son Remy’s first year of school, AEIOU’s transition program was instrumental to how well her son progressed beyond the early intervention program. <br /><br />“After changing schools due to a lack of support, having a familiar AEIOU Occupational Therapist helped Remy immensely. <br /><br />“The OT was able to work with him in his school, and also make clinical recommendations to his teachers to continue developing his skills in his new learning environment.” <br /><br />To find out more about AEIOU’s transition program, email info@aeiou.org.au or phone 07 3320 7500.</p> Leading early intervention provider on the NDIS Reviewhttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/leading-early-intervention-provider-on-the-ndis-3542023-12-14T14:00:00+00:002023-12-14T14:00:00+00:00AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism welcomes the recent NDIS Review and its recommendations, underscoring the importance of early intervention for children with high needs and the challenges faced by families navigating their childâs needs and entry to the NDIS.
<p>AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism welcomes the recent NDIS Review and its recommendations, underscoring the importance of early intervention for children with high needs and the challenges faced by families navigating their child’s needs and entry to the NDIS.</p>
<p>AEIOU CEO Alan Smith said the need for a sustainable scheme is universally accepted, explaining high-quality early intervention is crucial to enhance the long-term wellbeing of autistic individuals.</p>
<p>“A recommendation of commitment to a dedicated, specialist early intervention pathway for children with high support needs is a positive development, as is the introduction of an independent body to manage pricing,” Mr Smith said.</p>
<p>“It is also heartening to note the commitment to strengthen market monitoring and the dedication of a quality function with a new National Disability Supports Quality and Safeguards Commission. Further, with around 9% of AEIOU’s cohort from First Nations backgrounds, we believe recommendations to improve access to supports for First Nations participants is vital.”</p>
<p>Among the recommendations, AEIOU supports greater accountability for service providers. “AEIOU has long called for providers to be registered with equal accountability to both clients and the NDIS.”</p>
<p>AEIOU is a registered service provider and uses standardised assessments to monitor gains and program efficacy. Mr Smith explained recent results show the average ‘development age equivalent’ of children increased from 1.7 years to 2.6 years over the first 9 months between assessments – coming nearer to their chronological age.</p>
<p>“The average age on intake is 3.8 years, with a developmental age of 1.7 years. The growth we see is driven by a 9.7% increase in Developmental Quotient in 2023,” Mr Smith said.</p>
<p>“We see incredible growth and achievement in early intervention, but there are lifelong challenges autistic individuals, particularly those with high needs, will experience. We must maintain momentum and that includes when it comes to mainstream schooling,” Mr Smith said.</p>
<p>“For true inclusion to work, we have a long way to go, and we must ensure these children are participating meaningfully, safely, and gaining value in those classrooms.”<br />AEIOU Foundation this year released new data demonstrating the long-term cost-saving benefits of early intervention for autistic children and implored the government to follow the science.</p>
<p>“It is this upfront investment for long terms gains and future cost savings that is at the very core of the scheme.” A cost benefit report commissioned by AEIOU shows that every dollar invested into autism-specific early intervention results in a direct cost saving of $4.58 to the NDIS.</p>
<p>While recognising the commendable aspects of the NDIS Review, AEIOU emphasises the need for a nuanced approach to the transition, and urges participants and providers to closely monitor the government’s response, and the ensuring legislative changes.</p>
<p>“Rigorous evaluation and ongoing feedback from families, service providers, and advocacy groups will be essential to refining and improving these assessment processes. Overall, we are working together, and we appreciate the task at hand to deliver the NDIS Review.”</p>
<p>AEIOU is committed to supporting autistic children to live their best lives through early intervention and education. Sustainability of the NDIS and the early childhood pathway to the scheme is essential for these children, their families, and their future.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Media contact</strong></p>
<p><a href="mailto:communications@aeiou.org.au">communications@aeiou.org.au</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> Small Voices, Big Impact: Advocating for Australia's Youngest Autistic Childrenhttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/small-voices-big-impact-advocating-for-australias-3532023-12-06T14:00:00+00:002023-12-06T14:00:00+00:00A powerful shift is underway in the realm of autism advocacy, with autistic individuals increasingly, and rightfully, taking a prominent role by speaking to their lived experience. But who speaks for autistic children who are unable to communicate their needs?
<p>Now, more than ever, autistic individuals are taking a prominent role in autism advocacy, and governments are striving for inclusivity through initiatives like workshops and oversight groups involving autistic individuals. But there remains a crucial segment of Australia's autistic population that often lacks a voice –children aged 2-6 years. However, we're here to change that. <br /> <br />AEIOU’s extensive engagement with this age group, our data and is a strong platform to share the experiences and needs of these children and their families. <br /> <br />In the current year, AEIOU submitted eight formal responses to various government reviews and consultations, and invited AEIOU families to participate at various intervals. Most notably, we provided a comprehensive reply to the National Autism Strategy's call for submissions. We strongly support the strategy's goal of a coordinated national approach to services for Autistic Australians and our submission stresses the importance of choice and control. Particularly, autistic people have the right to choose the services and supports that work best for them, including those that are behaviour science based like our service. <br /> <br />The release of the NDIS Review is welcome, underscoring the critical importance of early intervention for children with high needs and recognises the challenges faced by families navigating the complexities of a new diagnosis, and the NDIS.</p>
<p>AEIOU CEO Alan Smith said there are many areas to watch develop for both providers and participants, explaining on-the-ground impacts will emerge as the strategy is implemented. He added greater accountability for service providers is welcome, and something AEIOU has long advocated for. “All providers should be registered, and subject to the same checks and balances. Being accountable to our clients and the NDIS is essential.”</p>
<p>You can read more about AEIOU’s contributing <a href="https://www.ndisreview.gov.au/submissions/sub-m2c8-003669">recommendations</a>, particularly in defining "reasonable and necessary" and supporting children with disabilities and developmental concerns. We know that the growing cost of a NDIS is a concern to the Australian Government, and that the prevalence of autism and its associated costs on the scheme have been a major talking point in the media and the community. Considering the substantial evidence supporting early intervention for autism, we are optimistic that the final report will recognise the value of making an upfront investment in children with autism. Such an investment can lead to cost savings and generate a significant return on investment in their future years.</p> Eyes On Autism - Issue 28https://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/eyes-on-autism-issue-28-3472023-11-30T14:00:00+00:002023-11-30T14:00:00+00:00We're sharing the latest from our centre communities. Read new research on early intervention outcomes, share in a learner's success story, and celebrate this year's fantastic fundraising efforts.
<p>In Issue 28 of our Eyes On Autism community magazine, we're sharing the latest from our centre communities.</p>
<p>Read new research on early intervention outcomes, share in a learner's success story, and celebrate this year's fantastic fundraising efforts.</p>
<p><a href="https://bit.ly/411ALS0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read Issue 28 now</a>!</p> Annual Report 2022-2023https://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/annual-report-2022-2023-3522023-11-30T14:00:00+00:002023-11-30T14:00:00+00:00Navigating the ever-evolving autism policy landscape, AEIOU remains steadfast in its dedication to better understanding and supporting the children and families we serve. Our 2022-23 Annual Report showcases this unwavering commitment, highlighting the transformative projects that have reshaped our approach to service delivery and advocacy.
<p>At AEIOU, we're on a constant path of learning and discovery, alongside the children and families we support. Understanding them, their experiences, their strengths, their goals, and their potential are just some of the elements we leverage to deliver a quality service.</p>
<p>Our 2022-23 Annual Report showcases some of the work we’ve undertaken to improve this understanding. It highlights two major projects we completed to help facilitate our ongoing learning: a data linkage project, with AEIOU creating Australia’s largest data source on children with autism aged under six years, and a sophisticated Client Information System, for the first time in our history.</p>
<p>Never have we possessed this kind of visibility regarding client experience, service efficacy, and proven value of our service. It’s exciting to have this new understanding regarding who we are and who our children and families are.</p>
<p>Our Annual Report also highlights our key research achievements, showcases our enhanced staff training and development programs, features details on our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, provides a glimpse into an AEIOU centre’s daily operations, and celebrates our successful fundraising efforts, among other notable accomplishments.</p>
<p><a href="https://issuu.com/aeioufoundation/docs/aeiou_annual_report_2023_web_new?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ"><strong>Read the full report here</strong></a></p> Research spotlight: predictors of time in servicehttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/research-spotlight-predictors-of-time-in-service-3512023-11-21T14:00:00+00:002023-11-21T14:00:00+00:00Every child's autism journey is unique: research informs program efficacy and sheds light on factors that influence a childâs gains, the âdosageâ of early intervention and the duration.
<p>Extensive data has shown there are two distinct cohorts at AEIOU: those children who commence with baseline skills, and those with much higher needs. <br /><br />The study found factors such as age of diagnosis, age of enrollment at AEIOU and symptom severity predicted the duration of a child’s enrolment. Interestingly, children with the highest needs make the same gains as their peers, over a longer duration. <br /><br />Specifically, children with more severe symptoms typically needed two or more years to develop the skills necessary to transition into the next education setting, while children with less severe symptoms were gained skills at a rate that supported transition from AEIOU within one year. <br /><br />The study demonstrated all children make similar progress, regardless of their starting skills, over the year, or two-year period. <br /> <br />The greatest improvements were found in children with low baseline verbal skills, where 2 years at AEIOU resulted in a 30% increase in their verbal skills versus children with high baseline verbal skills who demonstrated a 16% increase. This highlights the effectiveness of the individualised plans and transdisciplinary support that we offer at AEIOU. <br /><br />While children with more complex needs may need to attend AEIOU for longer, all children have an equal opportunity to succeed, even if they enter services with greater challenges than others.</p>
<p>The study supports reliable recommendations for children and families prior to enrolment and supports advocacy to the NDIS for adequate plans and funding. </p> Kicking goals at AEIOU Toowoomba: children granted access to community sports programhttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/kicking-goals-at-aeiou-toowoomba-children-granted-3492023-11-07T14:00:00+00:002023-11-07T14:00:00+00:00Children from AEIOU Toowoomba will expand a range of skills by participating in a sporting development program, made possible through a community grant.
<p>Children from our Toowoomba centre will expand their skill sets by participating in a sporting development program, made possible through a community grant by Toowoomba Regional Council. <br /> <br />The program, run by children’s soccer club Ginger Sport, will take place over 10 weeks. The program will be delivered as part of the weekly program, removing time burdens from a family’s schedule, and at no extra cost. <br /> <br />AEIOU early intervention specialists and therapists will support the children to engage. <br /> <br />AEIOU Toowoomba Occupational Therapist Paige Leicht said that the sporting program was an exciting opportunity for the children at the centre. <br /> <br />“This program is an opportunity for kids who would not usually be able to participate in a community sporting activity to be part of a physical team sport,” Ms Leicht said. “Children with autism are likely to present with poor fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and motor planning difficulty along with decreased muscle tone.” <br /> <br />Sporting and physical health has also been shown to have a positive impact on children with autism and emotional regulation. <br /> <br />Ms Leicht said, “When it comes to social, emotional and community engagement and interactions, no one is excluded. All the children enrolled at the centre can participate and the team support them to develop missing skills.” <br /> <br />Families are welcome to join in on the sessions at the centre, and grow their own confidence in supporting play with their child. <br /> <br />“We hope it’s a community where they can achieve developmental milestones and thrive.” <br /> <br />The impact of this grant for the children at our Toowoomba centre is immeasurable. </p> Groundbreaking new autism centre for North Queenslandhttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/groundbreaking-new-autism-centre-for-north-3442023-10-24T14:00:00+00:002023-10-24T14:00:00+00:00What happens when the power of government funding, private generosity, and community spirit converge? You get a brand-new, state-of-the-art autism centre, this time for Townsville's children and families.
<p>Scheduled to open in mid-2024, our highly anticipated new Townsville centre is a testament to the power of bipartisan government funding. <br /> <br />The Australian Government committed $2 million to the project’s construction, and the Queensland Government dedicated a further $1 million towards the $5.6 million development. This state-of-the-art facility, capable of accommodating up to 30 children, will extend AEIOU’s impact in Townsville by offering support to more local children and families. <br />In addition to the substantial support from the state and federal government, the new centre is made possible through the generosity of private philanthropy and community-driven fundraising. Designed by the Buchan Group and brought to life by the expertise of Hutchinson Builders, the facility will replace the currently leased center in Kirwan. With an extra classroom, cutting-edge therapy rooms, and a dedicated parent education space, the new center in Idalia will bring an enhanced AEIOU service to Townsville.</p>
<p>Its focus on delivering essential services for children with autism and their families underscores the commitment and tireless dedication of the many individuals who contributed to turning this vision into a tangible reality. <br /> <br />A sod-turning ceremony for the new centre was held on July 12, 2023. Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones, State Member for Mundingburra Les Walker, Mr Phillip Thompson OAM, MP, and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox attended the ceremony. <br /> <br /><em>Proudly funded by the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund – a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, Participating Mineral Resources Industry Parties, the Queensland Resources Council, and its members in association with the Chain Reaction Foundation and Perpetual Trustees. </em><br /><em> </em><br /><em>Jointly funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. </em></p> Case Study: Twins transform with early intervention supporthttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/case-study-twins-transform-with-early-3482023-10-03T14:00:00+00:002023-10-03T14:00:00+00:00Pietra and Malu, 3, are twin sisters, who both attend AEIOU Foundation. They like to hold hands and play âRow Your Boatâ. They love âHeads, Shoulders Knees and Toesâ, and they are beginning to use their imagination to play.
<p>Pietra and Malu, 3, are twin sisters, who both attend AEIOU Foundation. They like to hold hands and play ‘Row Your Boat’. They love ‘Heads, Shoulders Knees and Toes’, and they are beginning to use their imagination to play.</p>
<p>Their mother, Yara Morales, says AEIOU has changed her whole life. “Before coming to AEIOU, they would cry every day. Their childcare team tried, but they didn’t know how to deal with my children. Pietra would be alone, in her own world. Nobody had the time or patience to sit by her side and interact with her. She was never happy when I left, and she would cry. It was not for her.”</p>
<p>Fast forward eight months, and Yara says her family’s life has been transformed. “I see the way the team at AEIOU is with the children. It is completely different. Not only does the team help the girls; they help me. They create activities so I can play with them, games that are fun, but which help with their cognitive skills. I have so much support, I really feel it. I don’t know if they know just how much they help people,” Yara says.</p>
<p>“When I found out the girls have autism, I thought, ‘Oh, what can I do? What will their life be like?’, but they are learning so much because of AEIOU. I am so proud of them. I have such hope for their futures. I want them to communicate easily, to travel, to go inside planes and live a long life. It doesn’t matter if they have some different ways to communicate, but I want people to see how clever they are, and for them to feel special. I want them to be able to choose the right people to be by their sides, and for them to never need to worry.”</p>
<p>Recently, Yara arrived to collect Pietra and Malu. ‘I saw Pietra with a little boy, playing! She was hugging him, and it was amazing to see her allowing another child to be by her side. She is playing with her sister now, which she never did. They are learning to communicate, they can understand English and Portuguese … Oh, a thousand things have improved.” </p> An important message about ABA at AEIOUhttps://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/an-important-message-about-aba-at-aeiou-3452023-09-27T14:00:00+00:002023-09-27T14:00:00+00:00Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a topic that often divides opinion in the wider community.
<p>Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a topic that often divides opinion in the wider community. It is most widely recognised as a therapy for children with autism and developmental disabilities. While this is one application, ABA is the broader than that. It is the science of human behaviour, and it is utilised in many areas of life, for all people. For example, organisational behaviour management, education, sports, and prevention of child maltreatment. <br /> <br />AEIOU Foundation strongly advocates for and respects the rights of every child with autism, as well as their individual strengths and unique qualities. It's important to us that every child, and every person with autism, is safe, has a voice that is heard and is valued. Every individual has a right to choose what interventions and supports they may want, with an emphasis on safe, respectful, reputable practice. <br /> <br />ABA is not a specific therapy but can be thought of as an umbrella term for delivering a variety of evidence-based teaching and behaviour support strategies. Unfortunately, like any therapeutic approach or profession, there are those who use unsafe practices that contravene ethical guidelines and the rights of individuals. Those that do this are not adhering to the principles of ABA and are putting the people they support at risk of trauma and abuse. <br /> <br />Access to timely and appropriate specialised early intervention provides children the skills to overcome the disabling aspects of profound autism so their strengths can support them to live their best lives. <br /> <br />At AEIOU Foundation, our early intervention service is comprised of strategies and supports that are proven to be safe and effective, following extensive studies that have been peer reviewed. Our practices are drawn from the disciplines of behaviour analysis, speech pathology, occupational therapy and early education. Some of the evidence-based behaviour analytic supports include positive reinforcement, modelling, task analysis, functional assessment and antecedent-based strategies. All of the interventions and strategies used at AEIOU are driven by play-based, ethical practice, family values and goals to help children reach their full potential. <br /> <br />We have a strong scientific foundation and evidence base for our program. We are NDIS registered and our dedicated research team collaborate closely with academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders in the sector to ensure that we adhere to the highest standards of practice.</p>
<p>We hold Australia’s largest data source on children with autism under six with data from over 900 preschoolers and their families. It shows strong and consistent gains in early learning skills and adaptive behaviour of the autistic children receiving early intervention. <br />It also found that 75 per cent of our cohort gained these skills at a rate over and above a neurotypical peer demonstrating that early intervention is critical in helping autistic children catch up on their developmental skills. </p>