Welcome to your Autism SA Infomail

2019 Autism Conference Series

Autism SA is excited to announce the 2019 Autism Conference Series. The speaker will beMichelle Garcia Winner - internationally recognised speech pathologist from the United States,and founder and CEO of Social Thinking®. She will present "Using the Social ThinkingMethodology to support Social Learning".

Social Thinking is a company dedicated to helping individuals across their lifespan to develop theirsocial competencies to meet their personal social goals. Michelle is recognised as '...the leadingexpert in the field of social skills' with more than 30 years' experience working with individuals,families and professionals in the autism sector. Michelle is a prolific writer and has written and/orco-authored more than 40 books and over 100 research articles about the Social ThinkingMethodology including; 'Social Behaviour Mapping'; 'Thinking about you, Thinking about Me?'; 'Youare a Social Detective'; and 'Superflex: A Superhero Social Thinking Curriculum".

Presentation overviewOn Friday 15 February 2019 Michelle Garcia Winner will teach individuals and those that supportpeople with social emotional learning challenges to develop skills in how they interpret andrespond to social information to better connect with others. Michelle will present tips, practicalstrategies and frameworks for individuals and those that support individuals with autism to improvesocial competencies that can be used immediately in the classroom, clinic, home andcommunity.

The conference is set to be an engaging, interactive day where the participants will be guidedthrough a range of innovative socially based problem solving strategies that can be used withindividuals with solid expressive and receptive language skills, in a range of settings."...one of my favourite authors in the field of teaching emotional intelligence. Michelle GarciaWinner has pioneered some very helpful ways of conceptualising and helping educatorsunderstand the social challenges that students on the autism spectrum face." - Stephan Borgman,

2010, Psychology Today, 'Spectrum Solutions' Read more testimonials and about the program here

Who should attend?Individuals on the spectrum, parents, family members, educators, clinicians, professionals, andanyone who supports a person on the spectrum will benefit from attending this conference. Allparticipants will develop an appreciation that social capabilities are integral to a person's successin life - socially, academically, and professionally.To be held at Morphettville (South Australian Jockey Club), this is a conference not to be missed! Super early bird special ends 30 October 2018 - book your place here.

Volunteering with Autism SA

Autism SA had the opportunity to meet some incredible groups of South Australian students,academics and professionals at Telstra, and the University of Adelaide volunteer expos thismonth.

Thank you to those that registered their interest in volunteering for Autism SA - your contributionswill be integral in helping Autism SA to support individuals on the autism spectrum to live the lifethey choose in an inclusive society.

Gina

We recently had a chat to one of our newest volunteers, Gina, about her volunteer journey.

Gina volunteers with the Autism SA Foundation Skills Group, making resources and interactingwith clients. Gina was motivated to volunteer so that she could not only 'learn and grow', but beable to "help support the (Foundation Skills Group) children, and knowing that no matter how I canhelp it will all go towards helping these children grow and learn... the staff here are so supportive,and seeing how motivated they are only pushes me to want to do more...". We also asked Ginawhat she would say to anybody who may be contemplating volunteering, and she shared that it is"a great opportunity to further your knowledge areas". Thank you Gina! If you are interested in making a difference through volunteering, like Gina, please lodge an

application via our website.

Recognition Awards

Nominations for the 2018 Autism SA Recognition Awards are now open! Autism SA recognises that there are many individuals and organisations that make significantcontributions to the organisation as well as for individuals on the autism spectrum, their familiesand carers. The Autism SA Recognition Awards are designed to recognise these outstandingcontributions and achievements in the community. Nominations in each of the categories will be open until 15 October 2018, and can be made onlinevia this link, or by downloading the nomination form here and sending it toasamarketing@autismsa.org.au.

The Autism Friendly Charter - spreading the message of inclusionand acceptance across the country Autism SA's Autism Friendly Charter just touched down inAdelaide after a month long National Roadshow campaign.Throughout the month many passionate business owners,management and staff across the country attended the freetraining delivered by the Autism Friendly Charter team. Manyattendees provided feedback that they were thrilled by thetraining, with participants sharing that they learnt 'lots of usefulideas and tips on how to help people with autism', that the teamwas 'very helpful' and that they simply "loved it!"

Thank you to all of the businesses that supported Autism SA byattending the autism friendly training sessions.

The Autism Friendly Charter online training has landed!

With the National Roadshow ending with great success, Autism SA is thrilled to announce thelaunch of the brand new Autism Friendly Charter website.

The website will contain information, resources and provide eligible businesses and recreationalorganisations across the country 24 hour, online access to Autism Friendly training modules to

assist them in understanding the autism spectrum, and aiding them to make small adjustments to become an Autism Friendly Business.. This means that Australia is one stepcloser to a more inclusive society.

To find out if your business is eligible visit the website: www.autismfriendlycharter.org.au or if youhave any questions about the Autism Friendly Charter, you can contact afc@autismsa.org.au.

NDIS update

On Thursday 2 August the NDIA held a webinar on self-management. The panel answeredquestions from the community via live chat and delivered information and insights about what self-management is, how to self-manage your NDIS funds and your responsibilities as a self-manager. If you missed the webinar, or would like to watch it again, it is now available here

Facebook Live

On 24 August, Autism SA held a Facebook Live session with our passionate schools team,answering your questions.

If you missed it, you can view the session on our Facebook page here.

Up next month on Facebook

On 21 September at 4.00pm, the Autism SA Training, Consultancy & Research team will be live toanswer your questions about training, family and professional workshops, and the 2019 AutismConference Series - with Michelle Garcia Winner.

If there is a question you'd like to ask, please send it to asamarketing@autismsa.org.au or jumpon our Facebook page at 4.00pm on 21 September and comment below the video once it is live.All questions emailed before the video will be kept anonymous.

Sunday Mail Westpac City-Bay - run for Autism SA!

Get ready to lace up and make a dash this September with the 2018 Sunday Mail Westpac City-Bay.

If you've never participated before, there are a number of ways you can be involved:

* 3km dog walk* 6km or 12km wheelchair* 3km, 6km or 12km walk* 3km, 6km or 12km run* 21km half marathon run Autism SA has a registered team for the day -be sure to list us as your team when you registerhere.

So come and join us - Jenny, our CEO will be undertaking the 6km walk!

Community Fundraisers - 'Girls Nite Out'Thank you to an incredible group of women in the community that got together to raise funds forAutism SA with a 'Girls Nite Out' last month!

The night looked fantastic, filled with yummy food, raffles, prizes and more, with the group raisingmore than $400 for Autism SA. Thank you Lyn and Ann for organising the fundraiser, and to alltheir guests for your generous donations! If you would like to organise your own Autism SA fundraiser, fill out this form and send it on toicollins@autismsa.org.au.

Magic Carpet lands at Autism SAAutism SA enjoyed testing our brand new Magic Carpet this month, an incredible sensory learningtool that comes with an interactive system that displays images and games.

The innovative technology will be used for therapy at Autism SA's Elizabeth and Netley locations,and will be used as part of the sensory space that is currently being developed at the NorthernHub. Thank you to the team and their community at Liquor Industry Gold Club (LIGC) for the grantthat brought the Magic Carpet to Autism SA. Each year the LIGC host a Charity Golf Day, wherethey raise funds to assist local charities, and we thank them for choosing Autism SA this year.

To see the Magic Carpet in action, visit our Instagram page, and see how this cool new technologyworks.

Coles Mini Collectables

Autism SA had a special delivery from Adam and theColes Distribution Centre based in Edinburgh Parks duringthe month! The Centre donated a giant pile of Coles mini collectablesto Autism SA, to be sorted into packs for Autism SASpeech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists to usein their daily therapeutic practice. Existing Autism SAresources such as cash registers and shopping baskets,as well as therapist created resources such as shoppinglists and visual matching sheets, will be used toaccompany the little collectables.

Thank you to Adam, the Coles Distribution Centre and to all of the incredible members of thecommunity that have been donating their miniatures. If you have any donations that you would like to donate to Autism SA, donations can be droppedto the Autism SA Netley and Elizabeth offices, or posted to us at PO Box 304, Marleston DC,5033. These miniature resources will have a great home to go to as they will be loved, taken careof and used in many different settings by Autism SA therapists for many years to come helpingindividuals on the autism spectrum realise their potential.

Training

Coming soon for families: Positive Behaviour Support Planning: understanding behaviour andpractical strategies to support

This session will be presented on Thursday 27 September at Autism SA's new Northern Hubtraining room. Presented by an experienced Behaviour Consultant from the Autism SA Psychologyand Behaviour Support team, participants will develop a greater understanding of behaviours ofconcern in the context of autism. During the session, the presenter will guide participants througha range of relevant, realistic and evidence based strategies that can be utilised in a range ofsettings, and that can also be individualised for the person in their day-to-day lives. This session is highly recommended for families who are accessing, or looking at accessing,Psychology or Behaviour Support from Autism SA, or are just wanting a deeper understanding withpractical strategies to support an individual in the home or community environment. To book your place, click here.

Coming soon for professionals: Supporting students on the autism spectrum for school servicesofficers (SSOs) and education support officers (ESOs)

This workshop will be presented on Friday 14 September at Autism SA's new Northern Hubtraining room. Supporting a student on the autism spectrum can be both challenging and veryrewarding. This workshop recognises the important role of SSOs and ESOs within the educationalsector. The program also allows time for participants to share their ideas and successes, andnetwork with other participants. Topics covered include: * Understanding the autism spectrum;* The role of support staff;* Evidence based teaching strategies when working 1:1, in small groups and supporting in theclassroom;* Enhancing communication;* Increasing social understanding;* Reducing interfering behaviours;* Addressing sensory needs; and* How to look after your own needs on the job! You can book your place here.

Calendars

Autism SA offer a variety of training sessions - held at both our Netley and Elizabeth sites. Formore information, please visit the links below or contact the Training and Consultancy Coordinatoron 0421 326 710.

General Family Workshops July-December 2018 Professional Development Workshops Term 3 2018 In Focus Family Workshops July-December 2018Early Days Workshops July-December 2018

Parent Conference

Stay ConnectedStay Connected

Hosted by the Department for Education, Getting the right fit is a conference whichwill inform parents and carers about the services and support available for childrenand young people with a disability.

Parents and carers of a child or young person with a disability are invited to listen toinformation and strategies from key note speakers and participate in workshops at the ParentConference, Getting the right fit, on 12 September 2018.

The conference will be opened by a performance by students from Kilparrin, Errington and SouthAustralian School for Vision Impaired (SASVI).

Please download the full flyer here.

Registration for this conference is via this link.

Do you have a heart-warmingstory you would like to share?

Please send us an email with thedetails

to asamarketing@autismsa.org.au