April is Autism Awareness Month, an opportunity to celebrate neurodiversity and take action to create a more inclusive society.

In Australia, there are an estimated 675,000 people with autism.

As awareness grows, so too does the need for services that go beyond understanding and actively support autistic people to thrive.

At AnglicareSA, that support starts from the beginning.

Our Autism Services, which comprises our Autism-Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC), a unique offering in South Australia, as well as our Outreach AnglicareSA Therapeutic Services (OATS), provide personalised therapy and supports for children, young people, and adults with autism.

 

Support that starts early

For Samantha, accessing neuro-affirming and person-centred care at ASELCC changed everything for her son Houston, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when he was three.

“The most frustrating part as a parent was seeing your child struggling and not knowing how to help,” Samantha said.

“I knew of autism, but I didn’t really know much about how it affects children or families. I learnt a lot from Houston.”

Samantha said that during the two years Houston has attended ASELCC, he had made significant progress in his communication and speech skills, reflecting the combined support of his family, therapists, and support network.

“His speech has come a long way; it’s amazing how much his speech has improved,” she said.

“He’s good at repeating words, his pronunciation is flawless, and now he is even able to say sentences.

“He can tell us what he wants, which has removed his frustration of not being able to express his needs.”

To help make the transition to school easier for Houston next year, he is spending more time at the centre to better adapt to a school setting.

Samantha said Houston loved spending extra days at ASELCC and did not want to leave.

“We have only just started taking him into the centre five days a week, and he’s enjoying it so much,” she said.

“When he’s home on the weekends, he is disappointed he can’t go to Daphne Street. He always loves to come here, and I think he feels quite safe as well, knowing that he’s got people around him supporting him.

“It’s just amazing that there’s a space for Houston to feel happy and safe and still explore his environment. He loves playing outside and riding the bike independently.”

“I feel supported 100 per cent. If the team have any concerns, they let me know, and I work on it with Houston at home. The team do well with Houston and he loves them as well.”

 

Shifting the focus

Samantha said Autism Awareness Month was a powerful reminder to shift the focus from challenges to strengths and recognise the unique abilities and perspectives of autistic people.

“Don’t be fearful of autism,” she said.

“I love how Houston sees the world and how his mind works. I love his individuality.

“He does struggle with certain things, but there is so much support out there that can help him achieve his goals.

“Just help your child go on their journey and be there for them.”

 

More information

For more information about ASELCC or to book a tour of the centre, please visit our website.