AUTISM VICTORIA

Malvern

Run over eight weeks during school terms

Term 3 Groups: Saturday 17th July - Saturday 4th September

RMIT Psychology Clinic

Plenty Road, Bundoora

This social skills program is an eight-week group training program for children aged nine to twelve with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The program has been developed to teach and practice those skills in which children with ASDs need extra assistance. Early sessions focus on non-verbal communication, such as eye contact, body language, tone of voice and facial expression. Children learn to pay attention to these skills to solve every day social problem-solving tasks through group discussion, teamwork, and role play. For more information, click here.

RMIT Psychology Clinic 9925 7603

clinic@rmit.edu.au

Fourth Thursday of every month

Honey Thai Restaurant

1678 Main Road, Belgrave

(just outside of Belgrave train station)

This is an adults group and has been running since 2007. Adults can attend with a parent or trusted friend if they wish. It was started through www.auties.org where you can also get ideas on starting similar clubs in your area.

ABIA, Suite 2

437 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills

10am - 12 noon (Parent Sessions)

4.30pm - 6.30pm (Parent & Child Sessions)

ABIA offer a six-week program that aims to assist parents of children with an ASD, aged 5-9 years, to manage with their child’s anxiety. The program includes four parent education sessions teaching skills and techniques to help their children cope with and alleviate anxiety.  The program also includes two hands-on sessions with parent and child to practice the calming activities learned in the parent sessions. 

This program is approved for Helping Children with Autism/FaHCSIA funding.

Anita O'Flynn 9830 0677

info@abia.net.au

$450 (ABIA Member)

$500 (Non-Member)

$500 (Helping Children with Autism/FaHCSIA funding)

Upwey. Contact Donna for details.

Choir: 11am - 12 noon

1:1 Music Mentoring Slots: 10am - 11am; 12 noon -1pm; 2.30pm - 3.30pm.

ASPINAUTS CHILDREN'S CHOIR

Aspinauts For Kids, headed by Donna Williams with Anthony Julian on keyboards.  Both are musicians/singers on the spectrum and with the band Donna and The Aspinauts.  Donna is a qualified teacher and autism consultant who has produced three albums and written and performed musicals.   Anthony Julian has performed in musical theatre, has an extensive musical background is is presently completing a diploma in music.  Both hold Working With Children cards.  

Numbers are limited to only 6 children per group.  Age range is 5 - 13 years.  Some level of singing ability is expected and children will also be encouraged to develop gestures and use percussion. The group is informal and children are welcome to move about as they sing.

MUSIC MENTORING

In addition to the choir, there is now also music mentoring. Music mentoring has two mentors to each participant. It costs $15 for 15 minutes or $20 for 30 minutes and you can book on a casual basis (on a lesson by lesson basis) but do let us know if you are going to cancel. Music mentoring can cover voice, keyboards, percussion. Each session is individually tailored to each child and can incorporate their own favourite songs.

For more information on Aspinauts for Kids, visit http://www.myspace.com/baloombawop

Choir: $5 per child

1:1 Music Mentoring: $15 per 15 minute slot; $20 per 30 minutes.

Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

489 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong

Enjoy professional tennis coaching for players aged 11 an upwards who have a disability (beginners, siblings and friends all welcome).

VICSRAPID 9926 1380

vicsrap@tpg.com.au

Power Neighbourhood House

54 Power Avenue, Ashwood

Creative Moves is a new program suitable for young teenagers on the Autism Spectrum.  The aim of this program is to provide an avenue for youth to be part of a performing arts program in a safe and vibrant environment. These youth will be supported to express themselves through dance, movement and art therapy workshops which will all culminate in a number of community performances. The group meets every second Monday night in Ashwood. For more information, click here.

Saturday 14th August

Saturday 11th September

Saturday 16th October

Saturday 13th November

Saturday 4th December

ABIA, Suite 2

437 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills

ABIA is pleased to offer an information session to families new to ABA.  This session covers the following:  what is ABA, how to set up an ABA program, where to start, recruiting therapists, sourcing funding. This session is facilitated by an experienced professional in the Autism field. For more information and to register, click here.

Anita O'Flynn 9830 0677

info@abia.net.au

Click here for a registration form

$15 per person

Greensborough RSL

111 Main Street, Greensborough

A presentation and question-answer forum with renowned author, artist and public speaker Donna Williams.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
“The feeling you get after the event is amazing. My manager found it the best lecture she had attended in her whole career!”
“Donna not only changed the way I see people with autism; she changed the way I see everyone”.
“Donna shares her knowledge with her audience in a way which makes it one to one, when in a room of hundreds. I would recommend her as a 'never to be missed' speaker”.

Contact Jo 9439 7947 or Anne 0412 279 156

As above. Bookings are essential.

$20 dinner plus Gold Coin donation for the speaker

The View Club supports The Smith Family, a charity dedicated to supporting families in financial crisis.

Cinema, University of Melbourne, Hawthorn Campus

442 Auburn Road, Hawthorn

In this half day seminar, sleep disorder in autism expert, Dr Amanda Richdale, will discuss sleep difficulties common to children with an ASD.

Parents of children with an ASD commonly report that their child has sleep difficulties. Sleep problems need to be understood within the framework of typical sleep development. This seminar will consider typical sleep development in children and adolescents including sleep structure, developmental changes in sleep across childhood and adolescence, and common sleep problems and their potential to impact on the child and his family. Sleep development, and sleep problems and their impact in children with an autism spectrum disorder will be discussed within this framework. How to promote good sleep habits and patterns, and approaches to interventions including seeking professional advice will be covered. For more information, click here.

This seminar will be of interest to parents and carers of children with an autism spectrum disorder aged 2 to 18 years.

Cinema, University of Melbourne, Hawthorn Campus

442 Auburn Road, Hawthorn

In this half day seminar, sleep disorder in autism expert, Dr Amanda Richdale, will discuss sleep difficulties common to children with an ASD.

Sleep difficulties commonly occur in children with an ASD and can affect their learning and daytime functioning. In this half-day seminar, Dr Richdale will discuss these problems within the framework of typical sleep development.

Sleeping problems in children with ASDs need to be understood within the framework of typical sleep development. This seminar will consider typical sleep development in children and adolescents including sleep structure, developmental changes in sleep across childhood and adolescence, and common sleep problems and their potential to impact on the children’s daytime learning and behaviour. Sleep development, and sleep problems and their impact in children with an ASD will be discussed within this framework. Assisting parents to promote good sleep habits and patterns, and approaches to interventions that parents can implement with professional support will be covered.

This seminar will be of interest to health professionals, teachers and professionals who work with children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder and their families

Hemisphere Conference Centre

488 South Road, Moorabbin 3189

Donna Williams will present: Clashing Normalities; An exploration of disability, diversity and inclusion as part of ACE Big Day Out hosted by Southern Metropolitan Learning Community

Pam Gates 9558 1866

dvnc@satlink.com.au

Keilor RSL

12-22 Hoffmans Road, Essendon

Special Olympics Victoria – Melbourne West Region - invites you to attend our Trivia night. This fundraising night will be fun for all your family and friends. On the evening we will test your knowledge and ensure great laughs with our trivia competition and silent auction with plenty of exciting items to choose from. We will also have raffles and fun games for all.  

Don’t miss out on this wonderful fundraising night. You will not only help raise money to support our athletes, but you could go home with an auction item or wonderful raffle prize. This is also a great function for an opportunity to meet other families within Melbourne West.

Click here for more information.

Cheryl Whiteley 9389 2892 by 30th May

cheryl.whiteley@csl.com.au

For payment options, click here.

$10 (to be paid before 15th June)

Neat casual dress - closed shoes, no t-shirts, no hats

Meals available from 7 - 7.30pm fromt he bistro at your expense, and beverages at the RSL's great prices

School Hall, Ormond Primary School

Wheatley Road, Ormond

Born in 1963, thought deaf and assessed as psychotic at the age of two, Donna Williams acquired functional speech in late childhood and was diagnosed with autism in her 20’s.  Her first book “Nobody Nowhere” was the first of two international best sellers (now set to become a film). She became the author of ten books, an artist and musician, an international public speaker, qualified teacher and professional autism consultant since 1996. Drawing on her own life and the experience of having worked with hundreds of children and adults on the autism spectrum, Donna will provide a fascinating insight into the world of Autism as someone who has actually been there.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
“The "feel good" feeling you get after the event is amazing. My manager found it the best lecture she had attended in her whole career!”
“Never have I sat through a seminar that held me captivated the entire time. Donna is an expert on the subject and if you think you know a lot about Autism then think again”.
“Donna Williams' talks are spell-blindingly powerful. I regard her as the preeminent speaker on autism, from a powerful inside-out perspective”.
“Donna shares her knowledge with her audience in a way which makes it one to one, when in a room of hundreds. I would recommend her as a 'never to be missed' speaker”.

Contact 9578 1327

As above.

$5

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf

A one day workshop on Social Thinking concepts and cognitive based treatment strategies for anyone interested in the high functioning end of the Autism Spectrum, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD or any other from of social cognitive deficit.

AT THE WORKSHOP: Participants will learn Michelle's ILAUGH model to explain social cognition and will gain an understanding of Michelle's perspective taking scale that facilitates a realistic assessment of the needs and potential capabilities of people with a social cognitive deficit. Participants will learn cognitive based functional treatment strategies they can use either at school, at home, in clicinal practice or in other settings.

Social Inclusion Australia 0420 531 645

socialinclusionaustralia@gmail.com

As above

Autism Victoria

24 Drummond Street, Carlton

Autism Victoria invites you to an information session on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Anxiety management.

Sofia Neves 03 9657 1616

counsellor2@autismvictoria.org.au

As above

ABIA, Suite 2

437 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills

10am - 12 noon (Parent Sessions)

4.30pm - 6.30pm (Parent & Child Sessions)

ABIA offer a six-week program that aims to assist parents of children with an ASD, aged 5-9 years, to manage with their child’s anxiety. The program includes four parent education sessions teaching skills and techniques to help their children cope with and alleviate anxiety.  The program also includes two hands-on sessions with parent and child to practice the calming activities learned in the parent sessions. 

This program is approved for Helping Children with Autism/FaHCSIA funding.

Anita O'Flynn 9830 0677

info@abia.net.au

$450 (ABIA Member)

$500 (Non-Member)

$500 (Helping Children with Autism/FaHCSIA funding)

Rydges Bell City Conference Centre, Preston, Melbourne

and nine regional locations:

- Geelong

- Warrnambool

- Ballarat

- Horsham

- Bendigo

- Mildura

- Shepparton

- Albury/Wodonga

- Traralgon

8am Registration for a 9am start both days.

Day One closes with drinks commencing at 5pm.

Day Two closes with afternoon tea at 3pm.

Autism Victoria is pleased to provide information on the Victorian Autism Conference (VAC) Promoting Positive Practice Across The Spectrum, to be held at Rydges Bell City Hotel in Preston, on Thursday the 5th and Friday the 6th of August 2010.

The Victorian Autism Conference will attract 2000 participants; 500 in metropolitan Melbourne and 1500 across regional Victoria. In a first of its kind, this two day event will be streamed live across the state to a number of ‘satellite’ centres to facilitate the participation of these regional delegates. Targeted at families, individuals and professionals with an interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the conference aims to provide practical strategies and information to enhance the quality of life of families and individuals affected by ASD.

Click here for the Conference Website

For registration enquires, please contact:

The Conference Manager

03 9363 6111
info@theconferencemanager.com.au

Standard Rates (paid after 30th June, 2010)

Melbourne Conference

$330 - Autism Victoria Members

$380 - Non-Members

$190 - Day rate (no Early Bird discounts apply)

Regional Centres

$230 - Autism Victoria Members

$280 - Non-Members

$135 - Day rate

The Bakery @ 1812 Theatre

3 Rose Street

Upper Ferntree Gully

Wednesday - Sunday 8.30pm - 11pm

Sundays: 4pm - 6.30pm

One of the most well known people with autism in the world, Donna Williams is best known as an internationally best-selling author. With 10 published books, she is also an artist, sculptor, singer-songwriter, screenwriter and public speaker. She has exhibited in New York, her work has featured in art books, magazines and newsletters around the world and sold internationally.  She shares this exhibition with her Aspie husband Chris Samuel who will have his photography on show.

admin@1812 theatre.com or 9758 3964

Free

Portable classroom, rear of Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre

20 Princes Street, Carlton North (cnr Station Street)

Born in 1963, thought deaf and assessed as psychotic at the age of two, Donna Williams acquired functional speech in late childhood and was diagnosed with autism in her 20’s.  Her first book “Nobody Nowhere” was the first of two international best sellers (now set to become a film). She became the author of ten books, an artist and musician, an international public speaker, qualified teacher and professional autism consultant since 1996. Drawing on her own life and the experience of having worked with hundreds of children and adults on the autism spectrum, Donna will provide a fascinating insight into the world of Autism as someone who has actually been there.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
“The "feel good" feeling you get after the event is amazing. My manager found it the best lecture she had attended in her whole career!”
“Never have I sat through a seminar that held me captivated the entire time. Donna is an expert on the subject and if you think you know a lot about Autism then think again”.
“Donna Williams' talks are spell-blindingly powerful. I regard her as the preeminent speaker on autism, from a powerful inside-out perspective”.
“Donna shares her knowledge with her audience in a way which makes it one to one, when in a room of hundreds. I would recommend her as a 'never to be missed' speaker”.

bookings@donnawilliams.net

As above.

$5

FOR FAMILIES WHO LIVE IN THE EASTERN SUBURBS OF MELBOURNE

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for families who are interested in assisting their family member with a disability to plan for and pursue unique lifestyle options that include natural pathways, valued roles and contribution to the community. At this retreat you will meet and hear from other families about the practical ways they have created a vision for a meaningful life and how they made it a reality. You will also have the opportunity to create new friendships for mutual support. This weekend has been developed in response to families who have not found congregate, group, segregated or “specialised” services suitable to

the needs and aspirations of their family member with a disability..

Laura Sykes 9739 8333

laura.sykes@plavic.net.au

Relationships are one of the most crucial factors in a human being’s life. Research has shown that relationships significantly contribute to a person’s wellbeing. For people who have a disability and other people who have been marginalised and devalued by society, developing relationships is a critical issue. Although recognising the need for mutually reciprocal relationships we often struggle with how we might assist people with a disability and other marginalised people to nature and sustain relationships particularly with other community members.

This workshop will assist participants to:

• Think about how relationships start, develop and grow
• The challenges that present themselves when facilitating contacts and relationships between people who are excluded and those who are part of mainstream society
• How to use natural pathways that exist in our society for developing relationships for all people

This workshop will be of interested to people with a disability, mental illness or other vulnerabilities, families, advocates and professionals.

Laura Sykes 9739 8333

laura.sykes@plavic.net.au

Over the years Personalised Lifestyle Assistance (PLA) has worked alongside many individuals with disabilities and families who have created individualised lifestyle arrangements that are typical of other citizens and authentically socially inclusive. Through the telling of their story, many individuals and families have gone on to inspire and mentor many other people.

This is a unique opportunity designed to work intensely with a small group of people with a disability and families in the Eastern Region of Melbourne who express an active interest in taking up leadership roles that aim to inspire and mentor other people and families to create good lifestyles that are authentically socially inclusive, individualised and personally meaningful. This workshop also offers a chance for families and individuals to renew and sustain their advocacy efforts for inclusion over time.

Laura Sykes 9739 8333

laura.sykes@plavic.net.au

ABIA

Suite 2, 437 Canterbury Road

Surrey Hills

ABIA is pleased to offer a 3-day training program which has been specifically designed to equip teachers and integration aides to meet the challenges of teaching children with ASD.  This program includes a range of practical strategies for help these children adapt to classroom and playground environments and is highly recommended for anyone wishing to develop their teaching and inclusion skills. For more information, click here.

Anita O'Flynn 9830 0677

info@abia.net.au

Click here for a registration form

$630 (ABIA member)

$680 (Non-member)

Learning Centre

44 Birdwood Street

Box Hill South 3128

This free night will offer a chance for all to discuss the transition from Kinder to Primary School in 2011.

It will be an Open Forum focusing on:

• What questions do I need to ask?
• Applying for funding: What you need to know (even if you have already applied)
• How is the funding used?
• Support Options

Anne Robins

info@autismaction.com.au

Click here to register. Bookings are essential for this free workshop.

FREE

Learning Centre

44 Birdwood Street

Box Hill South 3128

Great workshop to help parents clarify the difference between using visuals to encourage communication and reduce ‘meltdowns.’

• What is the difference between receptive and expressive
• Using visuals to reduce your child’s ‘meltdowns’
• Demonstration on how to use visuals to teach your child to :

- Play

- Wait

- Social Skills

- Life Skills eg toilet training, dressing etc

- Communication

• How to set up, then use the visuals in kinder/home/class

Autism Action prefers to run small group workshops (max of 20 people) to ensure all participants will be able to receive individual feedback for their own circumstance.

Anne Robins

info@autismaction.com.au

Click here to register.

$75

Autism Partnership

53 Fletcher Street, Essendon

Click here for event details.

Amy Evans (03) 9375 2469 amy.evans@autismpartnership.com.au

Complete registration form

$120 per person

This fee can be claimed through the FaHCSIA funding.

Hemisphere Conference Centre

488 South Road Moorabbin

Following her successful Australian tour in 2009, Carol Gray (creator of Social Stories) is returning in August to present "Solving the Social Equation in ASD", one of two sessions she is bringing to Melbourne. She will also be presenting sessions in Perth and Canberra.

Carol's workshops are fun and fast paced, full of many examples and positive practical ideas. Her latest Social Stories book has just been published and this edition includes a CD with PDF and Word files of each Social Story. No more photocopying! And you can customize each story with your own details and photos. Copies of this book and all Carol's other books will be available to purchase at each session from Resources at Hand booksellers. For more information, click here.

Contact Autism Noticeboard 0450 008 501 or email office@autismnoticeboard.com.au

For more details and a registration form go to the Events page on the Autism Noticeboard.

Early Bird $179 (paid before 2nd July)

Regular $199 (paid after 2nd July)

Hemisphere Conference Centre

488 South Road Moorabbin

Following her successful Australian tour in 2009, Carol Gray (creator of Social Stories) is returning in August to present "Friendship, Bullying and People with ASD", one of two sessions she is bringing to Melbourne. She will also be presenting sessions in Perth and Canberra.

Carol's workshops are fun and fast paced, full of many examples and positive practical ideas. Her latest Social Stories book has just been published and this edition includes a CD with PDF and Word files of each Social Story. No more photocopying! And you can customize each story with your own details and photos. Copies of this book and all Carol's other books will be available to purchase at each session from Resources at Hand booksellers. For more information, click here.

Contact Autism Noticeboard 0450 008 501 or email office@autismnoticeboard.com.au

For more details and a registration form go to the Events page on the Autism Noticeboard.

Early Bird $179 (paid before 2nd July)

Regular $199 (paid after 2nd July)

Learning Centre

44 Birdwood Street

Box Hill South 3128

This workshop is aimed at giving both parents and educational professionals a greater understanding of the complex skill of handwriting and how to improve the handwriting of a child with an ASD.

This workshop will answer the following questions:

• What are pre-writing skills and how can I encourage the development of these skills?
• Why is handwriting such a complex skill?
• What are some practical tools to help a child who has issues with:

- writing motivation

- pencil grasp and pressure

- paper positioning

- writing posture

- letter and number formations

- legibility and content

• Should this child be typing instead of writing?
• Does this child need Occupational Therapy?

Autism Action prefers to run small group workshops (max of 20 people) to ensure all participants will eb able to receive individual feedback for their own circumstance.

Anne Robins

info@autismaction.com.au

Click here to register.

$75

SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre

17-21 High Street, Drysdale

Anne Brackley coordinator@springdale.org.au

03 5253 1960

Stag Theatre, Strathmore Community Hall

Loeman Street, Strathmore

Show 8pm - 9pm

Question Time: 9pm - 9.30pm.

A powerful one woman rock-musical both written and performed by Donna Williams, author of the international best seller, Nobody Nowhere; Autobiography of an Autistic Girl and musically supported by The Aspinauts. 

This is a unique opportunity to witness the author herself perform a story that has changed the lives of millions. Through vibrant song, characterisations, gestural signing and evocative spoken word, Donna takes us on a journey from a seemingly deaf, psychotic, 'feral' child to life on the streets and ultimately on to her fight for equality among others.  

Enquiries: bookings@donnawilliams.net

Learning Centre

44 Birdwood Street

Box Hill South 3128

Does your child:

• Never seem able to sit still
• Have difficulty concentrating on tasks or play activities
• Have melt-downs that are difficult to recover from
• Seem tired and disinterested in activities

This workshop will:

• Help you understand sensory processing is and how it affects your unique child
• Provide you with realistic practical strategies to manage your child’s sensory needs throughout the day
• Improve behaviour, concentration and skills

Anne Robins

info@autismaction.com.au

Click here to register.

$75

Living Learning Centre

6B Henry Street, Pakenham

Born in 1963, thought deaf and assessed as psychotic at the age of two, Donna Williams acquired functional speech in late childhood and was diagnosed with autism in her 20’s.  Her first book “Nobody Nowhere” was the first of two international best sellers (now set to become a film). She became the author of ten books, an artist and musician, an international public speaker, qualified teacher and professional autism consultant since 1996. Drawing on her own life and the experience of having worked with hundreds of children and adults on the autism spectrum, Donna will provide a fascinating insight into the world of Autism as someone who has actually been there.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
“The "feel good" feeling you get after the event is amazing. My manager found it the best lecture she had attended in her whole career!”
“Never have I sat through a seminar that held me captivated the entire time. Donna is an expert on the subject and if you think you know a lot about Autism then think again”.
“Donna Williams' talks are spell-blindingly powerful. I regard her as the preeminent speaker on autism, from a powerful inside-out perspective”.
“Donna shares her knowledge with her audience in a way which makes it one to one, when in a room of hundreds. I would recommend her as a 'never to be missed' speaker”.

bookings@donnawilliams.net

As above.

$5