Transformative Preschool Program Offers Hope for Children with Autism
In a heartwarming story from Sydney, a unique preschool initiative is making significant strides in the lives of children with autism. Eighteen months ago, Isabella Amin faced challenges with her daughter Sienna, who is autistic. At the time, Sienna struggled with communication, social interaction, and had a limited diet. However, after enrolling her daughter in a specialized preschool run by Koorana Child and Family Services, Ms. Amin has witnessed a remarkable transformation.
A New Beginning for Sienna
Sienna, now five years old, has blossomed in her new environment. “She’s got 50 plus words, she’s trying to put sentences together … it’s a big improvement,” Ms. Amin shared, expressing her pride in her daughter’s progress. Sienna’s diet has expanded to include over 50 different foods, a significant milestone for both mother and daughter.
Koorana’s preschool is one of three mainstream early learning centers that reserve 25% of their spots for children with disabilities. This inclusive approach allows children like Sienna to learn and play alongside their non-disabled peers while receiving tailored support.
On-Site Early Intervention Services
The preschool offers a range of early intervention services, including speech, occupational, and feeding therapy, all available on-site. This integrated model not only benefits the children but also empowers parents. Educators and therapists work closely with families, providing them with the tools and knowledge to support their children’s development at home.
“They helped me find ways to understand her better, ways to support her,” Ms. Amin noted, highlighting the collaborative effort between parents and educators.
A Blueprint for Future Programs
Morgan Fitzpatrick, CEO of Koorana, believes that this model could serve as a blueprint for the recently announced Thriving Kids initiative. This program, introduced by the Australian government in August, aims to provide support for children with mild to moderate developmental delays and autism, diverting them from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The NDIS has faced scrutiny for its complexity and high costs, projected to exceed $50 billion this financial year. The Thriving Kids program seeks to offer a more streamlined approach, ensuring that children receive necessary support without the burdensome requirements of the NDIS.
Understanding the NDIS Landscape
Statistics reveal that approximately 11% of children aged five to seven are enrolled in the NDIS, with a significant portion diagnosed with autism. The program aims to address the needs of families who may not qualify for NDIS support due to various factors, including visa status or the nature of their children’s developmental delays.
Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of all families, stating, “It’s important their needs are met … they still have very genuine needs that will require ongoing support.”
Peer Support: A Lifeline for Families
The impact of community support extends beyond educational settings. Kristy Theobald, a mother from the NSW Central Coast, found solace in a peer support group run by the not-for-profit organization Belongside Families. After receiving her son Dash’s autism diagnosis, she felt overwhelmed and isolated. However, attending the support group changed everything.
“I had found my people … I no longer felt so isolated, alone and like I was doing everything wrong,” Ms. Theobald recalled. The group not only provided emotional support but also practical parenting skills and advocacy training.
Building a Community of Support
Belongside Families runs around 250 online support groups annually, reaching nearly 7,000 families. These sessions cover topics such as self-advocacy and navigating the education and medical systems. Recently, the organization has expanded to include in-person gatherings, fostering connections among families.
Stacey Touma, CEO of Belongside, noted the complexities families face when raising children with disabilities. “Parents enter this world of raising a child with disability, which is really complex in terms of the systems you need to navigate … and so many families feel overwhelmed,” she explained.
The Future of Thriving Kids
The Thriving Kids initiative is still in its developmental stages, with an advisory group of experts and stakeholders guiding its design. The group, which includes Fitzpatrick, met for the first time recently to discuss the program’s framework. A parliamentary committee is also accepting submissions from families to gather insights on their experiences with support systems.
NDIS Minister Mark Butler expressed his commitment to creating a better support system for children, stating, “I am determined to deliver a better system that will help our kids thrive.” The goal is to establish community-based supports that cater to children with mild to moderate developmental delays, autism, and disabilities.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
As the Thriving Kids initiative takes shape, the experiences of families like those of Isabella Amin and Kristy Theobald highlight the critical need for accessible, effective support systems. The success of programs like Koorana’s preschool and Belongside Families demonstrates the power of community and collaboration in fostering the development of children with autism. With continued advocacy and innovative approaches, there is hope for a brighter future for families navigating the complexities of autism and developmental delays.
