Who Can attend?
- Autistic young people aged between 10 to 13.
- Autistic young people who know they are Autistic.
- Self identified or formally identified Autistic young people.
- A support person(s) for the Autistic young person is welcome to attend if they would like (e.g. caregiver, mum or dad, sibling, family member, support worker) - prior notice is required so other attendees know what to expect.
Location:
- Currambine Community Centre - 64 Delamere Ave, Currambine WA 6028.
Meeting room.
Date and Time:
- 10 am - 11.15 am.
- Pick up is at 11.10am - to allow time for your young person to show off their art.
- Monday Mornings on the 13th & 20th of January 2025.
- You can attend 1 or both sessions. Attending all sessions may allow your young person the time they may need to feel comfortable in the setting and form friendships.
Price:
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$60 per session.
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Can be paid by cash, card or invoice.
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You can pay privately, or with your child's NDIS plan if their "Capacity building" budget is "self managed" or "plan managed".
If claiming under a NDIS plan it can be claimed under any of these options:
- "Capacity Building Supports” > “Improved Daily Living” > "01_665_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training Supports - Speech Pathologist".
- "Core" > "Assistance to Access Community, Social and Recreational Activities" - “04_102_0136_6_1 Group Activities - Standard - Weekday Daytime"
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Payment is required on the day of the session.
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If you are plan managed, you can discuss with your plan manager how to be reimbursed for the group cost from the NDIS plan.
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Cost for cancellations made within 6 days of the event is 50% of scheduled cost - $30.
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If you will be attending multiple sessions, payment must be received prior to the next session.
What will it involve?
- Hanging out with other Autistic kids in an environment which is respectful to preferences in how each person chooses to engage (no pressure to socialise, respecting each other's communication preferences, and accessing sensory tools as needed).
- Choice to draw, colour in, paint (water colours or acyclic paint), or make a poster - all materials provided.
- Choice to make art using the neurodivergent symbol or Autistic symbols, making a picture of your rainbow brain, anything around special interests, or anything they want.
Why am I offering this?
- I love art and know lots of Autistic kids who love art too. Doing art when I was young helped me regulate and express myself.
- It's important for Autistic kids to hang out with other Autistic kids who "get it" in an accommodating environment so they can explore their identity and learn about being apart of the Autistic community.
Is this Art therapy?
- This is NOT art therapy directed by an art therapist!
- It IS just using the incidental therapeutic benefit of art as a form of expression.
What will my Autistic young person get out of this group?
What are the benefits?
Attendees in this group will have the chance for:
- Self Expression and Emotional Regulation - Engaging in art allows for creative expression to explore identity, explore emotions, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Sense of Belonging - This will be a space where Autistic kids can connect with others who understand their experiences. Building relationships with peers who "get it" fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance within the Autistic community.
- Validation and Empowerment - Sharing experiences and creating art together will validate identities and empower them to embrace neurodiversity proudly.
- Chance to socialise in an accommodating setting - While there will be no pressure to socialise, some may find this low pressure environment and chance for parallel play as an easier way to make connections.
- Peer support and a safe space.
- Chance for creative expression - exploring art mediums may spark new interests or grow existing passions. Art can be a lifelong journey.
What Accommodations and Supports will be available?
- Social story on what to expect before hand, including pictures of the room, and specific directions on how to get there.
- Full choice and control on what art to do in session.
- Visual timer to show session length.
- Quiet area in room adjacent with comfortable bean bag, headphones, soft lights and fidgets.
- Natural lighting and soft lamps only - dimmed as preferred by the attendees.
- Colour dot sticker system - Green for if you want to chat, orange if you are low energy and might need help to chat, and red if you don't want to chat.
- Names and information about who the other attendees will be and what their interests are in advance.
- Fidget tools accessible throughout.
- Visuals on ideas on things to make, and visual directions.
- Communication boards.
- Visual communication cards to use if they need a break, need to ask for a accommodation or anything else.
- Group capped at 4 attendees (with additional caregivers / support persons attending as required).