AUTISM Spectrum Disorder currently affects 1 in 100 Aussie kids, but vital professional help for young children diagnosed with this developmental condition is severely limited.
Little Learners is Melbourne’s only centre-based intervention program for children with autism. Each week the Maidstone centre provides two dozen pre-school aged children with 20-hours of specialised, one-on-one behavioural therapy.
Using a scientifically validated approach involving interactive games and activities, the team of psychologists and learning specialists work with each child to increase communication and socialisation and reduce behavioural compulsions during the important early stages of their development.
For the vivacious little learners the program just seems like a whole lot of fun, but the lessons will help ensure these kids lead much more successful, fulfilling and independent lives.
Eleani Purcell visited the centre to learn a little more.
