Autism Connect Therapy Centre

30/01/2023

28/10/2022

Dear Autism Connect family and friends

I am eligible to become part of the Autism South Africa NEC, but I need your assistance. Please cast your vote here.
There are, however, some requirements to vote that i have outlined below.
To be eligible to vote you must be a paid-up member of Autism SA - there is time for you to sign up for membership.
Individual membership is only R50/pp and gives you access to vote.
The Organisational membership is R200 P/A
Kind regards,
Nicolette Ripepi

VOTE FOR ME TO BECOME PART OF THE AUTISM SOUTH AFRICA NEC
The NEC Elections are online, and will close at 10h30 on 29 October 2022.

***IMPORTANT

For an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of candidates and voters, please visit www.autismsouthafrica.org to access the constitution of Autism SA.

Members may vote online from the date of receiving this notice up until Saturday 29 October 2022, at 10h30 sharp.

The link to the online ballot is below:
https://forms.gle/VQbhQ2ro4M3bsPcv8 .

Each member must only submit ONE online ballot form, which will be monitored.
You can vote for 6 (SIX) NEC members on your ballot.

Votes will be electronically tallied on the morning of 29 October 2022 during the AGM.

05/10/2022

As we commemorate Teachers Day, I want to take the time out to wish this phenomenal woman Ursula Smith Pietersen a Happy Teachers Day! I can, say alot of you by the person you are to me. A good support for Autism Connect form the time you joined us in 2014. You are the most kindhearted, passionate educator by heart. We acknowledge your hardwork you do behind the scene. AC Management, the Board and support Staff value your immense contribution you bring to AC the organisation and the learners you so passionately teach inspire and impact on a daily basis. You certainly are my right hand. Mrs Pietersen aka Ursh, we salute you today. Woman with many talent. From Nicolette, Board and Staff at AC

27/09/2022

22/09/2022

IMPORTANT POST: Autism Connect is looking for Applicants on its Board of governance. All information on flyer. Please feel free to share post. Thank you.🌻

24/08/2022

our outdoor therapeutic equipment. Crafted and designed by Andreas Scwab. Our kiddies thoroughly enjoys it

19/08/2022

EXTRACTS from the Kids Master skills OT FB page

As an OT, I have been supporting autistic children for years, in schools, clinics, and private homes. Through Kids Master Skills and through my webinars, I share research and ideas for neurodiversity-affirming practice. I get several phone calls weekly and even more DMs on Facebook.

What amazes me (and completely doesn't amaze me) is how many parents share that their very young autistic child (4 to 6 years old) is presenting with aggressive behavior. This is often a sign of frustration. Usually what follows almost immediately is that their child is receiving ABA therapy and has been receiving ABA, usually 20 to 40 hours weekly, for well over a year.

Their next question is usually, "What can we do to help with the aggression?"

My advice has evolved over time as I learn more about the impact ABA has on any children and how we should instead be considering a child’s underlying skills and unique neurology - a post for another day. What I DO recommend is the following:

1- Stop ABA

2- Ensure the child has access to an effective communication system and provide the child the training and practice they need to use this modality (or more likely modalities)

3- Complete a comprehensive evaluation (including motor skills and motor planning assessments, a sensory profile, and an interest inventory) through your child's occupational therapist

4- Meet with your child's OT for an uninterrupted hour to review scoring from the evaluation and the sensory profile measure findings, then identify sensory over- and under-responsiveness

5- Identify sensory supports that are necessary in order for this child to feel comfortable and self-regulated within all relevant settings in their life (home, school, community, friends' homes, Grandma's house, the park). Identify motor skill and motor planning challenges that may make life frustrating.

6- Work with your child to better understand how an adult's affect and communication style can support regulation and relationship so the child feels safe

These are all vital and can be implemented via your child's OT.

This is cursory. But tell me, what am I missing?

What else do you feel is vital to support our young autistic children?

16/08/2022

therapy sessions with Kaylee the OT
Kiddos simply loves the new set up.

15/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/194330013986744/posts/5401536829932677/

04/07/2022

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=5411350838902840&id=460698740634766

MONDAY MOTIVATION: “Every day, in a 100 small ways, our children ask, ‘Do you hear me? Do you see me? Do I matter?’ Their behavior often reflects our response.” ~ L.R. Knost