THE Lizard Children’s Centre in Sydney will be coming to Moree to conduct ABA therapist training on January 17 and 18.
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Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) is the only recognised best practice therapy for children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Local mother, Hollie Hughes through her organisation Country Autism Network (CAN) has arranged for Lizard to come to Moree.
Mrs Hughes’ son began a program with Lizard Centre in August 2012.
“Our son was diagnosed with Autism in April last year. After a few frantic months of trying to find therapy, everything I read and everyone I spoke to emphasised the need for the therapy to be intensive.”
“We were lucky enough to find Lizard and begin our ABA program and our son is going from strength to strength,” Mrs Hughes said.
The Federal Government’s own guidelines recommend a minimum of 20 hours per week early intervention.
“The first few months after the diagnosis were particularly difficult, and couple this with the fact that we had some people more interested in accessing our limited funding than giving us any therapy coming close to what we needed, it’s an impossible path for most families to navigate.”
“After attending the Lizard Centre, I was thrilled to find somewhere that wants to work with these beautiful children as much as possible to ensure they have the best chance of a full and independent life.” Mrs Hughes said
An ABA program like what is run by the Lizard Centre in Sydney involves 20 hours per week of therapy conducted in home, based on a program that is specifically designed for the child, plus one visit to Sydney per month to work with the Program Supervisor.
“The greatest thing about an ABA program family for families in rural and remote areas is that whilst it’s intensive, the bulk of the therapy can be done at home by a trained parent, relative or friend,” Mrs Hughes said.
In order to assist the local families and child care workers to attend the training next week, CAN is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, January 17 at Café Gali.
“CEO of Autism Awareness Australia, Nicole Rogerson will be our special guest at a cocktail party from 6pm on Thursday night. It would be great to see as many people there as possible, but for those who can’t make it, we are running a raffle with great prizes from The Moree Gallery, A Tasty Surprise and Robin’s Nest,” Mrs Hughes.
Tickets to both the function and the raffle are available at the Moree Gallery.
The function is $50 per person and $5 per raffle ticket.
For more information, contact Hollie on 0419 620 970 or hollie@hughesag.com.au
