The Therapy team at JSA works collaboratively in classrooms, and consultatively with teaching staff. Therapy at JSA is integrated into our educational model. We provide interventions that maximise students’ access to, participation in and success with learning activities. We focus on differentiation and supporting of tasks for individuals with autism.
We work closely in the classrooms with teachers and Education Support staff to deliver intervention to our students. This means we consult with teachers to support their practice, work alongside teachers to deliver the teaching program, and sometimes work directly with students in small groups. We provide professional development to staff across the school on therapeutic strategies and interventions to support students with autism. We can also liaise with external therapists through Care Team Meetings to align therapeutic supports for our students.
The therapists provide consultation and intervention to address the needs of individuals with autism in areas such as communication, literacy, sensory and emotional regulation, and play skills. We also address student needs in eating, drinking, personal grooming and hygiene and other daily living skills.
The Speech Pathology team at Jacana School for Autism works closely with students, families and all staff to support in the following areas:
- Understanding and using language to communicate
- Supporting staff and students to use various modes of Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) such as Proloquo2Go, TD Snap, LAMP, TouchChat, key word sign, low tech visual supports, etc.
- Literacy (including early literacy skills)
- Developmental play and social skills
- Mealtime support
- Social communication
The Occupational Therapy team at Jacana School for Autism works to maximise student engagement, participation and promote independence in all aspects of their school life.
The Occupational Therapists at JSA support with:
- Activities of daily living, including personal care and toileting
- Eating and exposure to diversify students’ tolerance of foods through the Yummy Bites program
- Play and social skills, such as the Playground Buddies Program
- Emotional and sensory regulation
- Participation in gross and fine motor activities, such as training staff to use the OT Rooms and Climbing gym
- Classroom-based equipment prescription, including posture and seating
- Bus transitions and safety
Our Allied Health Assistant supports the Allied Health team, staff and students across the school with:
– Speech pathology and occupational therapy programs
– Resource development including management of SPOTBites resources and activities
– Upskilling of staff
Therapists at JSA are also able to liaise with your child’s external therapy supports, and assist in arranging observations from external therapists based on requests or as necessary.
