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Autism Early Learning Program
The Autism Early Learning Program is an intensive program for kindergarten-aged children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and very high needs.

What is the Autism Early Learning Program?

Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have difficulties in making sense of the world around them.

This affects their:

  • Communication, social skills and behaviour; and,
  • Ability to play and learn.

Some children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder develop obsessions and rigid routines and have great difficulty with change. They may feel overwhelmed in noisy, active environments – such as kindergarten or childcare.

The Autism Early Learning Program (AELP) is an intensive small group program for children who:

  • Have an autism diagnosis (or one pending).
  • Are 4 years of age by the 30th April in the year theyl attend AELP.
  • Have significant challenges in day to day living; and,
  • Are not attending a mainstream kindergarten program.

AELP is held in a kindergarten-like environment with a small number of children. It is a specialised program designed to provide:

  • Practical strategies for families in understanding, managing and teaching their young child.
  • Teaching in a range of functional life skills; and,
  • Peer support for families.

What happens during AELP sessions?

During AELP sessions children are assisted to do a range of physical activities to reduce their fears and broaden their experiences. They are encouraged to engage with the world around them and complete activities that require planning and concentration. Independence in daily activities such as eating, dressing and toileting is also encouraged.

Communication skills are also a focus of AELP, with children taught to use words, signs and picture symbols to interact with others. Structured social experiences are also practiced to help prepare the children to live with their families in their local community.

AELP has a high adult to child ratio and is staffed by a speech therapist, occupational therapist and/or an early intervention teacher.

Family participation is a vital aspect of AELP. This program can only be effective if families make a commitment to attend regularly and participate in planning sessions, and to ensure that their child regularly attends the program.

How do I find out more?

For more information about AELP contact the Gateways Early Childhood Intervention Services Manager on 5221 2984 or via Contact Us.

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HAPI faces at awards launch

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OUR PROGRAMS

Early Days Workshops

Early Days Workshops support carers of children, aged six years and less, who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder or are undergoing asessment, by giving them information and strategies to support their child's development every day.
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Positive Partnerships

Workshops and information sessions for parents or carers of school-aged children, who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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The Strengthening Parent Support Program

Providing information and support to families with children with a disability or additional need in the Barwon South West Region.
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'Helping Children with Autism' services provided by Gateways

Gateways is an approved 'Helping Children with Autism' provider of Early Intervention Services. See a complete list of the services Gateways provides under this Federal Government initiative.
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Autism Playgroups

Autism Playgroups are designed for families of children, who have recently received a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder and are not yet old enough to attend kindergarten.
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Autism Early Learning Program

The Autism Early Learning Program is an intensive program for kindergarten-aged children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and very high needs.
> Read More.

Short Term Case Management

Case managers help families with children aged between nine and 18-years with an Autism Spectrum Disorder access information and resources.
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Parent to Parent Support

Families of children with a disability/additional needs often say that their most effective source of information is other families in the same situation.
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Autism Assessments

Gateways has an expert team that conducts Autism Assessments, which diagnose children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Early Intervention Services

Gateways Early Childhood Intervention Services are provided to children with developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder or a diagnosed disability, and their families.
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Kindergarten Inclusion Support Service

The Kindergarten Inclusion Support Services Program provides supplementary support to children with severe disabilities in State-funded Kindergarten programs.
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Transition Case Management

Transition Case Management provides short term help to families with a child, who is making the important transition from the Gateways Early Childhood Intervention Program to school age services.
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