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Autism is a relatively newly identified disability, it was recognized as a distinct syndrome by an American psychologist, Leo Kanner in 1943. Initially there was only academic interest in the condition, however, service provision development began during the late 1950's in Europe and the U.S.A. Within Victoria no services were provided specifically for children with Autism until 1968.
Autism is a very rare condition, it occurs in approximately 4 to 5 per 10,000 children.(although some recent studies indicate this may be higher, 13-15 per 10,000 have classic Autism or an Autism related disorder. but these are yet to be fully verified). It occurs in males 4 times more frequently than in females. People with Autism may have average or above average intellectual abilities, but, in the majority of cases there is a degree of intellectual impairment, in many cases this is severe.
The A.C.R.&R.S.V.Inc. support individuals who display Autism spectrum disorders or Pervasive Developmental Disorders (D.S.M. - iv classification) such as Aspergers syndrome and others who display the main characteristics of Autism.
People with Autism have 3 main problems over and above that of any intellectual disability, these are:-
a) pervasive difficulties in the area of understanding and coping with interpersonal relationships and social ineractions
b) impairment in the development, use and understanding of all forms of communication including verbal, gestural, facial expression and touch, in fact 50% of people with autism never develop any meaningful speech
c) impaired ability to cope with change in the persons environment, routine or surroundings
Together with these impairments there are often present behavioural difficulties and abnormal sensory responses. Generally there is no typical physical disability associated with autism. Epilepsy occurs in approximately 20% of clients.
Although much research has been carried out into the causes of autism no answers have yet been forthcoming. Also over the years many varied 'cures' have been promoted, none have been proved to be successful by independent research. At present the most appropriate assistance that can be given to Individuals who display autistic characteristics is the implementation of a carefully developed and structured behaviourally based educational program. Research has shown that this approach has given the best results in the improvement of the persons skill development, social competencies and personal dignity.
In 1978 parents and interested professionals began to meet to discuss the future for autistic children as they grew into adolescents and adults. To that time no services had been developed for this older group as the question of what happened to autistic children when they grew-up had not been addressed. This was also a time when research was showing that autism was a lifelong disability, not as previously thought by many professionals, a problem limited to the childhood years.
Since its inception, the overall aims of the Society have not changed. The type of service which has evolved however is a reflection on the ability of the Society to meet the needs of it's target population rather than simply provide a service and have clients fit into what it initially considered the area of need.
The Mission Statement of the Society expresses that the services provide programs and support for clients to enable them to:-
The Society is organized and run by a Committee of Management (C.O.M.), the Director of the service is directly accountable to the C.O.M., and the staff are accountable to the C.O.M. via the Director. The Committee is an Incorporated Body that has the usual commitments to Government Departments in regard to meetings, auditing of it's finances and other related legal requirements.
The C.O.M. and the Director are in constant contact with relevant Government bodies and formally report to these departments on the development and effectiveness of the programs and service on a regular basis.
The Society is an affiliate of the Autism Victoria and is represented on all Committees that plan services and develop policy relating to people with Autism spectrum disorder
The Society is also fortunate in having a voluntary Professional Advisory Panel consisting of 4 highly qualified and experienced professionals who meet monthly with the Director to discuss the progress of clients and review the development of the service. This panel provides an advisory role to the C.O.M.
The ACR &RSV Inc. operates eight main services. Four Adult Training and Support services, Alpha Terrace, Alpha West, Alpha North, Wickham Continuing Development Program, also an Information and consultancy service, Alpha employment service, Alpha prevocational program and operates two community group accommodation units. Staffing resources are used flexibly depending upon the needs of the clients and the demand for services at any given time.
The Adult Training and Support services are intensive, structured programs aimed at clients In this program we concentrate on the development of appropriate interpersonal, social and communication skills as well as assisting the client to develop community access abilities,independent living skills,recreation and leisure options and vocational training.
The Prevocational service is designed to provide individually designed programs with an emphasis on the return to, or placement at suitable generic service/s or work options at the earliest appropriate date. This program is currently in the process of accreditation as a work skills course.
The information/consultancy service is designed to assist people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, who for a variety of reasons are experiencing difficulties in their current setting. The consultancy service is designed to assist in instances where specialized one-off assistance is assessed as being most appropriate for the client or for parents or professionals requesting support.
The consultancy service may be called upon to assess clients programs, give opinions on the suitability of intervention strategies, provide information relating to services, give workshops or lectures on autism, behaviour management or other related topics, advocacy and a variety of other roles as requested.
Alpha Employment Service assists individuals to access and maintain open employment. Support is supplied as required. This service also provides education to management and co-workers.
The Society's role is not only to provide direct support to individuals with Autism and his/her family but also the education of those professionals wanting assistance.
The Society in looking to the future sees a number of needed options that it could develop. Those that have been considered at this point are:-
a) the extension of the consultancy program into country or other areas
b) expansion of post school services in other regions
c) recreation support
The Society is actively working toward these identified areas of need gaining the support required for them to become operative.
People with Autism Spectrum Disorders can find life a very daunting experience. We hope, through our work, to maximise their opportunities and enjoyment.
Support for the client, information for the public, skills enhancement for staff, policy development for Government and the provision of a range of services designed to fulfil the philosophy of our Service are, we believe, the most productive goals for The Autistic Citizens' Residential and Resources Society of Victoria to pursue at present.
For more information on any of our services contact A.C.R & R.S.V Inc. Alpha Services.