ESDM: Comprehensive Support for Children with Autism
Embracing Neurodiversity: The Holistic Approach of Victoria University’s Autism Clinic
On this episode with guests Hannah and Jessica, who share their insights on the profound work being done at Victoria University of Wellington’s autism clinic. Hannah, an educational psychologist and ESDM therapist, and Jessica, an experienced ESDM therapist, provide a deep dive into the efforts to support children with autism and their families. The conversation covers a range of topics from tailored therapy models to navigating support systems in New Zealand, emphasizing a compassionate and inclusive approach to autism care.
The Program and Its Unique Offerings
The autism clinic at Victoria University stands out for its innovative support model. The program currently compares 2 hours a week of therapy coupled with 1 hour of parental support to the traditional community support provided for children on the autism spectrum. This approach is rigorously assessed before and after the trial to measure its effectiveness, showcasing a commitment to data-driven, outcome-focused interventions.
One of the core tenets of the program is the setting and tracking of crucial goals for both the child and the parent, such as advancements in communication skills. Notably, the clinic emphasizes the generalization of improvements, ensuring that positive changes carry over beyond the clinic setting into everyday life. This goal underpins their work, striving to create lasting and meaningful impacts on the families’ lives.
Navigating the Support System in New Zealand
Families in New Zealand often encounter difficulty in navigating pathways for autism diagnosis and support, with experiences varying across different regions. During the podcast, Hannah and Jessica highlighted this challenge and introduced listeners to the app called AS Detect, which assists families in assessing whether their child shows signs of autism. Importantly, for children under 5, a formal autism diagnosis is not a prerequisite to access services provided by the clinic. This inclusive policy allows for early intervention that can be critical in addressing the child’s needs.
Holistic and Tailored Therapeutic Approaches
The clinic primarily utilizes the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a routine-based support model that has been adapted to fit the New Zealand context while respecting community rights. The discussion also covered other therapy approaches like the pediatric autism communication therapy (PACT), emphasizing the importance of tailoring therapy to meet individual needs. Hannah underscored the ethical responsibility to be transparent with families when a program isn’t effective while ensuring that different programs provide families with choices based on their values and preferences.
Adapting to the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant disruptions to routines for children and families supported by the clinic. However, Hannah and Jessica discuss their adaptive approaches, which include online learning and support groups aimed at mitigating these disruptions. This adaptability exemplifies the clinic’s commitment to providing continuous support despite external challenges.
Family-Centered and Community-Connected Services
The clinic’s support model is family-centered, recognizing the importance of considering family factors such as migration and language when deciding on suitable support. This includes providing therapy in the family’s first language and ensuring access to translation services. The clinic collaborates with other agencies, such as the Ministry of Education and the Wellington Early Intervention Trust, to align goals and support children’s needs comprehensively. They offer various therapy modes, including 1-on-1 sessions, parent coaching, and working within early childhood education (ECE) settings.
Research and Expansion Plans
Research forms a substantial part of the clinic’s work. Hannah and Jessica discussed their ongoing projects, including co-designing ECE specific supports with a particular focus on Maori children on the autism spectrum. Collaborative efforts extend to families and teachers, ensuring that support strategies are culturally respectful and effective.
Currently, the clinic services families in the wider Wellington region, supporting approximately 50 new families per year. However, there are promising plans for expansion to Christchurch and exploring online telehealth support options to reach a broader audience.
Supporting Families for the Future
Host Lloyd expressed frustration about the challenges parents face, particularly long waiting lists and inadequate support systems for autistic children. The guests acknowledged these issues and shared insightful advice for parents and caregivers. Jessica emphasized the value of finding support from understanding individuals and online groups, while Hannah appreciated the input received from professionals, parents, and autistic adults in shaping better support mechanisms.
In conclusion, the Victoria University autism clinic embodies a holistic, compassionate, and inclusive approach to supporting children with autism and their families. Through innovative therapy models, research, and a commitment to understanding and addressing community needs, the clinic serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the autism support landscape.
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Autism Clinic | Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/autism-clinic
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ASDetect:
https://asdetect.org/
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