Neuro-affirmative practice for Autistic children and youth

To achieve the full development potential of South Australia's children and adolescents.HDA is an independent non-partisan organisation that encourages the use of evidence-based policy along with universal, targeted and clinical interventions designed to maximise the developmental potential of infants, children, adolescents and families in South Australia.HDA is funded and supported by the Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation, University of Adelaide (Robinson Research Institute), University of South Australia, Flinders University, the Department for Education, the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (Women and Kids), Department of Human Services, Department for Child Protection, and Novita.

Healthy Development Adelaide (HDA)

Please join us for this Healthy Development Adelaide (HDA) and Novita forum. This event is open to everyone to attend.

The Braggs Building, Lecture Theatre/room G60 (ground floor)

Best practice approaches supporting neurodiversity (and autism specifically) have undertaken significant change in recent times. The Autism and Autistic community are informing how we all work together to achieve goals and outcomes. This is particularly applicable to Autistic and Neurodivergent children and young people. With recent government policy initiatives and practices, the time to review and adapt the way we work with communities is now!Novita have embraced this movement and are driving key practices in collaboration with Autism Level UP. This session will share worldwide changes to supports through the co-design of practices, and the learnings within the implementation of the SCERTS model at Novita. We will also address early stories of practice change and the outcomes for autistic children and families. OUR SPEAKERSDr Amy Laurent, Ph.D., OTR/L, Developmental Psychologist / Registered Occupational Therapist and Dr Jacquelyn Fede, Autistic Self-Advocate, Developmental Psychologist and Program EvaluatorWorldwide movements: Neuro-affirmative practice (video presentation)Based in the US, Amy and Jacqueline, through their work at Autism Level UP have been instrumental in supporting worldwide practice change. In this presentation they will address the current worldwide cultural shift within supports for (and with) autism and autistic communities.Amy is also the co-director and co-founder of Autism Level UP!, a neurodiverse partnership aiming to provide accessible resources, consultation, training and services that are informed by and developed in collaboration with the autistic community.Jacquelyn research interests include immigration policy, autism, and community engagement. She uses her experience to mentor other autistics and to help educate others about autism through lecturing, blogging and consulting on evaluation projects. A full scholarship Division I athlete in college, Jacquelyn continues to meet her sensory needs by seeking extreme physical activity. She also enjoys the use of creativity and art for expressionPenny Miller, Practice Lead Neurodevelopmental, NovitaOrganisational approaches: Implementation of the SCERTS model into practiceNovita has embraced diversity through the implementation of the SCERTS model, in collaboration with Autism Level UP. Penny will describe the implementation of SCERTS, including key learnings and outcomes. Penny presents with experience as a speech pathologist, early intervention key worker and has a particular passion for inclusion. Her current role oversees quality clinical practice and innovative service development as well as providing guidance to clinical learning programs, together with the Practice Lead team. An ally for all autistic and neurodivergent voices, Penny is committed to the co-design of quality supports for the autistic and autism community.Rebecca Milton, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, NovitaEmbracing voices: Stories of ImpactUnderstanding the impact of SCERTS through autistic voices is a key measure of success. Together with the SCERTS mentor team, Rebecca will share individual stories of what neuro-affirmative practices mean for individuals and communities.Rebecca has worked proactively to support neuro-affirmative, strength based principles into every interaction. A key member of the leadership team and a SCERTS mentor, Rebecca supports therapists, families, educators and most importantly individuals to embrace neurodiversity and create opportunities for all. OUR CHAIRPetr Prasil, Manager, Research and Development, NovitaOther event information:Networking and light refreshments will follow the session from 6.30pm.Open to everyone to attend from researchers, students, government, health services and the general community.

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