Families navigating a child’s recent diagnosis of autism or disability, or who are in the process of obtaining a diagnosis for their child, have a new avenue of support thanks to Lutheran Care.
The team at Elcies Disability Care – Lutheran Care’s registered NDIS service – is excited to launch its new Early Intervention Group this month and is inviting interested families to come along to Meet & Greet ahead of the group launch, to find out more.
The Early Intervention Group has been specifically designed to provide tailored support to both the children and their parents or carers respectively.
Led by our Principal Clinical Lead, Bianca Dubois and Clinical Lead Tamsin, the 10-week program comprises weekly two-hour small group sessions at Edwardstown Baptist Church.
“For many of our clients, we understand how important it is for parents, caregivers and children to receive pivotal strategies and support during the early stages of receiving and understanding a diagnosis,” said Principal Clinical Lead Bianca Dubois.
“Acquired through many years of experience in working with individuals and families with a range of disabilities, we are thrilled to offer this 10-week program utilising proven methods with confidence.”
During the sessions, one of our skilled Elcies Disability Care practitioners and support staff will work with the children in a group environment, while the Principal or Clinical Lead facilitates the parent/carer group. Discussion for parents/caregivers will focus on the eight key domains that young people with autism or disability can sometimes find difficult.
Topics covered will include:
- Toileting programs and troubleshooting
- Speech and language development
- Supporting children through big feelings
- Creating schedules and other visual aids
- Connection with peers and friendships.
The group will also provide the opportunity for parents/caregivers to meet others who are experiencing similar challenges, while learning strategies, receiving advice and being guided by our clinical leadership team.
“Our aim is that this program and group work can assist children and support families to navigate through this crucial stage whilst also offering caregivers guidance and support from both our team and peers during a time that can be challenging and isolating,” Bianca added.
Our Elcies Disability Care team will hold a free ‘Meet & Greet’ session on Wednesday, 12 July for families to meet the team and other families before booking into the ongoing sessions commencing 26 July.
The Meet & Greet is open to anyone interested in the group and will run from 10am-midday at Edwardstown Baptist Church.
Early Intervention Group Program Details
When: Wednesdays, 26 July 2023 – 27 September 2023 (weekly sessions)
Time: 10am – midday
Where: Edwardstown Baptist Church, 54C Dorene St, St Marys SA 5042
Program Cost: $1745.90 – can be claimed through NDIS Capacity Building Supports
Bookings: Please email EDC@lutherancare.org.au or call 1800 352 437 to register for the group.
Places are limited – maximum of 10 participants per 10 week program.
If you believe this is something that would benefit your family, please register your interest by emailing EDC@lutherancare.org.au or calling 1800 352 437.
To find out more about Elcies Disability Care visit our webpage at www.lutherancare.org.au/EDC
Elcies Disability Care is the disability services branch of Lutheran Care (Lutheran Community Care), a registered NDIS Specialist Behaviour Support Provider.