Life after school can be a daunting prospect for those on the autism spectrum.
To address this conundrum, Griffith University’s Autism Centre of Excellence will hold a workshop this Saturday, February 15 at the Mt Gravatt campus.
Professor Jacqueline Roberts, ACE Director, said the seminar was aimed at teachers of young people with autism in high school, TAFE and University and employers and professionals involved in transition and placement to support young people with autism.
“All transitions are challenging for people on the autism spectrum and major transitions such as leaving school and starting employment and study/training are very difficult.
“Services to support people on the spectrum and their families at this time are hard to find, inconsistent and rarely tailored to the strengths and needs of the person with autism.
“In this seminar we discuss what we know about this key life stage and look at what needs to be done to improve outcomes for young people on the spectrum to enable them to reach their full potential.”
Guest speakers include:
Patricia Howlin – Emeritus Professor of Clinical Child Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, London and Professor of Developmental Disorders, University of Sydney. Her principal research interests focus on autism and other developmental disorders. She has also been involved in research on the transition to adulthood by people with autism.
Mathew Bennett — At the age of 18, 29-year-old Matthew was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Since then, Matthew has been a staunch advocate in publicly promoting the challenges people on the autism spectrum in Australia experience. Matthew will present strategies which young people on the autism spectrum can use to navigate from school to employment or higher education.
Fiona Anderson —Queensland State Manager, Every Australian Counts campaign for the NDIS. The former journalist combines her professional background with her experience as the mother of young man with disability to highlight how the new NDIS disability support system will provide real opportunities to enable people on the spectrum and their families improve their social and economic participation in everyday life.
Contact: [email protected] or phone: 3735 5640
