Additional Support Services and Early Intervention

Little Souls Taking Big Steps is a unique early intervention program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental delays which incorporates key elements of effective evidence based practice. We provide innovative, individualised early intervention programs for children aged 2 to 6 years, so they can reach their full potential.

If they can’t learn the way we teach - We teach the way they learn

NDIS

As an approved NDIS provider, Families can use their NDIS funding to access our support services.

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Early Intervention Services

One on One Support

Children participate in one on one sessions with a trained therapist targeting specific skills outlined in the child's individual program that has been developed specifically for

that child. This program is closely monitored by the Director of Therapy along with progress meetings with family and therapists that are held regularly.

Small Group Support

Small group supports are designed for children who require additional social support in their emotional regulation and the ability to participate in a group environment.

Specific programs and activities are planned to support development in these areas. These can be practised either in the main classroom or in a small group setting.

Learning Through Imitation

Children with autism often do not learn through natural, spontaneous imitation of others, so one of our first goals is to encourage them to imitate what we do. We ensure that this is a positive and enjoyable experience for the child and over time they naturally start to imitate our actions when we ask them to. This is usually the beginning of their real learning journey, as we know that all children learn so much by watching and imitating what we do in many different areas of life.

Developing Relationships

Children can develop meaningful relationships and social connections through positive interactions with educators and peers. Using highly motivating activities we can help children experience the enjoyment and positive excitement that can be obtained from social interactions. Due to the unique learning environment provided at Little Souls children have daily opportunities to interact with their typically developing peers through planned activities and play which is a key element in the development of relationships. They also have the opportunity to develop relationships with many of our therapists due to regular contact with a variety of team members.

Oral Motor & Language Development

Developing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as communicative intent are embedded in our early intervention programs. Naturalistic teaching is incorporated when developing communication in order to foster spontaneity and generalisation. Our oral motor and language development program also has been developed with the learning profile of children with ASD in mind, and we have much success by breaking each task into small steps and celebrating every effort that the children make. Children learn that although these skills can be hard, we will celebrate their efforts and as their confidence grows so will their language development.

Emotional Regulation

Children with Autism may display emotional outbursts and challenging behaviours for a number of different reasons. It is important to understand the reason for the behaviours occurring in the first place. This then guides us on how to help the children develop communication and coping strategies so that they are able to successfully navigate things that they may find challenging or anxiety inducing.

Social Development

Some children with autism are not always interested with interacting with their peers and it is therefore important to create opportunities for them to participate in activities that are enjoyable to them. Other children with autism have an interest in playing with their peers, but dont have the skills to interact successfully with them. With both groups of children, our goal is to help them be successful and enjoy their interactions with their peers by providing activities that meet the interests of the children and providing enough support so they can participate in the activities successfully together.

Other Services We Provide

Home Visits

Home visits focus on observing daily routines, identifying challenges shared by families, and developing individualised strategies. These strategies aim to support the child's inclusion in family life and promote self-help skills. We continue to offer support and consultation to parents after strategies are implemented.

Community Visits

Our Community visits support families by assisting with outings to places like hairdressers, swimming pools, and shopping centres. We help children and parents manage anxiety and provide strategies to overcome challenges in new environments.

Parent Workshops

Our Parent workshops focus on teaching the skills necessary to better understand your child and the behaviours they may be displaying. Our workshop help develop a variety of skills, that will result in their child becoming an active member of the family.

Educator Workshops

Our educator workshops offers a wide range of information which is applicable to all areas of education such as early years educators, primary school teachers and private therapists. Our workshops focus on three areas: