Step Ahead Programme.

A huge body of evidence suggests that the greatest gains can be made through intensive early intervention. 

Yet, children here in Ireland with a suspected autism spectrum disorder could spend several months awaiting diagnostic assessment, and wait an additional several months to access the necessary services. 

This delay results in a significant loss of opportunity during the most critical and formative years.

Step Ahead aims to fast-track families to intervention by providing a short-term interdisciplinary programme available to families of children newly diagnosed.

The aim is to bridge the existing gap between diagnosis and service delivery through direct intervention and parent support. This pilot project will be independently evaluated across the 2015-16 academic year.

 

Programme Description.

Who can participate?

Any child up to the age of 5 diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition can apply. Parents or caregivers must be able to commute to the Irish Autism Action Centre in Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath twice per week for the duration of the programme, and be willing to participate in parent training.

Please be aware that as a pilot project, this programme is presently being evaluated on a small scale and space is limited.

What is the cost to parents?

This pilot project is being supported in part by the American Ireland fund and funds raised through Early Childhood Ireland’s National PJ day. There is presently no fee for parents to enroll their children in the programme.

How is the programme delivered?

Children enrolled in the programme have access to a full multi-disciplinary team to include behavioural support, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

Individualised goals and interventions are devised in collaboration with the parents, with input from any or all members of the team as appropriate.

Children attend two, 2-hour sessions a week for 14 weeks. Interventionists implement the individualised programme under the supervision of the programme coordinator, and consulting disciplines.

Parents receive at least one hour of group-based parent training and support weekly from a designated member of the team, with additional training and support provided along the way in relation to individualised goals and strategies.

What happens when the programme is finished?

Data is collected weekly on progress towards each child’s individualised goals, and summarised upon graduation.

Upon completion of the programme, parents meet with the lead therapist and receive a report outlining strategies and next steps. This can be provided to early childhood providers at the parent’s discretion.

Parents are then invited for one follow-up session with the full team 4-6 weeks after completion.

Will Step Ahead be available in other locations?

We certainly hope that other families will be able to avail of this programme but must focus on first evaluating and refining our procedures, to ensure that families are accessing services of the highest quality.

What are parents saying about the programme? 

‘I will be eternally appreciative of the time and attention the staff of IAA have given my son. The quality of intervention was exemplary and I know how lucky he was to be a part of the programme.’

‘The team were very focused and keen to help the kids in every way. Their expertise was very evident and I could see progress as each week went by’

‘This intense therapy really helps them and is a great support for parents and their teachers. Thank you to IAA for an excellent programme.’