Overview of WeCAN Early Intervention Programme _______________________________________________________________ The objective of WECAN Early Intervention Programme is to develop a package of intervention that can be implemented across Singapore for children with ASD between the ages of 18mths and 6 years. Over the past 18 months we have identified a common dilemma that no two children with autism or their families will have the same intervention needs. Despite this diversity, a review of clinical research outcomes in Singapore and Overseas helped us to develop a number of Quality Indicators for an Early Intervention programme service. These may be summarized as follows: Guiding WeCAN EIP Principles: The earliest possible start to intervention is essential Services must be individualised for children and families Children with ASD require intensive engagement Intervention is based on a developmental curriculum designed to address the specialized needs of a child with autism Family Involvement and participation is critical Intervention is Planned and Systematic Challenging behaviors are addressed using positive behavioral support Intervention should focus on the development of spontaneous communication skills The development of social relationships is based on a child's ability to play and interact with others The transition between pre-school and primary school needs to be planned carefully Placement in an 'ideal' school programme should be made taking into account academic as well as other important factors such as communication + social level, cognitive processing, anxiety management , and sensory self control What programme services will you offer? The WeCAN Early Intervention programme will consist of two service programmes. It is important to note that there are limited places in each programme The Intensive Classroom programme Daily, 15 hours per week pre-school, multidisciplinary intervention programme. 36 places. New clients are selected as appropriate for this programme through ARC(S) Initial Screening conducted by ARC staff. The Communication Unit programme 2 hours per week pre-school communication unit for children with assessed skills in the foundation areas of self management, functional communication, and Work habits. Primarily run by speech language therapists. 12 places. New clients are selected as appropriate for this programme through ARC(S) Needs Assessment conducted by ARC staff. How are children selected for your programme? All children are required to undergo an Initial Screening by our ARC(S) intervention team At time of needs assessment, each child's individual learning needs and issues are evaluated, and matched according to the best WeCAN EIP programme to suit the assessed needs of the child, the child's existing services, and Carer willingness to participate in the Intervention Participation contract. Who will be working with my child as part of the intervention team? Our intervention team consists of Teachers (pre-school and SPED), Teacher Assistants, Consulting speech language therapists, *occupational therapist, * psychologist, social Worker, and Autism Consultants. (* currently recruiting for these positions) What is the Carer Participation Contract? Our EIP intervention programmes are both child and family focused. We have determined a number of key participation areas that we will utilize with Family carers to achieve desired outcomes. Key participation Points: 1. Collaboration amongst all members of the intervention team 2. Active participation from Carers in very specific & measurable ways 3 . Reinforcement of key intervention methodologies i.e.: Use of a Total communication approach including the use of visual supports 4. Routine taking of photos and videos in the centre & at home for child / parent / teacher training 5. Routine participation by volunteers and students on professional placements 6. Routine Feedback through Daily Diary; Attendance at recommended training sessions; Completion of Homework Assignments ; Parent/ teacher conferencing A detailed participation contract will be shared with parents during the initial interview phase. For further enquiries, please continue to visit our website or contact Ms Sulabha Menon on sulabha.menon@autism.org.sg.