Ashdale Secondary College offers a Specialised Autism Learning Program (SALP) for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder to support students with ASD in Years 7-12 to achieve their academic goals. The evidence-based program reflects academic research and is supported by the School of Special Educational Needs; Disability (SSEND).
Students eligible for this program have the academic potential to participate and achieve success in mainstream schooling and beyond. However, they are at risk of underachieving or disengaging due to communication and/or social competency barriers preventing full access to the curriculum.
The Specialised Autism Learning Program focuses on achieving positive academic, behavioural, social and emotional outcomes for each student to maximise independence and access to further education and successful employment. Each student’s program is based on their unique goals, strengths and needs and encourages exploring and developing each student’s talents and interests to complement their secondary schooling experience. The curriculum is tailored to meet the learning needs of each individual and is responsive to the needs of the students, family, and community.
A vital feature of the Specialised Autism Learning Program is the “homeroom”, an accessible, comfortable, supportive and safe place for students to access structured and unstructured learning opportunities during class and break times. The homerooms are equipped with the latest technology. Students in the program are also provided internet access and encouraged to invite friends to the homeroom during breaks to socialise.
A Program Coordinator and specialist teachers support the program experienced in working with students with Autism and experienced Education Assistants who work collaboratively throughout the school and community to promote learning for each student across three settings:
- Learning within the mainstream secondary school setting
- Learning within the homeroom and
- Learning within the community.
Student Selection and Application:
Entry to the Specialised Autism Learning Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder is determined by an independent panel that convenes in Term 2 each year.
The program is designed and resourced to provide for students who meet the following criteria:
- Eligibility for enrolment in Western Australian public schools in Year 7 to Year 12;
- A diagnosis of ASD without accompanying intellectual impairment (Reports from Paediatrician, Psychologist and Speech Pathologist);
- The ability to work at or near year-level academic standards. This will include students on ATAR/WACE/VET pathways;
- Difficulties with social, emotional and/or behavioural issues and challenges directly related and attributable to the impact of ASD;
- Independent self-management of personal care requirements;
- Transport is to be facilitated by families (bus services are not provided to the program), and
- Exemption from local intake zones.
The expression of interest pack can be found below.
Entry to the Specialised Autism Learning Program at Ashdale Secondary College is limited, and applications for students entering Year 7 are requested by the second week of May.
Please email your expression of interest to ashdale.sc@education.wa.edu.au.
For more information on the program, please contact Renee Tyler, Program Coordinator, at 6207 1300 or Renee.Tyler@education.wa.edu.au.
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