Whole Self
Independent Life Learning

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What is W.I.L.L?

W.I.L.L is a 'rehabilitation' and reengagement program for teens from 13 years old who have a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum (ASD/ASC) and/or comorbidities including Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD), most of who are suffering from PTSD, depression and or severe anxiety as a result of their current or previous environments. 

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Our team work collaboratively with the teens, their families, and the network around them, including schools, Specialists (Psychologist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Behaviour specialists, etc.) and NDIS.

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Our mission is to:

§  Bring families closer together

§  Integrate participants back into main stream education and or further education

§  Gain meaningful employment

 

Behavioural and Personal Growth Objectives

• Minimise negative behaviours driven by anxiety

• Create a sense of self-worth, self-belief and participant confidence

• Develop the ability to interact confidently with the public and the community

 

Life Skills Objectives

• Teach basic business management skills (Xero, Excel, Web Development, Blogging, Marketing, Money Management etc)

• Provide opportunities for young people to learn sufficient life skills to develop independence

• Offer programs so that participants can generate an income from their own small business, thereby building their own sense of self-value

• Increase future employment opportunities through programs such as specialised training and work experience.

 

Family Support Objectives

• Minimise the number of ‘out of school’ appointments by having WILL affiliated therapists and medical practitioners available to participants

• Provide formal and informal counselling and mediation services

• Offer care givers assistance in navigating the multitude of resources and services available to families and individuals diagnosed with ASD

 

​Participants are placed in small groups of no more than four. Each teen is carefully selected to ensure the dynamic of the learning environment is successful for them all.

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Each activity has been custom created by experts in their fields to provide teens with confidence, create a sense of self worth, teach self-regulation, social and life skills. Most activities are supported by two qualified therapists and/or one therapist and an Independent Skills Support Worker.

 

Participants are engaged in a weekly timetable of therapy-based learning, including Art Therapy, Strength & Fitness, Mindfulness, Life skills and Confidence building. Additional timetabled activities include, Community access, Woodwork, Welding, Cooking, Agriculture, IT and Business Management.

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Each day starts with mindfulness practices, including meditation, interacting with animals and working in the gardens. Throughout the day their Support Worker couriers them to their scheduled therapies and/or specialist appointments (as required).

NB: more employment experiences will become available as the program evolves.

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Once a week the teens engage with the community at their market stall, located outside the local supermarket, providing them with the opportunity to sell their creations from Art, Woodwork and any other therapies where they have created a salable product. This will provide them the practicalities of running a small business.

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What W.I.L.L is not!

This is not a school!

It is not run by a teacher*!

*We do have a qualified and registered teacher on our team to assist as required.

 

What is it then?

Put simply, W.I.L.L is a rehabilitation program for teens on the spectrum who are unable to reach their fullest potential due to trauma, PTSD and or challenges related to their diagnosis. 

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Who would this program suit?

Teenagers on the Spectrum, who do not require the supports provided in a special school environment or psychiatric care.

• Those who experience difficulty coping with change to routine or surroundings.

• Have challenges around verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

• Experience behavior issues severe enough to be obvious to the casual observer.

• Those with unusual or reduced response to social cues, communication, or interactions.

• and those who have trouble adapting to change.

• Families who are fully committed to work together with all participants, volunteers, therapists, specialists and others investing their time, to achieve the common goal of providing a safe environment, allowing individuals to grow in the areas of Self-Worth, Confidence, Self-Regulation, Independence and Academics.

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