Central Queensland EarlyAQtion Programs

Autism Queensland operates an Early Intervention Service based in Rockhampton, Central Queensland which provides specialist early intervention to children under 6 years of age, with a diagnosis of ASD and their families in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald, Mackay, Biloela, Bundaberg and surrounding areas.

EarlyAQtion Service Central Queensland

The EarlyAQtion service is made possible thanks to the financial support and foresight of the John Villiers Trust, in conjunction with funding provided by Disability Services Queensland (DSQ). John Villiers was a lifelong member of Autism Queensland and emphasised the importance of accessibility of services in Central Queensland. The trust provided funding for the purchase of a building and will contribute towards the refurbishment to include two, state of the art, early intervention classrooms.

The building will become the Autism Queensland John Villiers Centre of Excellence. While these refurbishments take place the EarlyAQtion service will operate out of alternative facilities. DSQ provides funds to support the delivery of the Central Queensland EarlyAQtion Programs.

Aims of the EarlyAQtion Programs

• To provide high quality Early Intervention and support through centre-based and outreach program models.
• To ensure children with ASD and their families receive high quality intervention and support at home and in all other settings.
• To support the child in experiencing positive outcomes as a learner, family member and a member of the broader community.

Program Options

All programs apply a family centred approach. Through a collaborative Needs Assessment process, the most appropriate service option/s will be identified for each eligible child and their family:

- EarlyAQtion Intensive Group Placement:
This is a small group program which will run for approximately 12 months. Children attend between three to five days per week dependent on their individual needs. Each group will be supported by our multidisciplinary team of Teachers, Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Social Worker and Teacher aides. The program may address areas such as communication skills, sensory processing issues, behavioural difficulties, fine and gross motor development, daily living skills, play, and neuro-cognitive skills.

- EarlyAQtion Playgroup:
This is a small group program for children with ASD and their families which will operate out of the Centre of Excellence. This program will be a series of short sessions, held once a week over 8 – 10 weeks. These programs aim to provide families with more information about ASD and strategies to support their child’s development. Families will also have access to the Centre’s Social Worker.

- EarlyAQtion Individual Programs:
These programs provide the opportunity for families and their child with ASD to work closely with one or more of our multidisciplinary team over a number of sessions to address a specific area of concern for the family (eg. establishing a communication system). Our Social Worker will also work with the family to address family support needs.

- EarlyAQtion Outreach Programs:
These programs will be designed on an individual basis to meet the needs of the child and family. This program aims to support existing services the child and family may be accessing (eg. early childhood program).

EarlyAQtion Team

The EarlyAQtion Central Queensland Team will consist of a Social Worker/Team Leader, Teachers, Teacher Aides, a Speech Pathologist, a Psychologist, an Occupational Therapist and a Physiotherapist.
Autism Queensland staff have ongoing access to Professional Development and resources to ensure currency of knowledge and skills in relation to Early Intervention and ASD.

Register your Interest

If you would you like us to contact you in relation to this service and your child please follow this link or you may like to phone our Rockhampton team on (07) 4933 1411.