Why Choose Jigsaw Autism Services?
At Jigsaw Autism Services our core business is Autism Spectrum Disorders – that is our speciality. At Jigsaw you get a quality evidence based best practice assessments and early intervention services. These are provided by a qualified Autism Teacher/Practitioner, Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologist and Psychologist; highly skilled in their discipline. Jigsaw is a Registered NDIS Provider.
Jigsaw offer a trans disciplinary approach which is an advantage to families because they can have all their therapy goals and treatment plans conducted by one service provider. A trans disciplinary approach provides (a) service efficiency, (b) cost-effectiveness of services, (c) less intrusion on the family, (d) less confusion to parents, (e) more coherent intervention plans and holistic service delivery, and (f) the facilitation of professional development that enhances therapists’ knowledge and skills. This model is regarded as best practice in early intervention services producing better outcomes for children and families.
Jigsaw Autism Services was established in March 2009 and is guided by best practice guidelines in the treatment and early intervention for children and young adults with autism, making Jigsaw the most experienced and qualified private service provider in Autism Spectrum Disorders on the NSW Central Coast. At Jigsaw we believe that autism is a complex, neurological disorder that requires specialist, individualised treatment. Because of the complexity and uniqueness of each individual a specialist centre like Jigsaw dedicates all its energies to support the complex needs associated with autism. Research supports that interventions based on behavioural and developmental frameworks that address the core challenges of autism (social communication skills, and restricted and repetitive behaviours) are pivotal to the success of autism treatment. At Jigsaw we understand autism and are dedicated to improving the lives and changing pathways for young children such that they can lead meaningful, purposeful lives and achieve their maximum potential. At Jigsaw we believe that by changing the pathways of young children in the early years we begin to break down the pathway of segregation and create a more inclusive lifestyle for children with autism.
Do you need a referral to Jigsaw Autism Services to access services?
No referral is needed to access our services.
However, in order to access DSS funding a letter of eligibility from an Autism Advisor is essential. Medicare items can be referred from your treating Doctor/Paediatrician. In case of diagnosis Jigsaw can assist in formalising a report which gives a clear picture of your child’s functioning in relation to the deficits of Autism Spectrum Disorder as set out by the DSM V, using a combination of standardised and non-standardised assessment tools, in consultation with your choice of Paediatrician.
Founder and Director – Mrs Joanne Brearley
Joanne Brearley is the founder and director of Jigsaw Autism Services. In 2009, Joanne created the Inclusive Education Practice Pty Ltd to meet a gap in services for early intervention specifically for children with Autism. In 2012, a specialist autism clinic was designed and opened under the Jigsaw Autism Services name.
Joanne is a highly skilled autism practitioner/consultant who has skills, knowledge and expertise in a range of evidence based best practice autism interventions specifically for teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Prior to establishing Jigsaw, Joanne has had a career in the teaching profession for over 25 years having worked in a variety of educational settings spanning the spectrum of development from early childhood to young people, both in regular and specialist school settings. Joanne has a natural ability to engage all children and is passionate about developing ones potential. Parents report that their children absolutely enjoy their therapy sessions and Joanne has the skills and ability to help autistic children to engage in non-preferred learning experiences and improve their overall attention levels shared and joint attention, as well as improving their social communication and social emotional skills. Put simply, Joanne knows how to teach and connect with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Since establishing the Inclusive Education Practice in 2009, Joanne has published her first children’s novel, presented at the Australian and Pacific Autism Conference, been a speaker on Autism on ABC Radio and contributed articles on Autism Spectrum Disorders in various magazines. Jigsaw has been represented in local print and televised media. Jigsaw is Joanne’s latest accomplishment and Joanne is very excited to have developed a new standard in Autism specific services.
Joanne has specialist interest in developing innovative autism interventions and is currently working on developing a specialist social skills intervention for inclusive educational settings, based on current best practice autism interventions.
Formal Qualifications
- Masters of Education (Honours) (Autism) – University of Canberra 2013.
- Graduate Diploma of Inclusive Education, Autism – University of Canberra 2007.
- Graduate Certificate of Inclusive Education, Intensive – University of Canberra 2008.
- Diploma of Teaching – Catholic Teachers College 1987
- Counselling studies with the Australian Institute of Professional Counselling.
Specialist additional training
- Early Start Denver Model Introductory Course
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – Level 1, 2 day training course.
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2): 5 day training course on assessment in clinical practice and research – Dr Anne Chalfant
- TEACCH – University of Canberra
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for teachers – University of Canberra
- Positive Behaviour Support – University of Canberra
- SCERTS® – 2 day training course. Dr Barry Prizant.
- Inclusive Practices – Joyful learning 2 day workshop. Dr Paula Kluth.
- DIR® Floortime™ 3 day introductory Training.
- Getting Kids in Sync – Gen Jereb.
- ‘Alert Program’ – How Does Your Engine Run.
Mission Statement
Jigsaw Autism Services is about educating families and the community about evidence based best practice Autism interventions. We are committed in providing and setting the standard of quality services by professionals in the field of Autism. We are respectful to the Autism community and passionate about building connections to support children with Autism in inclusive settings.
