Q. Does Jigsaw only service children with Autism?
A. No. We are also a Better Start and NDIS provider, servicing all children who meet the requirements of these programs.
Q. What is the purpose of the “Helping Children with Autism Package”?
A. The Early Intervention funding under the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package is aimed at providing increased access to Early Intervention for children aged up to six years with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The funding supports the delivery of multidisciplinary evidence based Early Intervention to facilitate improved cognitive, emotional and social development prior to a child starting school.
Q. How does Jigsaw meet funding requirements as set out by DSS?
A. Jigsaw, as a Lead Agency, is operated by specialised personnel who have post-graduate university qualifications and specific training and expertise in treatment and interventions for children with autism.
Q. How do I know that my provider is delivering eligible early intervention services?
A. By checking and asking specific questions to your provider that match up to the list of eligible and ineligible interventions provided by DSS in the Early Interventions Table (from A review of the research to identify the most effective models of practice in early intervention of children with autism spectrum disorders by Prior, M. Roberts, J. M.A., Rodger, S. Williams, K & Sutherland, R.(2011) – Executive Summary). Contact Jigsaw to discuss eligible early interventions.
Q. Do all providers on the panel have the same qualifications and experience in providing early intervention for children with autism?
A. No, not all service providers have the same qualifications and experience when working with children with autism. It is important to ask many questions about their specific qualifications in autism, interventions they use and the reliability of the treatment/interventions intended to be used. Some interventions have evidence based research, eg. ABA. Some have emerging evidence based research, eg. TEACCH and SCERTS. Some interventions have limited or developing evidence based research, eg. DIR FLoorTime. Whilst some have no evidence based research and are possibly even dangerous for children with autism and are subsequently deemed ineligible under the Helping Children with Autism Package, eg. Sensory Integration Therapy.
Q. If you had a child with autism what interventions would you use?
A. Firstly, the owner of Jigsaw is a parent and professional working in autism. We only get a small window of opportunity at early intervention. Autism is a spectrum of disorders and each child has a unique learning profile around the characteristic of autism and what may work for one child with autism may not be the best option for another child. We need to consider many aspects usually around family goals and priorities as well as the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Contact Jigsaw to discuss what interventions may be suitable for your child.
Q. Can Autism be cured?
A. No, there is no known cure or cause for autism. However, research supports that early intervention and educational interventions can have a positive outcome and improve the overall well-being of the child and family.