Message from our Chair and CEO
AEIOU remains dedicated to transforming the lives of children with autism through high-quality, evidence-informed early intervention. As the NDIS Review progresses, it’s crucial to remember the Hon. Bill Shorten’s commitment to supporting the children who need the Scheme’s aid the most. Those children are represented within AEIOU’s cohort. For example, the average fouryear-old commencing at AEIOU has a developmental age of 1.9 years. But they make striking gains with the specialist therapy and education support our programs offer, changing their lives and the lives of those who love and care for them. We affirm our commitment to these vulnerable children who cannot advocate for themselves. Parents and specialist providers like AEIOU must be heard on their behalf as we progress through any kind of reform that impacts their immediate wellbeing, and their futures.
With the significant work that goes into advocating for the children and families who seek AEIOU’s unparalleled early intervention services, we are also prioritising major projects including the new AEIOU Townsville centre, plans for a new centre in the Ipswich suburb of Camira, and plans for AEIOU’s 20th anniversary in 2025.
Our supporters are aware a fire in March devastated our Townsville centre of 17 years, nearly six months before the new centre’s anticipated opening. It’s been tough for our team and families in the region as a result, but we have been gladdened by the support of the community, including all of those who donated and offered encouraging words of support. We thank Hutchinson Builders and Billy Lids Kindy, as both have been instrumental in our recovery.
We extend our gratitude to the Board of Directors for their guidance, and acknowledge the contributions of Susan Rix AM, who retired as Chair in December 2023.
Acknowledgement of Country
AEIOU Foundation acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation, and the continuation of cultural, spiritual, and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In the spirit of reconciliation, children at AEIOU are supported to learn about the living culture, history, and achievements of First Nations peoples through a genuine culture and learning framework embedded in our centres.
It is important to us that AEIOU is a safe, understanding, and equal space for all our staff, clients and stakeholders.
Mark has been warmly welcomed as the new Chair, and Marie Perry as Deputy Chair, along with new members Ruth Durrant and Laila Green.
Together, let’s continue to create a successful community with genuine inclusive practices that will give every child the best chance to achieve their potential and live their best lives.
Sincerely,
This is a representation of the Acknowledgement of Country using images from the Picture Exchange Card System (PECS), a tool used in our centres to develop functional communication skills with our children.
Preferred Language Statement
We know people use different words to talk about autism, and each person will have a way of talking about autism and about themselves that they like best. Some people like to say ‘autistic person’ (identity-first language), some like to say ‘person with autism’ (person-first language), and some are fine with using either.
In this Eyes On Autism publication, we use a mix of identity-first and person-first language.
Mark Algie, Chair Alan Smith, CEO
The data tells a story: unique life experiences of children at AEIOU
AEIOU is leading the way to better understanding the experiences of autistic children and families as they navigate early childhood. AEIOU’s body of research is unlike any other. It acts as a compass to guide individual therapy and education support, and to monitor progress and efficacy of supports as we evolve.
Capturing standardised assessment data at regular intervals for more than 1,000 children (and growing), this study is on the frontier of autism-related research. This body of evidence is crucial at a time when autism is under increasing scrutiny from the NDIS, media and general public.
This data tells a story about every child and confirms children at AEIOU comprise a distinct subset within the autistic community.
For example, 68% of children at AEIOU, over a 10-year period, have failed in mainstream childcare settings. The remaining 32% did not attend at all.
Prior to accessing support from AEIOU, these young children ‘perform’ in the 3.4th percentile, meaning they have fewer language skills than 96.6% of children the same age. We also know this is below what is typically seen in other autistic children. However, the significant benefits of AEIOU’s integrated therapy, education and care model are clear in the research, and our data is used to support children to transition to their next education setting, like school, as soon as they are ready.
Our research also shows us 78% of parents of children with autism are more stressed than other caregivers, and 30% report clinically high stress.
These children need to be known, understood and considered when discussing and finalising the National Autism Strategy. AEIOU believes parents, providers and experts who have lived experience supporting children within this cohort should be encouraged to advocate for their needs.
About children accessing AEIOU’s program
· 68% failed at mainstream care
· 7.9% are First Nations, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander
· 36% are culturally and linguistically diverse
· At AEIOU, children make gains in early learning skills, often at rates above what would be expected of a typically developing child.
Our top family resources
Read: Happiness Trap Pocketbook: An Illustrated Guide on How to Stop Struggling and Start Living –Dr Russ Harris and illustrator Bev Aisbett
Talk to Me: Conversation Strategies for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum or with Speech and Language Impairments – Heather Jones
Listen:
Too Peas in a Podcast –A Podcast by Mandy Hose and Kate Jones
Dad-ability: Connecting Dads of Kids with Disabilities
Watch:
The Healing Powers of Dude –a series about 11-year-old Noah who has social anxiety disorder, and his emotional support dog Dude.
This is Not About Me: A film that explores what it’s like to be autistic and non-speaking, and to have a dream, turn fate, and flourish.
Do:
Do2Learn resources, created by talented creative teachers and clinicians from across the world to support people with additional needs, from social and communication skills, behaviour support, and more.
A community rises: AEIOU Townsville’s recovery
In a devastating turn of events, AEIOU Foundation’s long-held centre in the Townsville suburb of Kirwan was burnt down by arson around Easter this year.
The centre, which has been providing expert therapy and early education for children with autism for 17 years, was completely destroyed.
Fortunately, the event occurred over a weekend, with no risk of injury to staff or families in our care. Despite confronting scenes, the AEIOU team sprang into action with the support of our major partners and friends in the community.
AEIOU Townsville Centre Manager Emma Newham reflects on the shock, explaining her first priority was what to do with the children and families, and her team.
“The children we work with are very vulnerable, and we explored various options, searching for local providers who might partner with AEIOU. We even considered at-home therapy and care,” Emma said.
Within two weeks, the team and families had relocated to Billy Lids Kindy in Cranbrook, a centre which had previously referred students to AEIOU for additional support. Manager Kristine Ham proactively sought an opportunity to help, sharing a commitment to making a difference for these young children.
“We knew AEIOU and the important work they do, and were very sad to see what had happened to the centre. The support from our management team at Billy Lids was immediate, and Education Queensland were also quick to move things along for these children,” Kristine said.
Emma and Kristine say their teams have found a great benefit in the partnership: being able to share professional learning.
Nothing could be saved in the fire, and many learning materials and assets needed to be urgently renewed. AEIOU expresses sincere thanks to all members of the community who donated towards the recovery appeal.
Our friends at Hutchinson Builders were also quick to lend a hand, offering immediate and long-term office space in their Townsville headquarters for our team, and working hard to expedite construction on our new centre, which is anticipated to open to families in mid-2024.
The centre, to be located in Idalia, is proudly funded by the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund –a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, Participating Mineral Resources Industry Parties, the Queensland Resources Council and its members in association with the Chain Reaction Foundation and Perpetual Trustees. It is jointly funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
“ We knew AEIOU and the important work they do, and were very sad to see what had happened to the centre. The support from our management team at Billy Lids was immediate, and Education Queensland were also quick to move things along for these children”
– Kristine Ham, Billy Lids Kindy
To support the recovery of resources, make a donation that counts for children at AEIOU through our website.
#PhinsUp in support of the Dolphins: Charity Partnership
AEIOU Foundation and the Dolphins NRL club forged a new alliance this year, with AEIOU named an official 2024 charity partner.
The collaboration brings AEIOU valuable opportunities to raise funds for our specialist programs and heighten awareness for our mission to ensure autistic children are living their best lives.
The first fundraising opportunity kicked off during Autism Awareness Month on Saturday April 6, with AEIOU the beneficiary of a 50-50 Charity Raffle at Suncorp Stadium where the Dolphins took on Wests Tigers. With 40 eager volunteers supporting the cause, AEIOU sold more than $22,000 in raffle tickets, with one lucky winner taking home half this prize pool, and AEIOU receiving the other half.
Assessment Clinic Now Open to All Children
AEIOU Foundation’s new Assessment Clinic aims to reduce waiting lists for children and families seeking answers on their child’s development. Launched in early 2024, AEIOU is excited to share the Clinic’s capacity is expanding, now catering for children up to 18 years of age.
The Clinic conducts standardised assessments and provides clinical reports to support specialists, such as paediatricians and psychiatrists, in the diagnosis process. The reports also help children and their families better understand their needs and areas of strength, and may support National Disability Insurance Scheme plan applications.
The University of Queensland’s Professor of Child and Youth Psychiatry, Dr James Scott, is supportive of the new Clinic, explaining it will assist his patients and their families. “This clinic is offering a service completed by qualified assessors who have experience working with children with autism, and it will address the high demand for clinical assessment.”
Dr Scott said the benefits of improved access to autism diagnosis include increased participation in early education and community, and access to specialist funding and therapy supports for the individual. “There are also benefits for families who typically experience a range of barriers to inclusion and participation in community, too,” Dr Scott said.
CEO Alan Smith said all funds raised directly support AEIOU’s mission of enhancing the lives of children with autism through evidence-based early intervention programs and practical support.
“We’re proud to be partnering with the Dolphins this season and I know our community has their #PhinsUp in support,” Mr Smith said. “The Dolphins have given once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for AEIOU students to meet players, attend games and even run on the field at the start of a match. This generous partnership enables participation in community, support for children and families navigating the early years of a child’s development, and raises vital funds.”
Parents with concerns about their children’s development heading into school can also use the Clinic to provide a comprehensive profile of a child’s skills, strengths, and needs before they start their first year.
The Clinic is primarily operating from AEIOU’s Central Office location in Brisbane’s Spring Hill, but is also available through AEIOU centres.
Be Awesome for Autism: A community celebration
This year, AEIOU invited Australia to ‘Be Awesome for Autism’ as part of national Autism Month commemorations. What ensued was a month of colour, connection and community support.
Starting on 2 April, AEIOU lit iconic landmarks across Queensland, Canberra and South Australia in AEIOU blue, to raise awareness and acceptance of the autistic community.
This exciting campaign included a wide-reaching digital awareness program in a bid to recognise the autism community, the challenges that can be faced, and the overwhelming strengths and qualities every child and parent brings to AEIOU.
Staff and supporters from centres across AEIOU’s network hosted a variety of Bunnings sausage sizzles, raffles and more, as part of a community and fundraising program in a grassroots-led campaign for support.
The month culminated in Be Awesome for Autism Fun Run and Family Fun Day events in Toowoomba and Brisbane, raising almost $80,000 across the month.
Despite a rainy start to the day on Sunday 21 April, hundreds of students from Toowoomba Grammar School and locals turned up to tackle a series of 10km, 5km and 400m courses.
The following week, on Sunday 28 April, nearly 500 Brisbane locals turned out, and enjoying the free family fun day, pony rides, face painting, a petting zoo and a range of children’s activities.
CEO Alan Smith said the organisation was blown away by the outstanding support across the month. “AEIOU values the opportunity to connect with the community and to see so many people turn out in support was phenomenal.
“We thank our incredible partners and everybody who fundraised on behalf of the children we enrol at AEIOU. We look forward to returning with these great events in 2025.”
A vibrant month in the name of understanding, acceptance and appreciation of the unique strengths and qualities of people with autism captured the hearts and minds of our community across Australia.
Energex em-powering children’s futures
AEIOU is delighted to forge a new partnership with Energex, with support across two local Brisbane suburbs, Nathan and Bald Hills.
Area managers Patrick Blair and Chris Graham toured two AEIOU centres, seeing first-hand the impact of Energex donations, including outdoor sensory and mobility equipment at Nathan and much-needed iPads at Bald Hills.
Life after AEIOU: introducing therapy to support children at school
The comprehensive network of support at AEIOU is unrivalled in the early childhood space. Bringing therapy, specialist education and care together, AEIOU’s services build skills and capacity for children and families, setting them up for success in the future.
Nobody recognises the diverse needs of children and families better than the team at AEIOU. So this year, we trialled a new service: the extension of therapy beyond AEIOU, for children graduating from AEIOU and starting school.
A 1:1 format is now available, offering face-to-face speech pathology, positive behaviour support and occupational therapy in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Toowoomba and Townsville. Families can choose to access therapy for their child at an AEIOU centre, at school or at home.
AEIOU plans to expand this service offering in the future. For families whose children will graduate from an AEIOU centre in 2024, the invitation to join this new program offers opportunity for continued growth, support, and empowerment – a testament to AEIOU’s dedication to every child and every family.
Interested in private therapy with AEIOU’s specialist team? To register your interest, visit our website today.
MEET THE TEAM
Richel Booth, AEIOU Toowoomba Centre Manager
Richel Booth’s career in early childhood education spans nearly 20 years, with an evergreen approach to learning and development. Richel, who joined as Toowoomba Centre Manager in 2023, says her 15-year-old son, who is autistic, inspired her to join AEIOU. “I have always wanted to work with children who have additional needs. When the position became available, I jumped at the chance.”
Connecting with others and giving time to the community is important to Richel, and she ensures her team has opportunities to meet and collaborate with their colleagues. “This opens our minds to things outside our comfort zones, and ensures we are providing the best service for the children in our care,” she explains.
Richel has also been extremely active in AEIOU’s fundraising efforts, inspiring her family and friends to get involved, too. Most recently, Richel supported the 5050 Charity Raffle in Brisbane and the Be Awesome for Autism Fun Run in Toowoomba, undeterred by the heavy rain. The following week, Richel was back in Brisbane for the Be Awesome for Autism Fun Run and Family Fun Day.
The Centre Manager role is diverse and, at its heart, Richel’s care and commitment to each child in the service is evident.
“A standout memory for me is being in the playground one day and having about half an hour of fun play and connection with a young boy who typically didn’t like others he wasn’t familiar with being in his space. It was such a big step for him and me, and it completely changed my day – it made me so proud to be part of this amazing team.”
“I am so proud to be part of this amazing team.”
We
Bruce is Kicking Goals
A three-month family road trip around Australia during COVID was when four-year-old Bruce Limov’s mother Melissa recognised her youngest son was “on the spectrum”.
“While we were heading up north, I started noticing some red flags about him,” Melissa said.
“He seemed very anti-social, had separation anxiety and was still nonverbal. He wasn’t even really saying any words at two going on three.”
Upon their return, Melissa embarked on a journey of discovery, leading to Bruce’s diagnosis of Level 3 autism. She then sought support from organisations. Bruce’s journey at AEIOU’s centre in Bald Hills began in January 2024, and the progress he has made since is nothing short of remarkable.
“He loves structure and routine. He thrives on knowing what to expect,” Melissa said.
“Knowing it’s five days a week, with the same people in his class, the teachers — he’s really grown in that aspect of just knowing what is to come.”
Bruce’s development extends beyond routine — his speech has improved, and his social skills have blossomed.
“I hear from the teachers that he’s actually encouraging other children to come sit down and play with him and interacting like that. He’s toileting himself too, which is great.
In a heart-warming display of community support and inclusivity, Bruce found himself on the footy field alongside the Dolphins NRL team. The Dolphins, a key charity
“Bruce is encouraging other children to come and sit down and play with him.”
partner of AEIOU, welcomed Bruce to a regular training session as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting children with autism and their families.
“He loves to throw a ball and jump. He is very active. We are a soccer family but that may change now Bruce has met the Dolphins.”
Inclusive Sport Rules!
When Quinton Hanson latches on to a pass and makes a break for the try line, he resembles the thousands of Aussie kids mimicking their rugby league heroes each weekend.
But when the energetic 5-yearold passes the ball to a teammate, it draws a surprised smile from Quinton’s supporters on the sideline. It’s a moment only those who know Quinton truly understand.
For a non-verbal autistic child with complex needs who previously had trouble opening up to others and sharing his belongings, it’s a significant breakthrough in sharing: the first time they have seen him pass the ball to a teammate.
This progress is thanks to Quinton’s experience in the All Abilities Rugby League program, designed for children with special needs to harness their love of sport in a safe and supportive way.
One of the excited onlookers is Diane Shield who, by day, is Quinton’s specialist educator at AEIOU Bundaberg. Today, she is cheering him on as a program mentor.
Sharing the sidelines is Quinton’s father, Corey Hanson, a beaming autistic athlete and advocate himself. Watching his son score brings a smile to Corey’s face.
“He’s just out of his shell now, it’s a whole different Quinton that just loves outdoors and sports,” Corey says.
What exactly is All Abilities Rugby League? It is a volunteer-run modified program for children and young adults with special needs.
Drills and games are carefully modified to cater to the participants’ needs, drawing on the knowledge
and experience of people like Diane who work with autistic children, and experienced rugby league coaches.
This has been a deliberate approach from Sonya Olson and Judy Fenn, the program’s founders and cofounders of the autism awareness group Walk with Me 4 Autism.
Season one kicked off in 2022, fuelled by Sonya’s desire to create a space where her autistic son, Daly, could enjoy the sport his family loved. Since then, the program has seen impressive growth.
“In our first year, we had 70 participants. In our second season, we had 80 and this year, we’re looking at getting close to 100,” Sonia says.
Beyond this impressive growth is an abundance of heartwarming success stories.
Daly, named after Manly star Daly Cherry-Evans, continues to thrive and make good friends. Sonya fondly recalls a child with Down Syndrome who struggled with his new football socks. The program’s flexibility shone through when no one batted an eyelid or interfered as Daly sat in the middle of the park, took off his socks, and continued the game barefoot. With the help of his mentors, he played the game out and later scored a (sockless) try.
Such success is based on the practical adjustments the program makes to typical football programs.
Joanne Broome and Corey Hanson, Quinton’s parents, say the first session was nerve-wracking.
“You don’t know if he’s going to listen, if he’s going to be comfortable, but he seemed to pick it up and go with the flow of the session.”
Having his AEIOU teacher ‘Miss Di’ as a familiar face and mentor on the field was a key factor in helping him settle.
“As soon as Quinton locked eyes with Di, it was just a connection straight away. And honestly, if there is anything wrong – that’s his comfort zone if mum and dad aren’t there,” Corey says.
“To see him smile and have so much fun, even with people he has never met, has been a great thing.” Quinton has now made lasting friendships that, when coupled with his progress AEIOU, have exceeded his parents’ expectations.
Corey, whose experience as an autistic athlete has made him an advocate for athletes with disabilities and an ambassador for Special Olympics Queensland, is grateful programs like All Abilities now exist.
“When I was younger, they didn’t have facilities like AEIOU, or football like All Abilities. It’s so great to have these things available these days.”
“ When I was younger, they didn’t have facilities like AEIOU, or football like All Abilities… It’s so great to have these things available these days.”
A Challenge Like No Other: Brisbane Cyclists Crack $1 million
In one of the largest and most challenging Chain Reaction Challenge events yet, more than 50 cycling enthusiasts set out on a gruelling 7-day, 1,000-kilometre corporate charity ride in Adelaide earlier this year. They did all this to raise funds for children at AEIOU.
When the peloton pushed off in March, more than 60% of the 48 riders were tackling the event for the first time, bringing new energy and perspectives to the ride.
Among them was Rhombus PM director Daniel Litherland, who swapped his business suit for Lycra to conquer the Adelaide hills.
He said while he anticipated the training and the ride itself would be tough, he felt the real challenge would be reaching the
fundraising goal. However, the group conquered both challenges, cracking a $1 million target in unprecedented fashion.
Chain Reaction CEO Adam Parrott said this was a triumph, and testament to the dedication of the riders and their supporters.
“This year’s ride was awe-inspiring. We saw tough weather conditions coupled with a steep, winding course. The cyclists really pushed through some tough boundaries, supporting each other at every pedal of the way,” he said.“ Along the ride, we recognise the cyclists and award competition jerseys in addition to arm bands for those who are marking ride milestones.”
This year’s Chain Reaction Challenge was a triumph and testament to the dedication of cyclists and supporters.
The AEIOU and Chain Reaction Challenge partnership stretches over more than a decade, with cyclists generating more than $3.8 million for children at AEIOU across this time. The funds have been directed to capital construction costs for new centres, playgrounds, resources, and more.
This year’s ride supported the rebuild of AEIOU’s centre in Camira, Ipswich.
our supporters
AEIOU Foundation’s reach and success is made possible with thanks to our corporate partners, sponsors, funders and donors, who make it possible to deliver the AEIOU program and help children with autism live their best lives.
Bill Henderson
Brazil Family Foundation
Duke Foundation
Douglas Family Foundation Grant
Flannery Family Foundation
Gambling Community Benefit Grant
Jurassic Jam Committee
Ken Warriner Foundation
Peabody Family
Peter Heusler
Ross Forgan-Smith
Stephen Ryan
Sue Howieson
What’s on
Saturday 24 August – Jurassic Jam at The Triffid
They shake the business world by day, and rock the stage by night! AEIOU is the charity beneficiary of this wildly popular event, and this special 10th anniversary event is not to be missed.
Thursday 12 September – Rachel Burke’s Fancy Long Legs at La Boite Theatre
This vibrant musical adventure about acceptance, staying true to yourself and finding friends who love and celebrate you is a groundbreaking, fully accessible work created to ensure the theatre experience is welcoming, safe and inclusive for all.
Friday 13 September – Image Property Golf Day at Keperra Country Golf Club
Tuesday 5 November – Melbourne Cup at various venues
Thursday 28 November – AEIOU & Five Star Cinemas present ‘Wicked’, a star-studded cinema premiere