Our team have been working hard this year to bring a new and improved L4Life website.  The website will feature updated information presented in an accessible format.  It will also allow us to integrate a fundraising platform directly on the site.

Chinese parents’ experiences of early supports for their autistic children in Australia.

Over the course of a year, L4Life Head of Allied Health, Sarah Wood, and Speech Pathologist/Clinical Consultant, Nilushi Goonetilleke, collaborated on a research study providing first-hand experiences of the diagnosis and early intervention process in Australia of migrant Chinese parents of autistic children.

The study, undertaken in collaboration with Autism Partnership, La Trobe University (Head Researcher: Dr. Jodie Smith), Learning For Life Autism Centre, Positive Partnerships and a Chinese advisory group including Chinese parents of autistic children will have implications in the provision and presentation of information surrounding early intervention to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families.

October is National Mental Health month and it is fitting that it also plays host to both World Mental Health Day (10 October) and National Carers Week (15 -21 October)

Good mental health is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing, allowing us to cope with challenges, connect with others and thrive in our lives.   However, research has found that autistic people are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among other mental health conditions.

The Learning for Life Autism Centre is underpinned by core values of Respect, Trust, Equity, Joy and Kindness. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and have zero tolerance for child abuse.

The Australian Government is developing a National Autism Strategy to help improve the life outcomes for Autistic people across Australia.

The Strategy will be for all Autistic Australians.  It will cover key reform areas including access to services, healthcare, education and employment. It will help to guide a more coordinated, national approach supporting Autistic people at each stage of life.

Learning for Life is committed to the ongoing professional development of its staff to ensure that the children and families we support receive therapy that follows best practise. We do this through collaboration, undertaking research, on-site training and the attendance and presentation at conferences and events.

In 2023 so far, L4Life staff have attended the NDIS Annual Conference, a two-day workshop by Dr Greg Hanley, through Autism Pathways, and the Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia annual conference.  The following is a snapshot of these events and the takeaways from the staff in attendance.

Another Run Melbourne has been and gone and we are just blown away from the support L4Life received for the 2023 event: from runners to walkers, fundraisers to donors, cheerleaders and friends.  And the icing on top of the cake was that we raised over $11,000 dollars from our general Village.

It’s National Volunteer Week from 15 – 21 May.  A great way to celebrate and recognise the work of many Australians who give their time to support others.

Volunteering at L4Life provides opportunities to make a difference through helping us to run our fundraising events, share skills and experience and develop new ways of operating.