Our highly successful Lab Program is a technology club for children and young people aged 10-18 years who identify as being on the autism spectrum. The program offers a safe environment where children and teenagers can meet like-minded peers and create friendships while learning valuable technical skills that complement their interest in technology. The Lab’s approach is unstructured and does not have expectations around specific behavioural, education or technology outcomes.
At weekly Lab sessions, mentors will work one-on-one with students in areas that interest them, such as programming, 3D and digital design, video creation and gaming.
We have a focus on creating a social space, where young people with ASD can share interests, aspirations and develop friendships while receiving the professional and life experience of our mentors.
Outcomes
- Development of new friendships
- Increase in happiness/motivation levels
- Improved mental health
- Development of technical skills
- Heightened motivation to learn
- Perception of new career possibilities in IT and programming
Where and when?
Sessions are run in conjunction with the school term in Mount Gambier, Salisbury, Elizabeth Vale, Melrose Park and Port Pirie. Sessions are run on Saturdays.