Kiara College’s Specialised Learning Program (SLP) for students with autism offers personalised support aimed at enhancing learning engagement, academic achievement and the development of adaptive skills.
The program is designed for autistic students in Years 7-12 who may be at risk of disengagement and underachievement, or facing challenges in learning and developing essential life skills.
The SLP focuses on overcoming barriers to learning and encourages participation in mainstream classrooms alongside their peers. Through tailoring individualised programs, the SLP aims to unlock each student’s potential by nurturing organisational skills, enhancing social cognition, fostering positive peer relationships, and promoting emotional self-regulations. Ultimately, the program aims to facilitate students’ academic success and overall learning capabilities.
The SLP does not operate as a unit or a separate school. Students are integrated into mainstream classes at Kiara College, continuing to attend alongside their peers while receiving the targeted support that they need through the SLP.
Within a framework that embraces neurodiversity affirming practises and responsive, evidence-based educational programming, the SLP aims to enrich the educational experience for autistic students. This initiative focuses on:
- Enhancing attendance and retention rates
- Improving curriculum access and engagement
- Promoting positive academic and non-academic outcomes
- Implementing early identification and targeted interventions to address academic and non-academic barriers, while recognising the unique learning needs of autistic students and tailoring instruction accordingly
SLPs facilitate collaborative approaches between schools and communities, encouraging a shared investment in outcomes for autistic students. They work to expand enrolment opportunities for autistic students and enhance whole-school knowledge regarding positive supports and evidence based practices. SLPs foster school-community partnerships and strengthen relationships between students, their families or caregivers, and the school. At Kiara College, the SLP will align with the school’s vision of empowering all students to develop the skills and abilities necessary to become responsible, informed, and active citizens who contribute positively to society.
2025 – Program launch
Kiara College is proud to be launching a Specialised Learning Program for students with autism in 2025. The program provides specialist and intensive support to students with autism – without intellectual impairment – who have the capacity to learn at, or near, their academic year-level standard with support but may have specific social and emotional development needs that are related to their autism.
Enquiries regarding the Kiara College Specialised Learning Program for students with autism are to be directed to Maureen Nguyen, Kiara College SLP: Autism Program Coordinator, at maureen.nguyen@education.wa.edu.au or (08) 6235 7000.
For additional information about Specialised Learning Programs for students with autism, please visit the School of Special Educational Needs: Disability website.