Acorn House is a non profit organisation set up to support parents who have a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and who want to use Photographic Learning And Communication Strategies (P.L.A.C.S.) with their child. Acorn House focuses on the use of photographic images rather than symbols or drawings.

The main goals of Acorn House are to support members and educate professionals and parents about autism and the use of Photographic Learning And Communication Strategies.

Introductory Workshops are held regularly for those who are interested in finding out how and why this form of visual intervention is proving so successful. Parents, having attended the Introductory Workshops, are welcome to join Acorn House to continue their exposure to Photographic Learning And Communication Strategies and to meet other parents who are working similarly with their children.

Workshops are run by Vanesse Geel, Psychologist (MOE:SE) - consultant to Acorn House and Bronwyn Julian, parent of an ASD child.

In addition to the Introductory Workshops, Acorn House runs workshops on Behaviour Management and Learning Strategies for parents who have completed the Introductory Workshops.

If the next Introductory Workshop is not scheduled within 2 months of a parent contacting Acorn House, parents are welcome to attend a meeting as a Guest of the Acorn House Administration Team provided they register for and attend the next Workshop.

For more information about Acorn House please e-mail info@acornhouse.org.nz or write to P.O.Box 38153,Howick 2145

Acorn House runs regular workshops for those interested in learning about Photographic

Learning And Communication Strategies (P.L.A.C.S.) and for those wanting to develop their existing knowledge. These workshops are suitable for parents, family members, professionals and anyone else working with or caring for a child with ASD.

Parents who have attended the Introductory Workshop 1 & 2 are welcome to join Acorn House and attend our regular educational and support meetings.

This is a 2 part workshop - the workshops introduce the use and reasons for use of

photographic visual communication. The production of a photographic communication system and step by step instructions in setting up the basic visual boards is also extensively covered.

The theory is complemented by a parent's account of her own child and how he has progressed using visuals. This is an invaluable look into a family's life.

Building on the knowledge and skills gained from the Introductory Workshops, this course focuses on both the theory and practical applications of using Photographic Learning And

Communication Strategies for managing a range of behaviours - from compliance through to difficult and challenging behaviours. Detailed examples of visuals are presented with a parent showing real life examples.

Participants of the Behaviour Management workshop must have already completed the Introductory workshops 1 & 2.

Building on the knowledge and skills gained from the Introductory workshops, this course focuses on utilising photographic visual strategies to teach children with Autism Spectrum Disorder cognitive concepts. Participants will gain knowledge on teaching skills that prepare their children for school including teaching maths concepts, number skills, alphabet, etc. as well as life skills.

Both theory and practical examples presented by a parent, will cover practical ways to continue your child's learning and motivate them, the adaptation of current teaching methods to suit an ASD child, how to keep the child motivated.

Participants of the Learning Strategies workshop must have already completed the Introductory workshops 1 & 2.

NEW PARENT workshop

This workshop at the end of the year is especially for parents who have missed the preceding modules of workshops but are interested in learning more about autism and Photographic

Learning And Communication Strategies. This workshop does not replace a full workshop but is meant to tide parents over until they can attend a full module of workshops.

The date for this workshop is Thursday 15th November 2012

Introductory Workshops Parts 1 & 2 - $100.00

Behaviour Management Workshop - $60.00

Learning Strategies Workshop - $60.00

A discount of $10 applies to those registering and paying for all four workshops listed above, at the same time. ($220.00)

New Parent Workshop - $60.00

Workshop fees are payable on the day of the workshop / At the first workshop of that module. Cheques should be made payable to "Acorn House". All payments will be receipted at the workshop.

Costs include: Workshop handout and morning tea. Please provide your own lunch.

Invoices can be issued upon request - to be paid within 7 days following registration.

If costs are being paid by an organisation, please provide the name, address and addressee at the time of registration.

Please register by emailing the following info. to info@acornhouse.org.nz.

 or snailmail to P.O.Box 38153,Howick 2145

Note that new registrations will not be accepted on the day of the Workshops.

As places are limited and we prepare for those who do register, we ask that cancellations are forwarded at the latest five days in advance. Unfortunately late or no cancellations will result in billing.

Registrations for  Module 1 2012 close on Monday 27th February and Module 2 2012 on Monday 14th May

First and Last Name
Title - Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr/Other
Designation - Parent, SLT, Psych,
Organisation
Address
Contact Phone Number - Daytime and Evening:
E-Mail Address (So we can confirm your registration)

Professionals: Please provide correct billing information (including name and address of person invoice has to go to)

Indicate which of the following workshops you want to register for.

Indicate if you have attended the Introductory Workshops before.

Workshops are held from 9.30am - 2.00pm at Fencible Lounge, Uxbridge Road, Howick, Auckland.

The new parent and teacher only workshops will be held at the same venue but from

9.30 -12.30am.

Fencible Lounge is within the Howick Library Building. Please park in the street.

Attendees are asked to arrive approx 15 minutes early to complete registration and to ensure a prompt start.

Module 1 2012

Introductory Workshop 1 - Thursday 1March

Introductory Workshop 2 - Thursday 15 March

Behaviour Management - Thursday 22 March

Learning Strategies - Thursday 29 March

Module 2 2011

Introductory Workshop 1 - Thursday 17 May

Introductory Workshop 2 - Thursday 21 June

Behaviour Management - Thursday 9 August

Learning Strategies - Thursday 23 August

Modules 2012

New Parent Workshop - Thursday 15 November

.

For more information about Acorn House or the workshops:

Workshop enquiries and registrations: email: info@acornhouse.org.nz

or

Ph: Bronwyn 273 7221

Acorn House support group enquiries :

Ph: Ranjna 272 8494

Acorn House general enquiries: Vanesse Geel 021 113 5423

P.O.Box 38153,Howick 2145