Specialist Learning Program (ASD)
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The Specialised Learning Program – Autism (SLP-A) at Gosnells Primary School provides individualised, neurodiversity-affirming support for autistic students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
The program is designed for students who demonstrate academic potential but may face barriers to fully accessing the curriculum, placing them at risk of underachievement or disengagement. By addressing these barriers, the SLP-A empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, while recognising and affirming their identity as autistic individuals.
Program Focus:
The SLP-A supports students by:
- Fostering engagement in mainstream classrooms.
- Building organisational skills for independent learning.
- Promoting social cognition and positive peer relationships.
- Supporting the development of emotional self-regulation.
- Enhancing academic achievement through targeted intervention.
Students access mainstream classes in line with their individual learning and wellbeing needs
In dedicated SLP homerooms, specialist teachers and education assistants use evidence-based, best-practice approaches to deliver tailored support. Staff also collaborate with mainstream teachers to provide consistent strategies across the whole school environment.
Program Structure:
- Operates within the mainstream school environment.
- Students are included in general learning areas with targeted support.
- Individualised learning plans address academic, social, and emotional goals.
- Homerooms provide safe, structured spaces for explicit teaching and regulation.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the Gosnells SLP-A, students must:
- Meet enrolment eligibility for WA public schools (Kindy–Year 6).
- Have a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability.
- Students who, with support, are anticipated to work at or near year-level academic standards.
- Demonstrate significant social, emotional, or behavioural challenges related to autism.
- Independently manage personal care needs.
- Have reliable family transport to and from school.
Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee placement. Suitability is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process.
Application Process:
- Families submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with supporting documents (diagnostic reports, school records, medical evidence).
- The school reviews applications against eligibility and suitability criteria.
- A comprehensive assessment is conducted to ensure the program can meet the student’s individual needs.
- Successful applicants receive a formal offer and are invited to orientation days prior to starting.
EOIs remain on file, and families are contacted when a position becomes available.
Collaboration with Families:
- Parents and caregivers are active partners in the SLP-A. We work closely with families to:
- Share insights about each child’s strengths, challenges, and interests.
- Develop individualised learning and support plans.
- Maintain ongoing communication to ensure program success.
Our Commitment:
The Gosnells SLP-A is guided by the National Guideline for supporting the learning, participation, and wellbeing of autistic children and their families in Australia (Autism CRC, 2022).
We embrace neurodiversity-affirming practice, which means recognising each student’s unique way of experiencing and engaging with the world, without seeking to reduce or cure autism. We are committed to addressing external barriers to learning and participation, ensuring every student can access education equitably and flourish as their authentic self.
Contact Us
For more information or to submit an Expression of Interest: Gosnells Primary School
SLP-A Program Coordinator – Anelise Edkins
anelise.stringer@education.wa.edu.au
Together, we aim to empower every student to reach their full potential.
