Laura Van Zuydam

As Lead Educator of the All Stars Early Intervention program (owned by All Abilities clinic), I managed staff and the educational, behavioural and general support needs of attending children and families.

The program was based within Jellybabies daycare centre (mainstream daycare in Sunshine Beach). Children attending the program were predominantly autistic with co-occurring conditions (such as ADHD, anxiety and intellectual impairment). The cohort represented a broad range of support needs and ages (2-6 years old).

I programmed the daily routine and activities for attending children in the program and supported visiting therapists (SLP, Psych and OT) in recording and delivering play-based ESDM therapy to each child as a 'para-professional' trained by therapists.

I also worked towards completing a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education (nearly complete) whilst working full-time.

I worked as Therapy Assistant (level 1) and progressed to Therapy Assistant (Level 2) whilst working at All Abilities- Therapy for kids and teens. I predominantly worked 1:1 with children with autism and co-occurring anxiety, ADHD and other health conditions.

I delivered therapy based on the therapy goals established by the multidisciplinary therapy team (Psych, SLP and OT).

I worked full-time with children in schools, daycares, in clinic and in private homes, giving me a specialised experience of delivering therapy across diverse environments.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with a multidisciplinary team of therapists and have gained invaluable knowledge and experience through their supervision.

I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies through Griffith University in 2022 which has given me a great deal of insight and knowledge around autism and helps inform my delivery of therapy.