Xavier is thriving in our Skills 4 Life service
Xavier
When Group Services were introduced to Northcott Toowoomba, Xavier joined the Skills 4 Life service to grow his confidence.
For his Northcott therapist, this was also a chance to get staff in the service involved in supporting Xavier to work towards his therapy goals.
Xavier has autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism. He started accessing therapy services at the Toowoomba centre back in 2017 when Northcott operated as Montrose. He has made steady progress over the years. However, his most impressive development has come since Group Services were introduced to the centre.
Northcott’s Skills 4 Life service
His mum Shanna says Xavier looks forward to Skills 4 Life every week. In this service for teenagers, participants learn how to express their opinions, make decisions and respect others, while building their confidence and self-esteem.
“The group is particularly beneficial for us because Xavier has a younger sister who is also on the spectrum. This means our time and attention are often divided. These programs give him more individual time where the focus is on him,” says Shanna.
Xavier’s growth
“His confidence has skyrocketed in the last two years. He used to just sit and watch from the sidelines. Since he’s been doing Skills 4 Life, everyone wants to be his friend. He can’t communicate – he’s not verbal at the groups, but he still has a way of interacting with people,” she says.
Skills 4 Life also encourages independence by giving participants like Xavier the opportunity to take on tasks and responsibilities. One of Xavier’s favourite activities is cooking, where he’s begun taking on a leadership role.
“Xavier’s still undecided on what he wants to do and whether he wants to study or get a job. But having possibilities and hope, that’s the important thing!”
– Shanna, Xavier’s mum
Progress and possibilities
Reflecting on the early days, Shanna remembers how far they’ve come. “Therapy was often difficult because Xavier was not able to communicate. They had to work hard to build rapport by playing games. But it was never a chore to go – the team always made us feel welcome.”
Xavier’s growing confidence is opening up new possibilities for the future. With Northcott’s help, he is beginning to explore new interests and opportunities.
“Northcott is offering driver education and job readiness programs. With Northcott’s support, we’re starting to think about what types of job roles might suit Xavier and who we could approach.
“I’m really excited by this. Xavier’s still undecided on what he wants to do and whether he wants to study or get a job. But having possibilities and hope, that’s the important thing!” says Shanna.
Combining Therapy with Group Services
Therapy+ is an innovative model of therapy support where Northcott therapists work with support staff in our Group Services to build on a customer’s therapy goals in the community setting.
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