The results indicated that there was a high level of client satisfaction among carers in the following areas of:
Communication and Cooperation
Participation and Involvement
Ethics
Skills and Courtesy
Change and Innovation
Carers were less satisfied when it came to:
Leadership
Facilities and Safety
Fees
The responses which weakened the correlation in these areas were:
Carers indicating they were unaware of the future direction of Aspect (59%)
Carers not believing that Aspect's buildings, grounds and facilities used by a family member were in good condition (30%)
Carers not believing that the fees charged for Aspect services are reasonable (33%)
Some of the results across different units and demographic categories include:
Clients accessing the BUILDING BLOCKS® programs appear to be the happiest overall, whilst clients receiving a service related to Employment and Community Participation appear to be the least satisfied.
Clients receiving Aspect services for less than 12 months appear to be the most satisfied overall, while clients receiving services for more than 5 years are the least satisfied.
Clients who waited for services for less than 3 months are the most satisfied in general, with clients who waited for more than 12 months are the least satisfied.
To conclude this section a sample of the open-ended responses are provided to the questions: "How could Aspect be improved?" and "What are the greatest strengths of Aspect and its services?"
"How could Aspect be improved?"
More schooling places are needed - for families who can't access the services it is extremely distressing
By offering respite services / co-ordination. Advice re appropriate respite options and case management.
More of and more consistent explanations to families about why things are recommended for a child. Time to listen and respond to parents concerns - communication books that are used by teachers - regular meetings i.e. once per term to be offered - shared management of the child's behaviour - making links between school and home.
More recognition of staff that have put in considerable time, effort and loyalty in this service.
More staff for school outreach service would enable shorter waiting lists for appointments, more services to be provided.
As a parent of a child educated outside the base school (satellite class) more reassessing of the day to day education. Touch base in a forum more often
A high level communication / social skill course for teenagers on coping skills and how to reduce anxiety and manage anger when things go wrong socially. A course on how to improve self confidence and how to deal with bullying first rather than going to a teacher in the first instance. These courses should have a narrow age bracket range, not, all of high school year 7-12 but split either by each school year or 2 school years grouped together
I wish Aspect office can run their training courses or activities in the middle of Sydney e.g. Ryde, Parramatta - so that most of the families that live in the far West or East of Sydney can attend
Instead of just talking the talk how about walking the walk with regard to really implementing communication strategies for clients in adult services e.g. teaching and using visuals by all staff with clients (social stories etc.).
Aspect could be more open to other treatment modalities e.g. biochemical and diet approach.
Better staffing levels for adult services would be a great blessing if at all possible, both for clients and staff.
To be more aware of how autism works in practice, not only theory. That parents know their children best and for staff to acknowledge that is the case. To understand ageing parent's concerns over their middle aged children and how they will manage once the parents are gone. I think ahead for when they too become old and need even more special care.
Look at adults as well. Pilot program on employment etc would be an interesting experiment.
To be able to help more families with adults with ASD in regard to employment and residential services. Having been able to avail ourselves of residential services, it would be good for other families to have the same opportunities. Probably not possible, but if not improve - more staff and opportunities for outings.
"What are the greatest strengths of Aspect and its services?"
The staff that work very hard and seem focused on trying to get the kids to work to the best of their ability.
Community access programs, daily programs, staff are fantastic at doing their job.
The organisation is a strong advocate for people affected by autism. The organisation provides a service that is neglected by government.The teaching staff are fantastic.
Staff are caring and knowledgeable.
The dedication and professionalism of staff. The greatest strength of the organisation is the staff. They are most caring people and friendly.The staff at the schools through to office staff.They know what they are talking about.They follow through which is important, they call back, if we ask for something it happens.
Friendly staff understanding and genuine commitment to children with autism and their families. But I believe the organisation is sometimes bogged down by bureaucracy and political correctness. Staff are unfailingly dedicated and experts in their field - they are the organisation's greatest strength.
The greatest strength is responding to suggestions, doing innovative ways in teaching or carrying out client's tasks. Friendly staff.
Willingness to do the very best they can on a tight budget.
Its personalised approach. Professionalism. The "face" of autism in NSW.
They provide care and help for autistic people and their families. Children are given education and communication skills. Autistic adults are helped to find employment and to find quality of life.
Dedicated and expert staff. Commitment to clients. Best in the field.
Comprehensive. Caring. Excellent knowledge of autism and related issues.
The behavioural outreach service gives practical and ongoing service and support to parents and children in a non-Aspect school. The people who work there are wonderful and are always prepared to help or "go the extra mile" for their clients.
I have done two training courses and I have gained a better understanding of how to deal with my autistic child's needs and the difficulties he faces in everyday life. The training courses are high quality and a great way for parents / carers to share ideas and experiences.
The personal attention that is given by the staff. The support, understanding and encouragement. It is very difficult to find people that understand what your child is going through and the staff knows this. It is wonderful that they are so willing to assist the people that are involved i.e. teachers, school principal etc. to help them in a better understanding of autism, and that they support these people. This is a service that is crucial to improving the lives of children with autism.
Each person I have had contact with in the organisation has been very professional and pleasant. Its greatest strength appears to be its high quality personnel.
