Speak Out Feb 2017

Branch News

SA Branch Lecture by Winthrop Professor Andrew​Whitehouse

south Australia

in the association at the local level, Executive provided a flyer highlighting key aspects of Branch activity as well as ways to keep informed and/or engage with the Branch. Branch Chair Cathy Clark welcomed attendees and I had the privilege of introducing Andrew. Retitled Autism: Challenging the status quo for the Branch Lecture, Andrew once again delivered an engaging, informative, thought- provoking and inspiring presentation of his research and endeavours towards his “dream” to reduce the disability impact of Autism. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to ask questions at the end. We await the findings of the early intervention trial occurring in Western Australia with great interest. This was the first time the SA Branch has undertaken a Branch lecture and it was a resounding success. It also sparked further interest in the National Conference coming up in Adelaide in 2018. We are very grateful to Andrew for making himself available, to Novita Children’s Services for the venue and the various Executive and Branch members who assisted in facilitating the event in anyway, large or small. Barbara Lyndon Professional Learning Working Group Leader South Australian Branch

I am sure those who attended the 2016 National Conference will agree that one of the highlights was the Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture presented by Winthrop Professor Andrew Whitehouse titled Can we prevent disability in autism through infant interventions? Re-writing the rulebook. So when the opportunity arose to have Andrew reprise this lecture in Adelaide in October, the SA Branch jumped at the chance! A flurry of emails and phone calls quickly lead to agreement to make it happen. Penny Miller from Novita Children’s Services provided invaluable assistance by negotiating use of the lecture theatre at the Regency Park site as the venue. Invitations to attend were extended to both members and non-members, including speech pathologists and other interested professionals. In addition to the usual information to Branch members, flyers about the lecture were also disseminated through workplace networks to “spread the word”. On the day around 100 professionals, mostly speech pathologists, gathered from 5.30 pm to network and catch up over light refreshments ready for the lecture commencing at 6 pm. Recognising the opportunity to raise awareness among member and non-member speech pathologists who may not usually be involved

SA 573 Members

as at November 2016

Cathy Clark, Winthrop Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Penny Miller, Barbara Lyndon.

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February 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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