Spectrum Advisory Services
Eligibility and Priority of access
Check Mate
Description:
Check Mate is a social skills development group run in partnership with Autism SA and
Chesslife. This group provides individuals on the spectrum aged 6-18 years of age an
opportunity to learn chess and develop social skills in a supportive environment.
Participants will also be invited to bring along their siblings where relevant to join them in
the experience with the hope of providng support to not just our clients but also their
siblings, foster the relationship between the siblings, giving them a shared interest and foster
positive expereinces and inteactions between them.
By covering a large scope of ages in the group we would hope to develop a mentor type
relationship between the older and younger participants.
Goals:
 Learn the rules and strategies of chess
 Enter a new environment and engage with facilitators and participants
 Practice the social skills around winning and loosing gracefully in a supported
environment
 Practice everyday social skills eg greeting, conversations skills, requesting help etc
 Build confidence by developing the belief in participants that they can be successful in
social relationships and extracurricular activities;
 Improve social skills and networks;
 Provide a safe, encouraging and supportive environment;
 Provide networking opportunities for parents and carers; and
 Provide support and strategies for families and carers to build their capacity to
support their child in developing social skills.
Outcomes:
 Increase knowledge of chess rules and tactics
 Improved understanding and use of social skills;
 Improved understanding and use of communication skills;
 Improved understanding of and interaction with community and resources;
 Achieve regular attendance to the group; and
 Develop interactions with fellow participants and staff throughout the program.
Maximum Participants: 24
Venue: Autism SA, 1/262 Marion Rd, Netley
Eligibility Criteria for client:
 Diagnosis of autism, Asperger Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder;
 Client must be able to independently manage their own personal care and hygiene
needs;
 Client must be able to manage their own transport needs to all activities;
 Client to be registered for services with Autism SA;
 Client to be within the appropriate age groups; and
 Client to be group ready; that is, able to take turns, follow instructions, does not
engage in aggressive behaviour and has an effective form of communication.
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Spectrum Advisory Services
Eligibility and Priority of access
Check Mate
Eligibility Criteria for sibling:
 Must be sibling of a child registered for Autism SA services
 Fit the determined age group
 Client must be able to independently manage their own personal care and hygiene
needs;
 Able to manage their own transport needs to all activities;
 Be group ready; that is, able to take turns, follow instructions, does not engage in
aggressive behaviour and has an effective form of communication.
Priority of Access Criteria: (in conjunction with Autism SA’s Access and Eligibility Policy)
Priority of access will be determined if the number of Expressions of Interest that meet the
eligibility criteria exceed the number of places available:
 Meet all eligibility criteria;
 No or limited access to other age appropriate social activities / groups / clubs;
 Client to have high willingness to participate in the program on a regular basis; and
 Where we can, will consider any previous applications to Autism SA social skills
groups ie those who have applied previously but not been accepted will be given
priority
Referral Process:
Self-referral can be arranged by contacting the Info Line (1300 288 476) and requesting an
Expression of Interest form or by accessing the form from the Autism SA website- social
development groups page. The form needs to be completed and returned to the address on
the bottom of the form by the date indicated. An Expression of Interest form does not
guarantee a place in the program. The client will be informed if their application is
successful or not successful via mail. Further information regarding the program will be sent
to successful applicants.
Exit Criteria: (in conjunction with Autism SA’s Exit from Service Policy)
 Participant no longer meets the eligibility criteria for the group;
 Participant no longer wants to attend the group;
 Implementation of the Behavioural Policy; and
 Failure to pay associated fees.
Parents/carers:
Parents and carers are required to stay on site. Another room separate to where the group
is taking place will be provided.
Feedback:
Any feedback in relation to the group is welcomed by either speaking directly to the staff
involved or to the Manager of Family and Community Services on (08) 8379 6976.
For More Information Contact:
Autism SA Info Line 1300 288 476
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