A new hub in Mandurah is combining autism research and a coding club.
The Neurodiverse Hub for Curtin University's Autism Academy of Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) was launched on Wednesday.
The CoderDojo Club has been operating in Mandurah for the past 18 months but recently moved to Mandurah Catholic College and started collaborating with the university to conduct autism research.
The program uses technology, coding, programming, robotics, internet of things and podcast production to support neurodiverse teenagers.
Stakeholders say they hope the program will evolve further into a Neurodiverse Centre of Excellence, with future stages involving research programs, also using coding to develop social skills and possible alternative pathways to Curtin University.
The hub is part of the Fogarty Foundation's CoderDojo WA network.
Mandurah Neurodiverse CoderDojo coordinator Michelle Wong said the program provided real life projects to develop problem solving and employment skills needed in a constantly evolving IT sector.
"I am so pleased to be able to help neurodiverse young people to use their inherent skills and natural technological talents to be creative problem solvers, building a range of digital projects, while also developing positive social skills," Ms Wong said.
Fogarty Foundation executive chair Annie Fogarty, distinguished neuroscientist Professor Lyn Beazley, CEWA director of finance and infrastructure Dr Glennda Scully, AASQA head Prof. Tele Tan and Curtin Autism Research Group head Prof. Sonya Girdler attended the launch on Wednesday.
They were taken on a tour by CoderDojo 'Ninjas', the name given to the young coders who are part of the club. The Ninjas then demonstrated some of the coding and other projects they were working on with the support of their volunteer mentors.
The Mandurah Ninjas also shared some episodes from their podcast 'Neurodiverse Tech and Talents - A Podcast about everything Neurodiverse'.
College principal Chris Wallace said the college was pleased to provide the facilities for the community project.
"...it is extremely rewarding to be able to share our facilities with the community in this way," Mr Wallace said.
"...the college is focused on providing Christ-centred, child focused teaching practices, so the Mandurah CoderDojo and Neurodiverse Hub are welcome additions to our existing inclusive education."
The program is supported by a number of organisations including: Curtin University's AASQA Program; BankWest which provided laptops; Firetech which is providing the coding curriculum and the City of Mandurah which bought podcast equipment.
The Mandurah Neurodiverse CoderDojo operates on Saturday mornings during school term, from 10am-12noon, in the college library. As the program is being delivered as a community outreach program operating at the school, all local neurodiverse adolescents are welcome.
Daniela Cooper
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
