SNAP was developed due to the demand in the Cape Town area (South Africa) for specialised aid for children who require exceptional care and teaching with regard to their learning and development. As the waiting list for children to be assessed and enrolled at the schools for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) grew, the necessity for early intervention became evident.
Annalies van Rijswijk, an experienced senior teacher, as well as the leading teacher of the junior section at the Vera School for learners with ASD, was requested to develop a home program for children on their waiting list. She was also responsible for administering and monitoring this program, as she is a firm believer in early intervention for a better prognosis. The program was aimed at enabling children to progress while still being on the waiting list and, simultaneously, providing the support parents so desperately needed.
The parents were encouraged to become involved as partners as well:
They were taught the intervention techniques They participated in the planning of the program They felt they were doing something positive for their child Their involvement resulted in insight and understanding of the ASD syndrome and their child. They were all impressed with the progress their children made.
At the same time the need for a personalised one-to-one approach with more immediate results arose, due to the fact that the pupil-teacher ratio in the classes at the specialised schools increased.
SNAP is a unique, child-specific, one-on-one, integrated program for children with special needs. It also endeavours to assist and support parents and other persons entrusted to their care. The program recognises the uniqueness of each child and is geared to addressing the needs of each individual child.
Mission Statement
To enable the child with special needs to develop to the best of his/her ability and potential. To empower parents with children with special needs. To improve the quality of life of the whole family: the child, parents, siblings as well as the extended family. To provide a facility which will reach out within and beyond the borders of South Africa. To give glory to God
SNAP offers the following treatment options or services on their program:
Parent Consultations One-on-one intervention and tutoring Foundation Phase Schooling (Grade 0 – Grade 3) Facilitation of a child at a mainstream school Hi-5 Social Interaction class to enhance social skills Support Groups Training of Parents, Teachers and Professionals Workshops for Local and International Visitors Outreach Programs
www.snap.org.za