who is ac?

LibbyRochelle Appleby RDI® Program Certified Consultant/ Special Educator
P.O. Box 1290
Wahroonga, NSW 2074
Phone: 02 8402 0996
rochelle@autismconnections.com.au

Rochelle brings a unique perspective to supporting the families of children with autism spectrum disorders, that of being a parent of a child with autism. Rochelle's understanding of the impacts of dealing daily with autism translate into a caring, empathetic relationship with the families she works with.

Rochelle worked as a classroom teacher from 1997 to 2005, supporting children with special needs in her classroom, and later as a support teacher for these children. During her undergraduate studies, Rochelle was first introduced to students with autism and intervention methods to engage with them.

Following her son's diagnosis with autism, Rochelle began to specialise in this area, managing his program with the aid of other professionals and attending training for the PECS visual communication system, Hanen More Than Words™ program, DIR® Floortime program, ABA therapy and Someone to Turn To™ parent support program. Following success with some of these strategies with her own son and in the classroom environment, Rochelle began assisting other families with their own programs. Rochelle was also asked to consult with ASPECT on the revised version of their Play Manual.

In 2005, Rochelle commenced training for the RDI® Program, attending training sessions in Australia and the U.S.A. Rochelle recognised the power of the RDI® Program in providing a naturalistic approach to remediating autism through the bond between parents and their children, and now offers RDI® as the primary intervention program for families she works with. Rochelle currently works with families of children from 2 years old to 17 years old in Sydney, rural NSW, other Australian state capitals and New Zealand.

Qualifications:
 

  • Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Hons)
  • RDI® Program Certified Consultant