Teens on the autism spectrum are learning about money and banking through a new program being rolled out at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) School campuses in Thornton and Port Macquarie, as well as distance education students online.
The program is supported through Aspect Hunter School’s partnership with the Greater Charitable Foundation and the Greater Bank Finance Academy, which delivers a financial literacy outreach program to high school students across the Hunter, Central Coast, the Central West and Northern regions of NSW.
Aspect Hunter School provides education for 178 students on the autism spectrum across nine sites, with a further 84 students enrolled in their satellite program and an additional 10 Distance Education students.
Autism is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. It is a lifelong condition that is estimated to impact 1 in 70 people.
Greater Bank Financial Literacy Ambassador, Rebecca Lorrie, said course content is created in partnership with University of Newcastle and Greater Bank and aims to equip the students with lifelong skills.
“It’s important for all teens to learn the basics of banking and how to manage money, so they develop good financial habits,” Rebecca said.
“Kids on the spectrum need the same skills, just taught in a different way, to help them understand how things work and where they can go for help if they need it."
Rebecca Lorrie, Greater Bank Financial Literacy Ambassador
“We teach them the fundamentals of financial literacy so they become familiar with concepts and terms they may not have encountered before.
“This includes things like saving and budgeting, interest rates, inflation and diversification, as well as understanding the difference between debit and credit cards, and different ways financial transactions can occur.
“We work with kids who are not far away from leaving school, so the aim is to help prepare them for the future, whether they’re going into further education and training, or seeking employment.”
Rebecca said the program has also provided a learning experience for the Greater Bank ambassadors, a number of whom have personal connections to Autism through friends or family members.
“It’s been wonderful to work in collaboration with Aspect Hunter School teachers who have taken us through Autism Awareness training. This has enabled the ambassadors to better understand the needs of the students, as well as the challenges they face when learning, which has ensured that we deliver the content in the most effective and supportive manner.” Rebecca said.
Lara Cheney, Principal from Aspect Hunter School, said the program was an important lesson for students, who may not have had a lot of exposure to financial literacy in the past.
“This program is just so important for our students. Teaching them valuable lessons about managing their money in a way that is tailored for their needs."
Lara Cheney, Principal - Aspect Hunter School
“Being able to manage your own money and understanding how banks and finances work is a big step toward greater independence, this program will help empower our students well beyond their school years.”
The program is in addition to a broader three-year, $330,000 partnership between the Greater Charitable Foundation and Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) that delivers a Work Education and Employment Skills Program which provides specialised autism-specific support for its high school students that assists in the transition from school to employment.
Aspect aims to enable its students to lead self-informed, independent lives, while being fully included and appreciated members of the community who do not experience social and financial disadvantage due to their life-long disability.
Click here to read more about Greater Charitable Foundation’s partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)