Frequently Asked Questions

What age range is the program suitable for?

• The program was designed for 8 to 12 year old children. However, it has been successfully used with youth up to the age of 15. Children younger than 8 may struggle to understand some of the language and concepts.

Is the program suitable for children with lower functioning autism?

• The program was designed for children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders, such as Asperger Syndrome. Children with intellectual delays may struggle to understand the language and concepts used throughout the program, and will need additional adult support.

Is the program evidence-based?

• Yes. Please refer to the SAS Research section for further information, or alternatively, Contact Us.

Who developed the program?

• Dr Renae Beaumont initially developed the program for her PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Queensland. The Social Skills Training Institute has an exclusive licence to publish and distribute the program internationally.

Can I purchase the SAS Facilitator Kit or Session Resources Kit without attending a practitioner training course?

• No. To ensure program fidelity and optimise practitioner competence in program delivery, the SAS Facilitator Kit and Session Resources Kit are only available to practitioners enrolled in a SAS practitioner training course.

Can families purchase the SAS Family Kit without being enrolled in a SAS group program?

• We strongly recommend against families purchasing a SAS Family Kit without being enrolled in a SAS group program. The resources in the SAS Family Kit refer extensively to activities completed in session and therefore are likely to be of limited value to families outside of the group program. If families are unable to access the group program, we recommend purchasing the SAS Computer Game Pack.

Can I attend training without purchasing the SAS Facilitator Kit or SAS Session Resources Kit?

• No. The SAS Facilitator Kit and Session Resources Kit are an integral part of the social skills program and practitioner training course. Practitioners use the resources extensively during training and are likely to find the course of minimal value without the resources.

Can families receive a Medicare rebate for attending SAS group sessions?

• Within Australia, the program has been Medicare endorsed. Children with a Mental Health Treatment Plan are eligible for Medicare rebates from eligible practitioners. Australian families may also qualify for rebates on the program resources through the Commonwealth Government Education Tax Refund Scheme. For practitioners and parents outside of Australia, please consult your local education and health authorities to find out what rebates may apply.

Can I play the SAS Computer Game on Windows 8?

• If you wish to play the SAS Computer Game on a Windows 8 operating system, please install the game with the Installation DVD, and then proceed with the following update:
  
  1. Click on this link to download the update: SAS Update
  2. Select ‘Run’ to begin the update process. Complete the update as prompted and exit the wizard.
  3. The update is now complete. To play the game, please insert your Activation USB (Rockey) into the computer and open the program from the desktop icon or start menu.