The Lab … Darcy, front, is one of the kids that will benefit from The Lab, while Stefan Schutt helps another in the background. Picture: Courtesy Victoria University
By Charlene Gatt
A HIGH-TECH learning club for young people with Asperger’s Syndrome has opened in Footscray.
In what is believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, The Lab will cater for up to eight local youths aged between 10 and 16 on Thursday afternoons.
The youths will work with computer programmers and designers on a one-on-one basis on things like programming, 3D digital design and gaming.
The idea came after a Victoria University project led by senior educator Stefan Schutt and technical manager Dale Linegar found that kids with Asperger’s had improved social skills, confidence and happiness through computer tuition. “We are very excited about the opening and giving these young people a dedicated space to express themselves creatively outside the constraints of a normal classroom,” Mr Schutt said.
“By pairing these young people with tutors who have technical expertise in areas of mutual interest, The Lab seeks to improve the wellbeing and life prospects of young people who are often highly skilled but whose condition can lead them to fall through gaps in the mainstream education system.
“Kids with Asperger’s often have very high IQs and they’re really gifted but they don’t have the social skills that most other kids do.
“They can face problems in the real world, but when you put them in front of a computer they’re fantastic.”
The pair has received a lot of encouragement from parents of Asperger’s children. Mr Linegar and Ms Schutt are now developing a parent support group and an information website for carers and young people.
