autism spectrum disorder
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although Autism can be diagnosed at any age, signs of Autism are usually present in the first two years of life.
Autism is referred to as a “spectrum” because people with Autism can have a range of characteristics, needs, strengths and challenges. Although Autism is a lifelong disorder, treatments, services and support can improve a person’s health, well-being and daily functioning.
Autistic individuals can experience:
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Difficulty with social communication and interaction with other people
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Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours that affect their ability to function in school, work and other areas of life
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More or less sensitivity than other people to sensory input such as light, sound, touch or temperature
Although the medical and health community can use the term Autism to refer to a disorder or disability, many people see Autism as a difference, not a disability, and some people prefer the term neurodivergent.
Neurodiversity refers to the idea that there is no single “normal” way for brains to function and emphasizes identifying and supporting the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals, rather than solely focusing on their challenges.
How is Autism diagnosed?
In Australia, Autism is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment process involving professionals such as paediatricians, psychologists or psychiatrists. The assessment may include interviews with primary caregivers and observations paired with standardised assessments to evaluate a person’s social communication, interaction, cognitive skills and behavioural patterns.
If you would like to pursue a possible diagnosis for your child, start with your GP who can refer you to a Paediatrician for further investigation. While the assessment process may involve a team of professionals, including a Psychologist, Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and/or other allied professionals to support the diagnosis, a Paediatrician makes the formal diagnosis.
Speech Pathology support
People with Autism of any age may find support helpful and a diagnosis is not required to access support. Speech Pathologists can assist a person with Autism to learn communication and social skills to help them feel comfortable in a variety of settings such as home, school or work.
Depending on the individual’s needs, a Speech Pathologist may work on some of the following skills:
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Interacting with others in different settings
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Using a variety of communication supports including gesture, Key Word Sign and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
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Conversation skills such as initiation, topic maintenance, ending a conversation, and turn taking
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Reading and writing skills
Speech Pathologists can also support the families of Autistic individuals through education, and assistance with communication strategies. A Speech Pathologist can be a wonderful ally for people with Autism, and their loved ones, assisting with NDIS applications, and advocating for school supports and dedicated communication devices.
What should you do once your child receives an Autism diagnosis?
Support services can be accessed both privately and through the NDIS. To access the NDIS, you’ll need to submit an access request by filling out either the Early Childhood Approach form (if your child is below the age of 6) or completing the Access Request Form (if your child is above the age of 7). If approved, you’ll receive a plan outlining funded support.
At Inner North Speech Pathology we provide support to clients with Autism (whether they have received a diagnosis or not), using neuroaffirming practice which is a strengths-based, person-centred approach that recognises and celebrates the unique strengths, needs and experiences of neurodivergent individuals. We focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers individuals to thrive, rather than trying to “fix”. We have clinicians experienced in providing neuroaffirming practice around social skills, speech and language, literacy and AAC.
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