If you are caring for someone with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), whether a new diagnosis or an existing condition, there are support groups and information available to help you. The word "spectrum" is used to describe the range of these disorders, as there can be a great variation in the needs, abilities, range and severity of conditions in people with autism.
According to Autism Aspect Australia (ASPECT), Autism Spectrum Disorders include three different types of autistic disorder:
In all three types of autism, people experience communication difficulties, problems interacting socially, and will show repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. Children diagnosed with an ASD will have some kind of difficulty in all three areas, though these vary greatly from person to person.
ASPECT offers a range of information and services for people with an ASD and their parents/ Carers including:
Other Services include regular workshops for parents and Carers, and Aspect Diagnostic Assessment which provides assessments for ASD in children, adolescents and adults.
For more information on services, contact:
Infoline: 1800 277 328
Phone 8977 8300
Email: contact@autismspectrum.org.au
Or see Important Links
Other Resources
The Department of Education and Training runs a Positive Partnerships Program. The aim of this program is to improve the educational outcomes for school age students with an ASD, both online and through face-to-face training and workshops. These resources are delivered nationally, through training for teachers and other school staff, and workshops for parents and Carers.
The free workshops include:
For more information see Important Links
Important Links
www.autismspectrum.org.au/
The information on these web pages is drawn from Autism Spectrum Australia's website