Autism awareness is increasing, there are many modern movies and TV series focusing on people with Autism traits. Support and funding agencies have also become more aware of the impact Autism can have on an individual’s functioning and their support needs.
As a parent or carer it can be difficult to understand how Autism affects a child’s ability and development. There can be an overwhelming amount of information to process, so below is a brief overview of Autism traits and links for further information. As a registered NDIS psychology provider we understand how important it is to understand Autism.
Autism criteria
- Persistence in deficits in the areas of social communication and interaction across multiple situations: for example - difficulty understanding emotions, difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversations, difficulty sharing, limited verbal and nonverbal communication.
- A minimum of 2 Restricted repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities: for example - lining up objects, repetitive sounds, inflexibility to routine changes, fixated interests, sensitive to sensory input (temperature, textiles, light, sounds, visual movements).
- Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period but may not fully manifest until placed in socially demanding situations.
Autism level of functioning
Symptom severity is determined on both A and B criteria following an Autism diagnostic assessment (ADOS). The level of severity determines the level of functioning, in other words the expectation for that child to be able to function or adapt in certain social situations.
Severity level 1: Requiring support
Severity level 2: Requiring substantial support
Severity level 3: Requiring very substantial support
It is important to understand the diagnosis and severity level for a child, as this will determine the level of support that is available for you and your child. A child with a severity level of 2 or 3 is often recognised as a disability within NDIS, which may qualify them to receive financial and social support to help your child.
Other common behaviours
Each child will display symptoms and behaviours uniquely, some children may express their distress by hiding or withdrawing while others may exhibit a meltdown (physical tantrum). Most children will have significant difficulty understanding and expressing their needs and distress, so it is important to engage with health professionals ongoingly throughout the child’s development. Psychology intervention can help with providing child-parent strategies that assist the child with regulating emotions.
Our team of highly skilled and experienced psychologists are here to help with Autism Therapy QLD. We’re a registered NDIS psychology provider. Call us today on 0479 149 277 to take make an appointment.
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