Helping children with autism

Information for health professionals and care givers of a child suspected of having autism or one of the pervasive developmental disorders

Two information booklets have been developed (one for health professionals and one for parents and carers). The booklets include information about ASD and the role of psychologists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists in assessing, diagnosing and treating children with an ASD. A booklet for parents and other carers, and one for health professionals are available to download from the following links:

• Consumer booklet  (2.5mb)
• Health Professional booklet  (2.2mb)

The consumer and health professional booklets include links for seeking further information and support services for parents and carers, and resources for health professionals.

Joining the APS Autism Spectrum Disorder list

The APS has established a list of APS Autism Spectrum Disorder list which is updated on a regular basis. This list identifies psychologists with expertise in the area of autism spectrum disorders. Psychologists must submit an application form for inclusion on the list which asks them to demonstrate evidence of one of the following:

1. Completion of an APAC accredited postgraduate qualification in professional psychology with a component of developmental psychology, including assessment and treatment of autism
2. Acquired proficiency through training and workshops on the assessment and treatment of autism and PDD and case study development. Workshops should be equivalent to 14 hours/two days in duration and conducted by an expert in the area.

Detailed information on criteria for inclusion, the application process and the required supporting documentation is provided in the application form.

• Download APS ASD Practitioners list application form 

Multidisciplinary education module

An online multidisciplinary education module has been developed for a broad range of health professionals with the aim to raise awareness of the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to assessment and intervention of children with an ASD, and the role of the key health professionals involved. The multidisciplinary education model will provide information and education about the autism spectrum disorders (ASD); the role of psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children with an ASD; the multidisciplinary nature of assessment and treatment, and pathways to care. This online education tool can be accessed through the Allied Health Professionals Australia website at autism.ahpa.com.au.

Resources for parents and carers

There are a number of government and non-government websites that provide advice and support to those wanting to know more about ASD.

• Department of Health and Ageing
  www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/autism-children
  The ‘Helping Children with Autism' webpage provides comprehensive information on ASDs and information on how to be part of the Helping Children with Autism' initiative for both parents (or caregivers) and health professionals.
• Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
  www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/people/HelpingChildrenWithAutism/Pages/default.aspx FaHCSIA provide services under the ‘Helping Children with Autism' package. Their website provides information on additional services available such as autism advisors, funding for early intervention services, PlayConnect playgroups, and early days family workshops.
• Roberts and Prior Review
  Roberts and Prior Table 1
  A table of services available for children diagnosed with or suspected of having an ASD has been prepared as part of a review commissioned by the Department of Health and Ageing. This table provides information and contact details for services as well as eligibility criteria.
• Raising Children Network website
  www.raisingchildren.net.au
  This website is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing and provides information, online resources and interactive functions to support parents, families, carers and professionals.

State and Territory Autism Associations

Resources for psychologists and other health professionals

There are a number of government and non-government websites that provide information about ASD and pathways to care for children with an ASD.

• Helping Children with Autism
  www.health.gov.au
  Select "autism' in the "Information by health topic" search box.
  
  More detailed information on the components of the Government's Helping Children with Autism package can be viewed at this page.
• FaHCSIA Early Intervention Services
  www.fahcsia.gov.au
  Follow the link on "People with disability" in the subject area to the section on "Support and services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders".
  
  The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) offers a number of programs to assist children and families of children with an ASD as part of the Helping Children with Autism package. These include a national program of workshops to deliver flexible and targeted support for families and carers, plus playgroups for children with an ASD across Australia.
• Raising Children Network
  www.raisingchildren.net.au
  Follow the link on the home page to: Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  As part of the Helping Children with Autism package, the Australian government provides this comprehensive online resource on ASDs to support parents, families, carers and professionals. Parents and carers can visit this site to learn more about ASDs, explore the service pathfinder, read a guide to therapies and interact in a parent's forums.
  
  The wait for assessment and to receive a formal diagnosis of an ASD is often described by families as the hardest period of all. Parents will not be alone in finding it stressful and overwhelming at times. Support and help is available on this site. 
  
  Parents can book into an Early Days Workshop, even if they are still waiting for a diagnosis, which is fully funded by the Federal Government. Advice and counselling is also available from local Autism Associations (see above).
• Autism Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders
  www.autismadvisoryboard.org.au

Referral to a psychologist regarding ASD

To find a psychologist who works in the area of autism and PDD, please refer to the APS Autism and PDD Identified Practitioners list. 

Other useful resources

A review commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing examines intervention approaches for treatment of children with an autism spectrum disorder, as well as providing an extensive list of services and programs available across all states and territories. This document is available for download from the Department of Health and Ageing website:

• Roberts, J., & Prior, M. (2008). A review of the research to identify the most effective models of practice in early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Australia.
  http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-r-autrev

A document examining research findings related to early intervention of children with autism and evidence based guidelines for best practice. This document is available for download from the Department of Health and Ageing website:

• Prior, M., & Roberts, J. (2006). Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Australia.
  http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-e-autbro