Neuroaffirming care values the strengths and differences of autistic people, those with ADHD or other profiles. Here’s how
Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro explores how neuroaffirming care values strengths and difference.
Down Syndrome Victoria FitSkills: Exercising made easier with social support
DSV FitSkills is an inclusive, community-based gym program that empowers young people with Down syndrome through fitness, friendship, and tailored support.
Responding to the needs of Autistic students in the school system
This article highlights the importance of timely support programs and evidence-based support programs that promote independence, participation, and success in school and beyond.
Seven Essential Tips for Parents Evaluating Autism Interventions
With over 400 therapies and services available, choosing the right autism support for your child can feel overwhelming. How do you navigate this growing landscape of options? In this post, we share seven essential tips to help parents evaluate autism supports, from identifying daily living needs to understanding diagnosis practices.
Calling all sensory detectives and creators…
We know that most Autistic people, and some non-autistic, have sensory issues. For those on the Autism spectrum, noises that go unnoticed by many can sound like a booming drum.
What is the best evidence-based support for Autistic children in relation to communication skills?
A very good starting point for comparing different supports is the Raising Children Network’s ‘Parent Guide to Therapies‘ which provides a description of the most commonly used supports in Australia, as well as a rating for research evidence, time commitment required, and cost. Research Autism, based in the UK, provides a similar service and is also well worth a look.
Even when we consider only those interventions for which there is good research evidence, we find that there is currently no single best support program which works equally well for all Autistic children. This is no doubt due in large part to the fact that the individual skills and needs of each child, and his or her family, are unique.
Dr David Trembath
Published July 2019
Supporting speech development in minimally-verbal Autistic adults
Can Autistic adults learn to speak? The answer isn't clear due to limited research. While some may develop speech, outcomes vary. A speech pathologist can assess both verbal and non-verbal communication, increasing the chances of success.
Posted inAutism supports News
New Autism research demonstrates positive impact of early suports
A new research study at the Victorian Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC) based at La Trobe University’s Children’s Centre, in collaboration with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), has been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Imitation Difficulties Among Children with a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Social Motivation or Motor-Execution Problem?
Copying others is important for development. It provides a way to learn about the physical world, and a context for children to practice and develop their skills for interacting with others. There is evidence to suggest that children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism) imitate less often and less accurately than non-autistic children. While several explanatory theories have been put forward for these findings, the specific reasons for imitation difficulties remain unclear.
Diet changes for children
Explore the impact of gluten- and casein-free diets for Autistic children. Learn about the latest research, potential benefits, and challenges of dietary supports for autism.