Navigating Support After an Autism Diagnosis
Receiving an autism diagnosis marks a new chapter for many families. The initial search for answers concludes, and a new journey begins: finding the right support. The sheer volume of therapies, educational models, and intervention programs available can be overwhelming, each promising positive outcomes. From Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy to occupational therapy, social skills groups, and developmental models, discerning the best path for your child can feel daunting.
This guide aims to simplify that choice by breaking down available programs and offering a framework for evaluation. It’s about finding the best fit for your child’s unique personality, strengths, and specific challenges, recognising that every autistic individual is different. Your choice isn’t just a service; it’s a partnership in your child’s development and well-being.
Choosing Therapy Programs
Many programs and therapies exist to aid in education and improve quality of life. Some facilities specialise in one approach, while others combine several. The key is to find what truly serves your child.
Popular Therapy Options
Surveys among parents show several key programs are widely utilised. These foundational therapies are often adapted or combined with newer techniques.
Important Caution Regarding ABA
Many Autistic adults express strong negative views on ABA, considering it a harmful or abusive practice. It’s crucial to research diverse perspectives and ensure any chosen therapy respects the individual’s autonomy and well-being.
A structured approach focusing on understanding and modifying behaviours is often considered highly evidence-based.
A communication system using pictures to help non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals express their needs and desires.
Focuses on teaching social and emotional skills through guided participation in relationships and experiences.
A naturalistic intervention derived from ABA, targeting pivotal areas of development like motivation and self-management.
Additionally, many families incorporate complementary therapies like music, swimming, or horse therapy to support development.
It’s important to remember that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to combine different approaches to create a system that best fits your child’s needs. The following are other noted therapies:
Formal Education Pathways
Your choice of program will also depend on your approach to formal education – whether through state-provided services, private institutions, or homeschooling. Be aware that some programs may have age restrictions.
The Referral Process
Understanding the referral process is crucial for securing appropriate educational placements. Here’s what a typical referral process might look like:
Currently, teams from Vera School or Glenbridge Special School often run assessments for Department of Education placements. Depending on your location, your child might be placed in one of the special needs schools listed here.
Educational Centers
While waiting for formal placements or seeking specialised support, many families explore early intervention centres. Note that state-assisted centres can be challenging to access due to high demand, leading many to private facilities, which come at a higher cost.
Our family utilized AIMS – Awareness, Interest, Movement System, offered by KidStart Early Intervention Centre (no longer operating). AIMS is an awareness and interest-based intervention focused on teaching concepts rather than individual skills.
Click here for a short glimpse into an AIMS home tutor lesson.
Edu-Play Early Learning Centre and Family Centre, now also a NeuroPod (registered NeuroMe provider)
For information on private facility costs, click here.
Homeschooling Resources
If you’re considering homeschooling, joining a homeschooling group is highly recommended. You’ll also need to choose between curricula like CAPS or Impaq (popular among homeschoolers and private centres), British Curricula (CambriLearn) or American Curricula (Thrive). There is also NeuroMe, said to be created by a neurodivergent person for the neurodiverse mind.
For any disputes regarding homeschooling policy, joining the Pestalozzi Trust is essential. You can read the current homeschooling policy here.
Supplementary Apps and Online Resources
During the period of searching for centers and awaiting placement for our son, we utilized various educational and entertainment resources, including a range of online platforms and apps.
Online Educational & Entertainment Resources
Recommended Apps:
There are many apps, most of them offers more features behind the pay wall