Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
An Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition which affects three main areas: the ability of the individual to communicate, to socialise, and to think flexibly. It affects the way that individuals are able to interact with others and they often find the world to be a confusing place.
ASDs affect 1 in every 100-110 people. They affect about 4 times as many boys as girls. It is a lifelong disorder and there is no cure.
On the positive side, early intervention can have tremendous results in helping those affected to live to their full potential. For older individuals, timely and meaningful support, advice and information can also be critical to quality of life outcomes. The Australian Government has committed ongoing funding to address the need for services for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families and carers.
Funding options – overview
Growing Together Psychology is a registered NDIS service provider and Medicare Provider for the Helping Children with Autism Medicare assessment/treatment initiative!
The Early Intervention initiative under the NDIS package is aimed at providing increased access to Early Intervention for children aged up to seven years with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The funding supports the delivery of multidisciplinary evidence based Early Intervention to facilitate improved cognitive, emotional and social development prior to a child starting school.
There are several funding options available relating to our psychology services for an Autism Spectrum Disorder, including:
Lauren’s approach
Lauren’s therapeutic approach to autism revolves around the internationally certified DIRFloortime™ model of intervention.
The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR®) Model is a framework that helps clinicians, parents and educators conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop an intervention program tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental challenges. The objectives of the DIR® Model are to build healthy foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing on skills and isolated behaviors.
The DIRFloortime™ model of intervention is a specific technique to both follow the child’s natural emotional interests (lead) and at the same time challenge the child towards greater and greater mastery of the social, emotional, and intellectual capacities. With young children these playful interactions may occur on the floor, but go on to include conversations and interactions in other places. DIRFloortime™ emphasises the critical role of parents and other family members because of the importance of their emotional relationships with the child.
For more information on the funding options and Autism Diagnostic Assessments, please click on the links above or on the menu to the right.
Please call us on 9077 2275 to book an Autism Diagnostic Assessment or to book an initial appointment under your NDIS funding package or through the Medicare Helping Children with Autism initiative.
