Autism is a pervasive developmental Disorder, affecting a person’s social and interpersonal communication. It can have a profound effect upon their relationships with other people and, initially this impacts upon the person’s parents and family. The term “autism” describes a person shut off from others, living within their own senses and resisting approaches from other people, including his or her mother. Invariably, people with autism may have sensory sensitivities, emotional expression difficulties, obsessive-compulsive tendencies or unusual, restricted behaviour patterns, in addition to substantial difficulties getting on with other people, and particularly in communicating with them.
At PsychMed, we recognise the stresses and emotional consequences of living with a child, adolescent or adult with autism and the need for the family to be supported. Children with autism require a team approach and the psychologist working with you and your child will happily work with other necessary people who will provide the therapy your child needs: either speech pathology or occupational therapy. Other members of your child’s early intervention team may be ABA therapists or Developmental Educator.
Psychologists can participate as members of Transdisciplinary Teams or as individual behavioural therapists, especially utilising CBT and relaxation.
PsychMed can provide diagnostic assessment of autism for children and adults. For formal diagnosis of autism accepted by the Department of Education and Child Development, a second, independent assessment is required from a professional from a different discipline (paediatrician, occupational therapist, speech pathologist or Autism SA). This can be organised through the psychologist undertaking the initial assessment at PsychMed.
