Assessment & Therapies

This page has information about a range of topics as listed below. Additional information can also be found through our Directory and Forum pages or you can browse member recommendations by clicking a link.

Early Intervention
  • Diagnostic assessment service
  • First Options
  • Navigation packs
  • Questions to ask when considering a new autism intervention

Exercises
  • Finger dexterity and in-hand manipulation exercises

Diagnostic assessment service

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 Questions to ask a Paediatrician:
  1. Why do you think my child has autism?
  2. Might my child have another type of pervasive development disorder (PDD), such as Asperger's syndrome?
  3. Might genetic factors, environmental factors, or a viral infection be related to my child's condition?
  4. Might there be a connection between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism? Are other childhood vaccines safe for my child?
  5. What screening and diagnostic tools will be used to evaluate my child's condition?
  6. What will these tests involve?
  7. Who will observe my child and assess his or her behaviour?
  8. What will this specialist will be looking for?
  9. Will my child undergo diagnostic tests to check for metabolic, seizure, brain, or genetic disorders? If so, what do these tests involve?
  10. Will my child's hearing be tested?
  11. What can I do to help calm my child if he or she is frightened by procedures, such as blood tests, EEGs, or MRI scans?
  12. When can I expect the results of these tests? Date:
  13. Should I call for the results or will someone contact me? Telephone number to call:
  14. Who will explain my child's test results to me?
  15. What does the term "autism spectrum" mean in relation to my child's condition?
  16. What can I expect my child's daily life to be like?
  17. How can I help my other children, relatives, and friends understand autism?
  18. How can I help family members, friends, and others better relate to my child?

Early intervention

First Options
The ACN has created this document to provide parents with some guidance on the first steps to take or options available when your child has just been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. 
  
It has been created by other parents with children on the spectrum who have been navigating the world of autism support and services themselves for some time.
 
This information is provided to offer parents new to the diagnosis with some options. Like you, we are parents who have felt the devestation of a dagnosis of autism. We are not professionals and do not provide profesional advice. Just some tips to help you get started without the confusion parents feel when they need to navigate this path.

We recommend you look further into any of these or discuss them with your appropriate advisors before proceeding.
autism_first_options_v7.pdf
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Navigation packs
ASPECT have developed a suite of resources for families. For a hard copy of any of these packs just contact the Aspect Information Line on 1800 277 328

The following packs can be accessed on the ASPECT website www.autismspectrum.org.au or by clicking the links provided below:

Exercises

Finger dexterity and in-hand manipulation exercises.
Here are a number of activities which an O.T. has previously recommended to us to help our child's dexterity.

Rolling up balls of playdough or paper, with thumb and first two fingers
Roll a ball of sticky tape along from index to little finger.
Craft or making pictures with rice, stickers, ie. small objects picked up singularly.
Use tweezers to play placing games
Use tongs to catch balls of socks being thrown.
Peel off stickers or sticker pictures
Turn a coin in finger tips
Move coin in finger tips
Paper folding or origami
Making model aeroplanes or other types of models.
Sewing cards, knitting, crochet or macrame. Very thick wool may be used.
Platting hair, friendship bracelets
Playdough, plasticine or clay, make small models and sculptures