Autism: How to Find the Right Support with Support Network

Autism impacts on the masses differently. Every autistic individual is different in his strengths, preferences, difficulties, and requirements. Being an autistic grown-up or a parent or carer of an autistic child, it is quite important to find the proper support as it can significantly ease life on a daily basis.

We also appreciate at Support Network that although a few people might require continued support in their lives, some others might lead quite independent lives and only require some assistance on the way. It is impossible to have only one approach to the support of autism; this is why the individualised plans are so important.

Types of Autism Support Available in Australia

The support services are offered across Australia, both at the federal state and territory levels and by local autism organisations. They offer services that are meant to assist individuals and families to go through everyday life and develop skills with the passage of time.

The support may be provided by:

• Doctors and nurses, medical practitioners.
• Other health professionals like the psychiatrists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists
• Friends and family and carers
• Local autism communities and peer support groups

With the appropriate support network, it is possible to get not only emotional connection but also practical assistance. Having the company of people who know about autism can actually help tremendously.

Early Childhood Autism Support

It has also been found that in rare cases, autism becomes recognizable in children as early as 18 months. Early diagnosis will enable early access to early intervention services by children, and the later a child receives these services, the lesser the child might develop in terms of communication, behaviour, and social interaction.

Early Intervention and the NDIS

The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach that has come to be referred to as the early childhood approach is one of the parts of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It is formulated to address the needs of children below the age of 7 years who have a delay or disability.

The NDIS may help cover a variety of supports such as:

• Habilitation and education regimes
• Childcare or kindergarten subsidy support
• Specialised coordination and planning 
• Developmental aids/Assistive technology

You can find autism service providers by state or territory to find out more about what is available in your area. You’ll also find information on government programs and funding at the Department of Social Services.

School-Age Support for Autistic Children

Education is a significant component of development of a school-age kid. Yet it usually has some additional difficulties to autistic students. Research reveals that children with autism have about 4-time higher chances of requiring extra hand-holding in the classroom as compared to other students.

What Support Looks Like in School

School-reverse during the years may contain:

• Personal learning or support plans
• Group programs and group activities
• Occupation and speech therapy
• Other communication assistance and instruments
• Lesson modifications and accommodative instructing approaches
• One on one support personnel

The funding of the support can be with NDIS, your local government or your school system (public, independent or catholic). The majority of schools also possess teachers who provide extra training in dealing with students with additional learning needs.

There are also resources of autism organisations in the area that parents and carers can access. These usually involve toolbox, treatment alternatives and helpline, in-class programs, advocacy and even kid-targeted storybooks.

Finding Support for Autistic Adults

Coordination does not end early in life. Most of the adults with autism possess special needs that may vary. The support must be based on what you aspire to achieve, whether you want to achieve independent living, education, job, or develop a social relationship.

Here are some ways adults can access support:

• Employment: You can get ready to work with the assistance of such services as Disability Employment Services that will provide job-seeking services, training at the workplace and so on.
• Further Education: If you’re studying after high school, you may be able to get support through programs listed on the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET).
• Housing: When you require assistance with daily living, you may qualify to receive Supported Independent Living (SIL), in which you will live in your own or shared household, and you will have a support person available.
• Community and Social Life: Most of the local autism organisations are providing social activities, events, and community activities suited specifically to the adults. These may aid in creating friendship, confidence, and independence.

Depending on your eligibility, NDIS can finance most of these services. It is always advisable to consult with a local facilitator or your GP so that you get to know what can be done with your case.

How to Access Autism Support in Your Area

To get the right support you can begin by investigating what is offered in your state or territory. There are also autism organisations, provision of support and government funded programs in each region. It is also possible to be directed to local services, and assisted with referral, by your General Practitioner (GP).

Other services can also be accessed via Support Network, where you will have the available resources and professional workers focused on assisting autistic people and families. Our caring team is available to offer help to you whether you need to seek advice on NDIS, early intervention or what it takes to have someone come with you to accompany you in this walk.