Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that dictates the way autistic people live and perceive the world. It can not have a single known cause and it is something that accompanies the person throughout his life.

ASD is just a component of this so-called neurodiversity, where neurodiversity refers to the way the brains of some individuals work. This may influence their ability to learn, speak, express emotions and interact with other persons. Today, autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are no longer considered as something that should be addressed, but rather as the differences of normal functioning of the brain.

Autism also accounts for about 1 out of every 100 Australians. One of such ideas, which frequently emerges in the community is:

There is no such thing as a typical autistic person. You would come across an autistic person, a different autistic person, and a third autistic person.

By the way this is the meaning of the fact that autism appears to everybody differently.

Common Traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The term spectrum in ASD implies that the appearance of autism is broad. There are people who might require much assistance in their everyday life, and there are those who might just require minor assistance under certain circumstances.

It is possible to diagnose autism by referring to DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -5th Edition) which explains behaviours and characteristics of identifying ASD. The DSM-5 can also provide the guidance of the casualty what support person may need, i.e., Level 1 and level 3.

The following can be some of the common indicators of autism:

• Having problems in communicating or meeting people socially
• Saying, doing and repeating things and patterns
• Abnormal body movement (such as hand-flapping and rocking)
• Strong inclination of certain subjects
• Severe responses to sights, hearing, or surfaces
• Preferring routines or familiar patterns
• Experiencing emotional distresses with sudden changes

Everyone has them differently and not all autistic individuals will exhibit each of the traits.

Understanding the Levels of Autism Support

There are three overall categories of support needs described in DSM-5, with reference to autism. They are the guide levels and it may vary, according to the individual and setting.

Level 1: Low Support Requirements

Sometimes referred to as high-functioning autism, this level entails the difficulties of social contexts and repetitive actions, yet the vast majority are able to cope with daily environments with modest assistance.

Level 2: Moderate Needs of Support

Individuals in this spinal level can undergo serious communication problems, and they can experience high sensory sensitivity. They may not be able to adjust to changes or social intentions easily, and they usually require long-term assistance.

Level 3: High Needs of Support

This level is about the people who require the support the most. They can have poor speech, difficulties with daily living skills and intense repetitive behaviours or learning difficulties.

How Autism Is Diagnosed

The identification of autism does not occur in one test. Rather a team of health professionals diagnoses it through observing and determining the individual over a certain period of time.

This multi disciplinary group is usually composed of a paediatrician, psychologist, speech pathologist and maybe a psychiatrist or occupational therapist. They evaluate such things as:

• The way in which the child plays and speaks
• Their development history and its milestones
• Parental or care givers feedback

The DSM-5 is applied in the evaluation and lived experience as well as day-to-day observations are also relevant in the diagnosis.

In case of autism, the report will contain the extent of assistance required. This aids in formulation of an individualised support plan in the future.

What Support Looks Like for Autistic People

Autism is incurable but this does not imply that nothing can be done about it. Given the necessary support, autistic persons may prosper.

Intervention that is introduced especially during toddlerhood has been specially beneficial. Signs can be seen earlier but many of these children get diagnosed as early as their second birthday. An individualised early intervention program usually comes first.

The support might entail:

• Speech therapy- to aid in communication and socializing
• Occupational therapy - to develop motor skills and to control output of senses
• Psychology support - in order to receive assistance with emotional wellbeing, anxiety
• Behaviour therapy -to stimulate positive coping skills and learning

The NDIS-funded support can be discovered in order to receive these services and create a team according to an individual need of your child.

How Support Network Helps Families and Individuals

We suppose that autistic individuals should be able to be comprehended, assisted, and cherished as they are.

That is why we are person centred, strengths-based and work with individuals and families to get to know their needs, preferences and goals.

To ensure our staff is ready, we undertake training and development to assist workers to have a better understanding of autism richly and more profoundly. Whether it is the knowledge about sensory needs or the skill of how to communicate with different people, our team does their best to make sure that the environment they provide to autistic people is safe and empowering.

Want information or assistance in autism by using Support Network, then we can introduce you to established support workers who:

• Comprehend what is really in autism
• Learn to react with kindness and to be patient
• Energies: Use accepted, common-sense ways of helping day-to-day life
• Invest in relationship and development

So do you already work with someone you trust? No worries. We can also give them extra training support via our network.

Final Thoughts

Autism is not something that should be fixed. It is another form of everyday life. Early knowledge, individual care and a listening team make the most difference.

At Support Network, we are ready to accompany you on that path, be it diagnosis all the way to going through daily life. Having some advice, a reliable support worker, or merely getting familiar with the concept of autism, we are here to assist.

We should aim to create a world where those affected by autism will be encouraged to fully live their lives, live with dignity, and live with confidence.