Autism
What is autism?
While 1 in 70 Australians will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there is no single set of symptoms or challenges that people on the spectrum share. The spectrum reflects a wide range of potential symptoms and their severity and actually covers several conditions including Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Atypical Autism (Persuasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified – PDDNOS).
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition and all people on the autism spectrum are typically affected to varying extents in two main areas: social communication and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Often also characterised by sensory processing disorders or sensitivities, autism can affect an individual’s learning abilities, emotional regulation, interaction with others, and coping with the surrounding environment.
Across all levels of the autism spectrum, early diagnosis and therapy can greatly assist in reducing symptoms. People diagnosed with ASD are classified into one of three levels of autism that will inform the types of therapy and level of support they may require.
Support from the NDIS
The three levels of autism diagnosis are distinguished by the impact that symptoms have on a person’s life. This can include any impact on mobility, communication, social interaction, learning, self-care, and self-management.
While consistent support and management are needed to assist all levels of ASD, more substantial support is required for Level 2 and Level 3 ASD.
The NDIS offers ASD support that can range from ongoing therapies and specialised equipment and technologies, to help with everyday life, assisted living, and specialised modifications at home.
Adults seeking NDIS support will need to provide one of the following disability pieces of evidence:
- Vineland adaptive behaviour scale (Vineland-II)
- World Health Organisation disability assessment schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 (17 years and over) or
- Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V)
At home with Forsight
The care and support at Forsight begin with matching every client to the most appropriate home environment and support team. We take the time to understand every client’s individual ASD diagnosis so we’re familiar with their needs, behaviours and potential triggers to provide the best support possible, pre-empt stressful situations and de-escalate them when needed.
Based on a client’s personal NDIS plan and sensory assessment, some homes can offer sensory rooms to support individual needs and preferences. These rooms can include calming and mood-enhancing lighting, tactile wall panels, room scenting, and swing sets.