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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Resources

Getting a diagnosis for ASD:

Common assessments (& their acronyms):

  • ADOS-2: child assessment (one on one with assessor)

  • ASRS questionnaire (parent/teacher)

  • CBRS (parent/teacher/self>13y)

  • ADI-R Parental interview

  • CARS Parental interview

  • ABAS Functional Questionnaire Assessment(parent +/- teacher)

  • Other functional assessments: Pedi CAT/

  • Also helpful for diagnostic evaluation can include a patient history from a paediatrician or other health professional.

  • School observation visits can confirm one way or another when there is doubt.

Speech assessment:

  • Often include CELF and pragmatics

Cognitive assessment:

  • (intellectual assessment – IQ) completed by school psychologists or private psychologist

  •  Wisc/ wppsi +/- WIAT

Occupational therapy reports:

  • including sensory profiles

If all these are not completed prior to the diagnosis, they will need to be completed to build up a complete profile of your child during the 2 months following diagnosis (NDIS can then often be used to fund reports). 

Talking to my child about their diagnosis:

Talking to your child following a diagnosis of ASD is often the hardest part for many parents, but most children will have already guessed that something is happening, why else have they had these appointments and assessments? Why are mum and dad upset, exhausted or just acting different? I believe being honest and supportive and not hiding something from your child is usually the best approach. As a Paediatrician I can help with this process, or your psychologist is a good person to discuss this with as no doubt it feels overwhelming for you.

Often using a book about someone who is socially awkward or overly anxious might be a good way of starting the conversation. Many children are more comfortable with reading a book than a face to face direct conversation.

Useful Links & Resources:

Dr Pippa’s new ASD diagnosis Resource List:

Useful Books:

  • The Complete Guide to Autism Handbook, Australian based includes NDIS info, good starting point and can delve into chapters that interest you- also good for all cares/including grandparents. Also available as kindle book on Amazon.

  • All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome, - Kathy Hoopmann - suitable for 7+

  • All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism, (Magination Press, 2015) Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer - suitable for 5-8yrs

  • The Asperkid’s (Secret) Book of Social Rules: The Handbook of Not-so-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tweens and Teens with Asperger Syndrome, (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2012) Jennifer Cook O’Toole - suitable for 10-17yrs

  • I am an Aspie Girl, Danuta Bulhak-Paterson - suitable for 7yrs +

  • Autism, the Invisible Cord: A Sibling’s Diary, (Magination Press, 2012) Barbara Cain - suitable for 12-15yrs

  • Can I Tell You About Asperger’s Syndrome?, (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2003) Jude Welton - suitable for 7-15yrs & for peers as well.

  • Me and my brain: Ellie’s Story, Antoinette Preston & Kerryn lisa

SOME OTHER LISTS OF USEFUL ASD BOOKS:

https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/30-best-childrens-books-about-the-autism-spectrum/

http://www.readingrockets.org/booklists/childrens-books-featuring-characters-autism-or-aspergers

https://www.readbrightly.com/7-kid-approved-books-for-tweens-with-aspergers/

Facebook Resources:

  • Tony Attwood (also websites and YouTube and many, many excellent books (https://mindsandhearts.net/) (https://mindsandhearts.net/)

  • Yellow Ladybugs NSW/ Yellow Ladybugs Australia for the girls and women w ASD

  • I CAN network             

  • Tara Inc (parents)

  • Autism Inclusivity: parents group set up by Autistic adults

  • Childmind Institute: weekly email evidence based (USA) mental health issues for children / fb

  • Any local ASD groups

Useful Websites:

GOOD VIDEOS & IDEAS FROM OTHERS:

  • Dr Tony Attwood: worth a second mention in case you missed him above as he is the Guru on ASD in Australia. He has published many books and has a strong facebook presence. Attwood and Garnett events/conferences & YouTube           

  • http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/

  • https://mindsandhearts.net/

Useful Apps:

An app for kids created by a kid:  https://apps.apple.com/au/app/aumi/id1454283852

Other Resources

ASD & life:

A list of Movies & TV Shows:

Famous people who have thrived with ASD: