Autism Assessment and Family Support Services (AAFSS)

What is the Autism Assessment and Family Support Team (AAFSS)

This team of psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists and occupational therapists provides a comprehensive assessment of people (resident in the ACT) who are identified as having characteristics that may be consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  Following a diagnosis of ASD, support is provided to families in several forms including workshops, information sessions and parent networking.

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What do we provide?

Assessment:

• A multidisciplinary assessment for ASDs, including Asperger's Disorder, involving standardised assessments conducted by a psychologist and speech pathologist and/ or occupational therapist.
• Observations of the person in their home and/or educational and other settings.
• Consultation with significant others, such as allied health professionals, Child Health Medical Officers, education staff and others involved with the person.
• Social work coordination and support is available throughout the assessment process.
• A multidisciplinary team/ family feedback session to discuss the findings and implications of the assessment
• A written report summarising the assessment findings is provided to the family and referring medical practitioner.
  

Support:

• Information and ideas for families, carers and others.
• Seminars and workshops for parents on a range of topics relevant to ASD, such as: What is Autism? Behvaiour Management, Communication, Social Stories, Play and Sensory Processing.
• Opportunities for informal networking with other parents and families.
• Liaison and support provided to therapists and key people involved with the child/adolescent regarding ongoing needs/therapy.
• Inservices and training for other agencies.

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Where can we provide services?

The AAFST provides formal assessment at the Holder Therapy ACT site. We may also conduct observations in a range of settings.

• clients' home
• early intervention units
• child care centres
• preschools, primary schools, high schools and colleges.

Who can refer a person to the AAFST?

Referrals must be made with the knowledge and consent of the person, or their parent/guardian.

Anyone can refer a person 16 years and over. Children under the age of 16, must firstly be seen by a peadiatrician or psychiatrist, who will determine if an assessment by AAFSS is required. The paediatrician or psychiatrist will then make a referral to the AAFSS.

Following referral to the AAFSS, a list of requirements for placement on the waiting list will be provided. These include the provision of a current:

• paediatrician's report
• assessment of cognitive and/or developmental abilities
• hearing test.

Once these reports have been received by the AAFSS, the person's name is placed on the waiting list for assessment.

Tip Sheets - Autism Assessment and Family Support Team (AAFST)

Tip Sheet - Managing Anxiety in Children  41kb
Tip Sheet - Creating a Behaviour Management Plan  43kb

How to contact us

For referals or inquiries about Therapy ACT, call the Intake Service on 6205 1246. This service is available from 9:00am - 3:30pm Monday to Friday. At other times, you may leave a message on the answering machine. An intake officer will return your call.