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Client and Family Focused Services
Developing early communication skills
Autism Service (TAS)
What is the Autism Service?
What do we provide?
Where can we provide services?
Who can refer a person to the Autism Service?
How to contact us
What is the Autism Service (TAS)
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 family group workshops, information sessions and parent networking. Therapy services (speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology and social work) are provided to children from diagnosis to eight years of age.
What do we provide?
Assessment:
- A multidisciplinary assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders involving standardised assessments conducted by a psychologist, 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, Pediatricians, 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.
Family Group Program:
- Information and ideas for families, carers and others.
- Workshops for parents on a range of topics relevant to ASD, such as: What is Autism? Behaviour 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.
In-services and training for other agencies.
Therapy Services:
- Speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology and social work services are offered to children with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder up to the age of eight years. Having a multidisciplinary team enables a holistic approach.
Where can we provide services?
The Autism Service provides formal assessment at the Holder Therapy ACT site. We may also conduct observations and therapy services 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 Autism Service?
Referrals must be made with the knowledge and consent of the person, or their parent/guardian.
Children under the age of 18 years must firstly be seen by a paediatrician or psychiatrist, who will determine if an assessment by the Autism Service is required. The paediatrician or psychiatrist will then make a referral to the Autism Service.
Following referral to the Autism Service, 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 TAS, the person's name is placed on the waiting list for assessment.
People aged over 18 years need a referral from a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
Tip Sheets - Autism Service (TAS)
Managing Anxiety in Children [PDF 152KB] [RTF 197KB]
Creating a Behaviour Management Plan [PDF 151B] [RTF 192KB]
How to Contact Us
For referrals 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.
