NDIS Autism Assessment Wollongong
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Each individual has their wants and needs and these make them unique from others. This also resonates a lot with those afflicted with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD have challenges with the way they relate with people and how they process information, which may be perceived as peculiar by non-disabled people.
Based on studies, approximately one in 150 individuals have autism. Autism can pose challenges for their family and carers because of the special care and attention they need. There is also no known cure at the moment for ASD but it can be managed with the help of mental health professionals and behavioural therapies.
Positive Moods, one of the most sought-after service providers for behavioural intervention and mental health support, is extending its support to the citizens and residents of Wollongong. Positive Moods aims to provide resources and expertise to make sure that families are supported, especially in managing ASD.
Autism, People, and Environment
Relating and communicating with others are just some of the greatest challenges of individuals with ASD. Oftentimes, they may feel isolated from their peers due to their unique behaviour and thought processes. Individuals with autism may exhibit repetitive or restricted behaviours, which may have been evident as early as childhood. They also have challenges in trying out new things or articulating their emotions. Usually, they would communicate by making gestures instead of expressing themselves verbally. As a result, they prefer spending time alone.
Some individuals with autism exhibit exceptional intelligence. Asperger’s Disorder, a subcategory of autism, is a condition where an individual exhibits mild symptoms of autism but has good cognitive and language skills. Additionally, individuals with Asperger’s Disorder tend to have above-average intelligence, which sets them apart from individuals who have classic autism.
Autism and Its Challenges
There is a stigma attached to having autism because society does not readily accept the unique traits and behaviours of people with mental health conditions. It is often regarded as out of the norm, thus judging their personhood. Individuals with autism are unable to control their condition, thus making them misunderstood. This stigma and discrimination can often lead to other behavioural conditions, especially if they do not receive support provisions.
Having autism will require individuals afflicted with the illness to avail of support services, whether it is mild or severe. Below are the common struggles of someone with autism:
Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
Communication
Regulating emotions
Sensory processing issues
Planning and organising
Socialising
Understanding the Symptoms of Autism
Based on studies, autism has been linked to a person’s brain development which occurs during early childhood. As a result, restrictive and repetitive behaviours are exhibited during developmental delays.
Additionally, the following signs and symptoms have also been linked to autism:
Lack of engagement and social attachment with people
Lack of non-verbal communication
Challenges in maintaining relationships appropriate to the age
Delayed speech
Difficulties and delays in understanding speech
Lack of eye contact when talking to others
Repetitive patterns of behaviour
Difficulties adapting to change
Strong reaction on sensory input
Fixation on objects or interests
Aggression towards self or others
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of autism to provide early intervention so individuals with autism can live a full life despite their condition.
Assessing Autism through NDIS
Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, citizens and residents of Wollongong can avail themselves of Positive Moods’ services at an affordable price, especially those who have mental and behvaioural challenges.
Positive Moods, an advocate for persons with disabilities, works closely with its mental health practitioners to build awareness in Wollongong and fight the stigma brought about by autism.
Diagnosing ASD can be a bit of a challenge because there is no standard test for the mental health condition. What happens is that doctors rely on their client’s behaviour and developmental history to be able to diagnose the condition. Additionally, individuals with autism usually receive a series of assessments to arrive at a diagnosis. During the evaluation, the client will be requested to carry out a variety of tasks to identify possible triggers.
After the assessment, mental health professionals create a report with a comprehensive evaluation to identify possible causes of developmental delays and recommend behavioural interventions to address the client’s challenges.
ASD should be detected early so that behaviour modification can be provided right away. However, some individuals may unable to receive a final diagnosis until they are in their teenage years or their adulthood. This poses a potential challenge of not getting the early intervention that they need.
The Importance of Early Assessment and Diagnosis
The main reason why some clients are not able to seek help is because of the stigma attached to mental health disorders like autism. The society perceives mental health disorders as something odd and out of normal. Hence, those who are experiencing symptoms or whose family members are exhibiting the tell-tale signs opt not to talk to a mental health professional.
Positive Moods aims to provide support in Wollongong and across Australia and make autism assessment accessible and affordable, through assistance from NDIS. Getting an assessment can be challenging through the public system while getting private access can cost a fortune. Apart from Positive Moods providing support to clients with autism, they also aim to provide education to the family and carers of their clients.
Additionally, early intervention and diagnosis can significantly reduce the expenses of treatment and greatly improve a patient’s condition. Studies show that individuals who receive an early diagnosis are more likely to exhibit better cognitive, developmental, and social skills compared to those who aren’t able to.
The lack of diagnosis can be challenging, not only to the individual afflicted with the illness but also to those around them. A diagnosis can prevent other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
If there are behavioural inclinations that point to ASD, it is best to seek professional help and be evaluated whether an assessment is necessary or not. Positive Moods has mental health professionals to cater clients in Wollongong to perform therapies for individuals with ASD. Additionally, support plans to address challenges and patient education can also be given to those who will seek Positive Moods services so the client and their family can live a quality life.