PROFESSIONALS
Are you a professional working with a child or adult with an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
If so there is a range of things you can do to ensure that you provide your client with an appropriate service.
Professionals
If you are a service provider or agency you may come across a child or adult with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. They might be in child care, pre school, school, recreation activities, shopping centres, university and the work place. People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have a lot to offer, but they also require support and understanding.
It is important that you take the time to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders - what they are and how they affect the individual. The key is to understand how the condition impacts on the person you are in contact with. Taking the time to interpret their responses and behaviours in the context of their Autism Spectrum Disorder is crucial.
There are specialist services that can help you with information and consultancy support. Literature about Autism Spectrum Disorders is extensive and reasonably accessible. Seminars, Conferences and information sessions are held regularly. There are also many helpful web sites. For professionals in the Early Intervention sector, the ACT-NOW Autism Consultation and Training Program is a useful resource.
Provide your client with an appropriate service
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Read all you can about Autism Spectrum Disorders. There are lots of stereotypes and misconceptions out there and your knowledge needs to be updated regularly. We strongly advise you attend an Autism Spectrum Disorder information and/or training session. Sessions being held in Victoria are detailed in our electronic bulletin, eSpectrum, our quarterly magazine, The Spectrum, and on this web site.
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Subscribe to a professional listserv. Listservs, or mailing lists as they are sometimes called, are used extensively by professionals to connect and inform. By locating and joining a list relevant to your profession you can keep up to date with recent developments and find tips on working with people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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Become a member. Finally, by joining Autism Victoria for a nominal annual fee, you will be able to use our library and contact us for advice and information. This is an excellent way to make a contribution whilst ensuring you are professionally informed and up to date.