SERVICES
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex disorder, which is probably why the system of services to help you is also complex. This section has been designed to guide you through the Victorian service maze. If you live in other Australian states or other countries we suggest you contact your local autism society or association for service guidance.
In the difficult time when your child is diagnosed, you will probably be in information overload. The best thing you can do is buy a special folder and keep every piece of paper you are given, and write down every visit and phone call you make.
Later, when you feel able, go through the folder. Hopefully you will find it starts to make more sense. And don't be afraid to ask questions. You will no doubt find there are one or two professionals that you feel most comfortable with, and are able to give you the guidance and reassurance you need.
The information in the next pages is a guide only - it is almost impossible to include every service option. Specialist services will be very important, but don't forget to consider community services as well. The local neighbourhood house, community health centre, recreation centre or hobby groups may have just the thing to suit your needs.
The Autism Victoria Service Directory
The Autism Victoria Service Directory is in desperate need of both updating and expanding!
Our service directory is one of the few central information sources in Victoria that families, individuals and professionals can utilise to discover or share ASD services that range from ASD specific counsellors and therapists to hairdressers or naturopaths who have experience with ASD children.
The service directory has evolved from parents, carers and individuals wanting to share a helpful service or professional with the wider Victorian ASD community.Over the years the service directory has become a very useful tool for many people, as it can take the leg work out of navigating through the ‘service maze’ that is not ASD specific.
As awareness of ASD grows and more services designed to benefit those on the spectrum become available, it is important that Autism Victoria’s service directory grows also, as we are often the first port of call for parents or individuals with a recent diagnosis. More than half of the 300 odd calls a week that come through Autism Victoria’s info-line concern accessing our service directory.
So if you are already on our service directory, we would greatly appreciate it if you could fill out a service directory application form. If you do not want to fill out the whole form just simply list your contacts and service offered on page 3, but we have tried to make the form as brief and simple as possible!
If you know of anyone that you think should be on the service directory please either pass the application form onto them or ask them to contact the infoline on 1300 308 699 or email.