PARENTS
Discovering your child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder can be a stressful time. We have put the following steps together to help you navigate the service maze.
Help is out there in many forms and from many agencies. Parents have to be persistent, resilient and informed. Do not be afraid to ask for and insist on help that best suits your family circumstances.
Navigating the Maze
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FIRST is identification of the possibility that your child may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This involves contact with a multidisciplinary assessment team to determine the diagnosis.
TIP: You do not have to wait for a diagnosis before you can contact support services. Seek help as soon as you feel ready.
THEN comes the task of learning all about the services that are available. There are several groups of services to navigate, click on services in the left hand menu for a detailed list.
AT THE SAME TIME it is important to increase your knowledge. Read, read, read is our advice. We have put together a specialist reading list that we update regularly. We also recommend you become a member of Autism Victoria so you can access our specialist library.
Many families find talking to other families with a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder helpful and comforting. There are many local support groups - some formal, some informal, scattered around Victoria. Contact the Autism Victoria office for the current details of groups that may suit you.
Helpful Victorian Websites for Parents
- Autism Help - www.autismhelp.info
- Early Childhood Intervention Services - www.ecis.vic.gov.au
- Department of Education and Training - www.det.vic.gov.au
- Disability Online - www.disability.vic.gov.au
- Better Health Channel - www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
- Autism Behavioural Intervention Association (ABIA) - www.abia.net.au
- Asperger Syndrome Support Network (ASSN) - http://home.vicnet.net.au/~asperger/