Autism is considered to be a spectrum of related neurodevelopmental conditions, which impact on people’s communication and experience of the world. Approximately 1% of the Australian population is on the Autism Spectrum, with reported prevalence estimates increasing over time.
Characteristics of Autism include differences in social interaction and communication, alongside other characteristics which may included highly focused or specific interests, and sensory processing difference.
Autism manifests in a myriad of different ways, and is associated with diverse presentations and differing support needs. This is why it is referred to as the ‘Autism Spectrum’. While historically, labels such as ‘low’ and ‘high’ functioning have been applied to individuals on the Autism Spectrum according to their support needs, the use of these labels is no longer supported. It is now understood that functioning labels do not advance a useful understanding of an individual’s specific profile of abilities, and that many people who might previously have been considered as ‘high functioning’ can still have significant difficulties with aspects of their everyday lives, which benefit from support.
Due to the wide range of differences among people with Autism, it is important to get to know each Autistic person you work with as an individual, to not make assumptions, and to develop a personalised understanding of their specific profile of strengths and difficulties.
This brief introductory guide to Autism for health professionals has been developed by the Autism Association of WA to help clinicians understand Autism, and outline suggestions for accommodations when working with people with Autism.
This brief introductory guide to Autistic characteristics.
Click here to view.
The DSM 5 defines severity of ASD in relation to support needs; i.e. ASD Level 1 (requiring support), Level 2 (requiring substantial support) and Level 3 (requiring very substantial support).
Click here for more information.