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National Guidelines for Autism Diagnosis: Help or Hindrance?

Having publicly praised the initiative and work leading up to the release of the National Guidelines for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I had high expectations. I viewed them with hope. I thought they might help tidy up the current mess that is ASD diagnosis. Mis-diagnosis of ASD is rife. Huge variation exists across clinicians […]

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INDISPENSABLE INFORMATION ON THE NDIS!

Internationally acclaimed Clinical Psychologist, Author and Mum, Dr Anne Chalfant, is hosting a free information night for parents on the NDIS. Why? If you are feeling confused about the NDIS then you are not alone! Allied Health and Medical professionals are struggling to make sense of it and families are feeling overwhelmed. We want to

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Parents: remember, you’re actually doing a great job!

Anyone who has worked in an early intervention centre is familiar with the scene of a parent standing in the waiting room trying to schedule a therapy session. “How is 4pm on Tuesday”, the secretary might say. “Sorry, he goes to OT on Tuesday afternoon”, says the Mother, “how about 4pm on Wednesday”. “Sorry, there

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Top 5 Ways To Improve Your Sleep

Is your child not getting to sleep again? You’re not alone! Falling asleep can sometimes feel like an impossible dream, especially when you’re onto your 50th rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle or you’ve got your little person’s foot in your face because they wanted to sleep with you tonight (which feels like every night). Australian working

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What's in a Temperament?

You wish you understood your child’s temperament. Maybe, not all the time, just in some certain circumstances, like: when you inadvertently destroy their morning by giving them Weetbix when it’s CLEARLY “RICE BUBBLES” DAY! (cue sobbing). If your first response to these situations is ‘stop, drop and roll’, or maybe, ‘fight fire with fire’, we

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Autism Assessment: Solving a Puzzle or Making a Buck?

First, there was the study last year showing that clinicians and health professionals vary greatly in how they assess for and diagnose ASD. Some taking much more time and using standardised assessment tools as a part of their diagnostic practices. Others spending far less time and simply briefly observing a child before diagnosing them with

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Timely call from the Australian Medical Association on Autism assessment and early intervention

The launch of this critical position statement from the Australian Medical Assiciation (AMA) is most welcome. It is also timely given that the annual conference for the Australasian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR) begins in Perth tomorrow. Again, across both the clinical and scientific communities we are hearing repeated calls for: 1. Earlier detection of

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Theatre Performance – Kaleidoscope

Annie’s Centre is pleased to share information about an autism-friendly performance, “Kaleidoscope”, that is showing at Sydney Festival in January. The performance is inspired by the experiences of Ethan, a boy who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. On stage, Ethan is joined by five circus performers and together they explore the beauty of his world

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