some time in the next 3 to 6 months i will be leaving the USA to return to live in my home town of Perth, Western Australia. I am seeking to establish/find an 'Autism' email support link/group before i leave the USA. My child was diagnosed with ASD (he is also under 3) while i have been here in the USA so i dont really know whats 'out there' in my city of Perth. I am just trying to find some mums who have a child (even under 3) thats on the spectrum and have a support and also advice on '/navigating the special needs system' back home. any ideas on how i can make these connections please?
K.,
I have family from Perth, and they have small children, I don;t think any have autism or any symptoms, but they are involved in the medical community and have lived there forever...maybe they have heard of something. Lara Jensen is my cousin's name and you can look her up on Facebook. Good luck!
A.
I don't know what is in Perth, but the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)has an office in Sydney. They do workshops throughout Australia where a consultant comes out, creates a program, and trains staff to work with the child using research proven ABA methods. They can probably help you with autism support groups, etc also. You can probably email them at their website and ask questions. www.centerforautism.com
Dear K.:
I also have a daughter on the spectrum - very mild. I joined TACA - talk about curing autism. They have a website:
http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org
I can only speak for United States -- however, I found that the school system was a great place for her to get good services. I am in the Huntington Beach School System and they provided my daughter with the best services. She is mainstreamed now into kindergarten and doing great.
You can find information about Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) at
http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/a2i1i1l445l487/welcome.htm
or aspect.org.au
Good luck with your move! Perth is a spectacular place to raise kids, as I'm sure you know.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the san diego area and work with kids on the spectrum. Our orientation is different from the ABA model. I suggest you look at www.circlestretch.com for information and resources as well as the DIR/Floortime website, or ICDL. Dr Greenspan and Dr Weider have free podcasts you can down load on your ipod to further deepen your understanding of the challenges your child is facing. Also, in our area valerieslist is a wonderful resource for the special needs community.
Good Luck
M.
There is a whole social networking site just for parents, professionals & individuals in the spectrum.
http://autismspeaksnetwork.ning.com
I've met some great parents, read discussions, etc. on this site. (My 10 yr old is on the spectrum -- Aspergers).
You might even be able to search for moms in Perth while you are still here. Best of luck to you.
