Disability Services for People Living with Autism

All About You Supports offers expert support to those who are living with Autism.

Autism is a sensory disability which impacts the way someone experiences their environment. It can affect how a person thinks, feels and interacts with others. It is estimated that one in seventy people in Australia is living on the Autism spectrum [Reference].

All of our support workers and team leaders at All About You Supports are experienced in how to provide care for someone who is living with Autism.

Understanding Autism & Sensory Disabilities

Sensory disabilities such as Autism are experienced differently for everyone.

In fact, they can be hard to define because they encapsulate such a large range of experiences and characteristics. Autism is often discussed as being a spectrum, with different people experiencing it in different ways.

Sensory disabilities can relate to someone being sensory seeking, meaning they crave and seek out sensory input. It can also relate to someone who finds stimulation through a range of different objects or movements.

Signs of Autism

We know that Autism presents in many different ways and is experienced differently by each individual who is living with it.

There are, however, some common signs that are particularly relevant to identifying Autism in children. They may include:

  • Being non-verbal
  • Delays in development (oftentimes relating to walking, talking)
  • Global developmental delay
  • Exaggerated behaviours
  • Different eating habits (for example strong preferences, or limited intake)

Disabled child on wheelchair is playing, learning and exercise in the outdoor city park like other people,Lifestyle of special child,Life in the education age of children,Happy disability kid concept.

How We Help People with Autism

At All About You Supports, we understand that each person with Autism needs to be treated individually. Everyone’s experience of Autism is different, so the ways in which people need support are different too.

With this in mind, we get to know each client, and then provide them with a range of activities and supports to match their needs. This may include:

  • Working alongside their therapists to deliver activities
  • Providing accommodation assistance
  • Providing plan management services for NDIS participants
  • Providing early intervention for children

Staff Education

Behavioural Therapists train our support workers to ensure that each of our staff members can provide an excellent standard of care. Some of our support workers have personal experience, and some have very active ongoing roles in supporting our existing clients who are living with Autism.

Some of our staff have also undertaken training specifically relating to how to best support children with Autism. This includes training around how to:

  • Help children regulate their emotions
  • Support those who need sensory seeking assistance
  • Understand the client’s needs in order to provide quality support to them

Supporting Autism FAQ

  • Do people living with Autism benefit from routine, or does it depend on the individual?

    As always, it is variable and will depend on the individual.

    Speaking very generally, we do find that people living with Autism thrive on routines. Whenever All About You Supports begins with a new client, we discuss daily routines and preferences. Family members are often involved in the discussion too.

    We gauge the client’s daily routine, then incorporate that into their daily care routine when we are supporting them.

  • What is meant by the terms ‘sensory overload’ and ‘sensory underload’? Are there strategies that can help?

    Sensory overload applies to people who experience an over-stimulation of their senses from the environment around them. It can lead to feelings of overwhelm, and can mean the person needs help to calm themselves.

    Sensory underload, conversely, relates to people who need and seek out stimulation, often from particular products or sensations such as toys, water play or specific textures.

    There are a number of different strategies to support people with sensory disabilities. These range from small hand-held items through to purpose-made sensory rooms.

    • Examples include:
    • Sensory beanbags
    • Water play
    • Fidget toys
  • In what ways can it be hard for people living with Autism to communicate?

    Like all elements of Autism, communication challenges can be experienced differently for everyone on the spectrum.

    Some people on the spectrum are high functioning and communicate normally. Others may be completely non-verbal for their entire lives.

    In many cases, training in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) can be a fantastic way to support communication.

  • How can I access support if I think one of my children is on the Autism spectrum?

    There are a number of different ways to access support and achieve a diagnosis.

    One option is to book an appointment with a GP and request a check plan. Alternatively, a children’s clinical psychologist can undertake an assessment.

    In either case, it is important to have adequate support through these processes. It can be quite taxing, and some people find the processes and assessments daunting or scary.

    At All About You Supports, we can provide assistance to ensure that people feel supported throughout and that they are on the right track. We are here to support every step of the way, no matter what challenges may arise.

  • Where can I access further information about Autism and Sensory Disabilities?

    Accessing Autism Understanding is an Autism-focussed organisation based in Newcastle.

    They can provide assistance with understanding and diagnosing Autism as well as with accessing support services such as psychologists.

    The national body, Autism Australia, also has extensive information on its website.

    They are a good place to start for those who are wanting to understand Autism, or who are looking to connect with services around Australia.