For individuals on the autism spectrum and those who support them, it can be challenging to know how to support the needs of a neurodiverse person, especially because the expression of the autism spectrum varies greatly between individuals.
Here you will find key information about the autism spectrum, Curtin’s support services and where to find additional autism spectrum, information, support and resources.
What is the autism spectrum?
Individuals on the autism spectrum have a life-long neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how they think, feel, interact with others, and experience their environment. The profile, including the abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum vary significantly within this population, and this is why it’s described as a ‘spectrum’.
We still have a lot to learn about the autism spectrum and there are many misconceptions about it. For example, it’s not a mental health disorder; instead, individuals on the autism spectrum have a diversity in how their brains are wired, which can lend them a unique set of skills and challenges.
Some recognised skills of people on the autism spectrum can include:
Attention to detail
Good rote memory
Straightforward and honest communication
Adherence routines when well supported
Individuals on the autism spectrum, however, can also often face social, behavioural, emotional, intellectual, learning, sensory, and motor challenges, and thus can benefit from additional support.
Support at Curtin
Use the support network at Curtin University to learn about the autism spectrum and how to effectively recognise, harness, and manage autism spectrum-related strengths and challenges. Professional confidentiality is taken seriously at Curtin‘s Psychological and Counselling Services and AccessAbility Services, so any information discussed will remain private unless you or others are in danger or if legally obligated to disclose.
Seeing a GP can be an excellent first step to learning about the autism spectrum, your support options, and gaining a referral for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
This program is one of the first and largest peer support mentoring programs in Australia specifically designed for neurodiverse students with an autism spectrum or related condition.
While our services cannot provide you with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, we can provide you with psychological and counselling support to help you manage the challenges you experience related to your autism spectrum. We can also help you find internal and external services and resources.
Attend one of our group programs and workshops can help you to connect with like-minded people, learn about evidence-based psychological science and support, bust myths and stigma around mental health and neurodiversity, and learn practical skills to self-manage your health and wellbeing.
If you have had a formal autism spectrum disorder diagnosis by a doctor or qualified health service provider, you can book an appointment with one of our AccessAbility advisors to develop a Curtin Access Plan (CAP).
A Curtin Access Plan is a document that outlines the type and level of support you require at Curtin. Visit our disability & accessibility support website for more information about the service.
This social innovation initiative, the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA), aims to harness the talents of individuals on the autism spectrum. They run training, education, and mentoring programs to create pathways for long-term employment and to improve the information communications technology for use by individuals on the autism spectrum.
This research group offers a range of programs designed to facilitate independence, autonomy and engagement with family, peers, and the community. Some programs aim to help you find employment, improve your communication skills, social awareness and social adaptability.
Other programs aim to support parents with children on the autism spectrum and teachers educating students on the autism spectrum. Find out more on the CARG webpage.
Explore the extensive range of clinical services the Curtin clinics has to offer. From speech pathology and exercise programs to physiotherapy and psychology, they offer a range of services for children and adults open to the public.
Visit the clinics webpage for more information about their services.
An excellent way to become more present, connect with people, and look after your overall health and wellbeing is to exercise. Explore the range of sports and recreation programs, social and competitive opportunities, and fitness memberships Curtin sport and recreation has to offer.
Visit the sport and recreation website for more information about what’s on and how to register.
Non-for-profit organisation who offers information and support regarding the autism spectrum over the lifespan, getting a diagnosis, therapy and community services, job seeking, the NDIS, autism-specific school programs, positive behaviour support plans, and research.
