DIAGNOSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Accurate early diagnosis is critical in the treatment of Austism Spectrum Disorder. Too many Tasmanian children with ASD slip through the net as a result of inaccurate diagnosis. It is absolutely vital that qualified experts in the field of autism are consulted as early as possible.
In Tasmania today we find a multitude of inaccurate diagnoses given to children with ASD. AMONG THESE, FOR EXAMPLE, ARE FOUND DIAGNOSES OF DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY, GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY, RECEPTIVE AND EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE DISORDERS, ADHD, O.C.D. etc etc.
The effect of inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis is that many ASD children do not get the early intervention programmes that have such dramatic impact on the learning capabilities of those with autism.
WITH PROPER EVIDENCE BASED PROGRAMMES AND PROFESSIONAL HELP, ALL AUTISTIC CHILDREN CAN IMPROVE. 50% OF SUCH CHILDREN WILL IMPROVE TO THE STAGE WHERE THEY CAN LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT ASSISTANCE.
MISDIAGNOSIS IN TASMANIA
The effect of inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis is that many ASD children do not get the early intervention programmes that have such dramatic impact on the learning capabilities of those with autism.
Children with ASD can display behaviours which lead to a diagnosis of ADHD and OCD,for example. The results of misdiagnosis can be disastrous. Early diagnosis and programmes which faciliate the child's ability to learn are essential. It is for this reason that children suspected of having ASD need to be tested by experts in the area of autismThis is a tragedy for the children concerned, and for their families. More and more, research is confirming that early intervention programmes based on ABA or on IBI [Intensive Behavioural Intervention] make a dramatic difference to children with ASD.
ATAC - Action for Tasmanian Autistic Children!