What “I’m Bored” Really Means for Autistic Kids

By Professor Tony Attwood The comment “I’m bored” is often said by teenagers at high school, but those students who have autism may use this phrase to express a range…

Self-Injurious Behaviours in Adolescents on the Spectrum

By Lizaan Schwartz, Provisional Psychologist As a professional working with adolescents on the autism spectrum at the clinic, I have observed an increased number of Self-Injurious behaviours being reported by…

Tip Sheet for Teachers: Girls with ASD

By Joshua King, Clinical Psychologist Registrar Autism is characterised by social, sensory processing and communication differences, as well as rigid and repetitive behaviours, and sometimes special interests that engage the…

How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

By Dr David Zimmerman, Clinical Psychologist Research suggests that children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) spend more time on video games and computers than their peers (Mazurek et…

Sexuality Education for Teenagers with Asperger’s Syndrome

Typical teenagers are usually very enthusiastic about lessons at school on sexuality, due to their own and their peers, developing sexual awareness. Any perceived deficits in formal sexuality education are…

Why Some Autistic Children Refuse School

By Professor Tony Attwood There are many aspects of being at school that are challenging and stressful for children and adolescents who have autism. This can lead to school refusal,…

Improving Social Skills Through Drama

By Wesley Turner, Psychologist Though drama has long been viewed as a useful way for individuals to improve their ability to read others’ beliefs and intentions, empirical investigation into drama’s…

The Benefits of Physical Activity on ASD

By Professor Tony Attwood Teenagers who have autism are known to be less physically active than their peers.  They tend to have higher levels of obesity, with lower physical fitness…