Mindfulness: Why is it So Important?
By Dr David Zimmerman, Clinical Psychologist Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or…
THE BLOG
Encouraging the Positive in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
By Sarah Ormond, Psychologist Pathological (extreme) demand avoidance (PDA) is a term applied to patterns of complex behaviours that may be seen in some children on the autism spectrum, who…
What is Involved in An ADOS Assessment?
By Nicola Stigter, Provisional Psychologist Many families who make an appointment for their child, with a psychologist or specialist for a diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Condition, are unsure of…
How Can We Support Gifted Children on the Spectrum?
By Dr Wesley Turner, Clinical Psychologist Often, ASD individuals who are also Gifted present with a combination of cognitive abilities and executive function difficulties that result in a ‘perfect storm’…
The Three Adaptations to Social Situations
By Professor Tony Attwood One of the central characteristics of autism in DSM 5 is a deficit in social communication and social interaction. The social and interpersonal aspects of life…
The Impact of Dogs on People with ASD
By Toneya Ashby, Psychologist There is a growing body of research exploring the positive impact of dogs (and indeed a variety of other domestic animals) on individuals on the Autism…
The Role of Friendships in ASD
By Sonya Blandford, Psychologist Having one or more 'good' friends can prevent loneliness and increase mental health. Many children with ASD can struggle to make connections with people they like…
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Autism
A research article review by Dr Michelle Garnett Since their separation as independent conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) can be misconceptualised as mutually exclusive disorders. …
Parent and Teacher Agreement of Behaviour Problems
By Lizaan Schwartz, Provisional Psychologist Behavioural and emotional difficulties, including anxiety, depression, aggression, oppositional, and attention difficulties are highly prevalent in children on the autism spectrum (Kanne et al., 2009;…
How to Cope with ‘Meltdowns’
By Professor Tony Attwood Those who have an ASD are prone to have a catastrophic reaction or meltdown when overly stressed, anxious or frustrated. The meltdown may be externalised, with…