by Dr Wesley Turner, Clinical Psychologist The development of self-identity and gender identity can be a confusing time for most adolescents. This can be especially true for adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, as they are typically slower to develop self-concept than their neurotypical peers. In helping AS clients explore their…
A Personal Account By Dan Trott The truth is I spent most of my childhood imagining I was anything other than the person that I was. I had two sisters, one brother and parents that divorced when I was around 7. If I wasn’t glued to the TV, I was…
By Ms Radhika Tanksale, Clinical Psychologist Leaving school is a big change in an adolescence’s life, with many avenues and options often needing to be explored and considered. Given the common executive function difficulties that arise in some individuals on the autism spectrum (e.g., preparing, planning, organising, goal setting, decision-making,…
By Ms. Toneya Ashby, Psychologist Individuals on the Autism Spectrum often present with additional diagnoses, which are referred to as comorbidities. One of the most common comorbid diagnoses for an individual with ASD is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Research suggests that between 37-85% of individuals with ASD will also present with…
The goal for any student moving from secondary school to employment is to establish a career path that utilises their strengths and interests. Finding a fulfilling career often ensures a sense of purpose, independence, confidence and financial security. However, finding a career path that fits both your interests and strengths…
Both choice theory and reality therapy were created by Dr William Glasser, a Psychologist. A chief tenet of choice theory is that, while people are ultimately in control of, and can thus choose, almost all of their thoughts and behaviours, they do not have control over other people' thoughts or…
Theory of Mind (ToM) can be defined as the ability to understand that people (including self and others) have thoughts, beliefs, desires and emotions, which influence and explain actions and behaviours. In typically developing children, advances in ToM occur between the ages of 3 and 5 years, whereas ToM is…
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 of thoughts and feelings. A translation of “I’m bored” for those who have autism can be: I do not have the energy to do…
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 clients’ parents and teachers. Self-Injurious behaviour is when a person physically harms themselves for different reasons. Self-Injurious behaviours in children on the autism spectrum can…
UNDERSTANDING GIRLS WITH AUTISM Autism is characterised by social, sensory processing and communication differences, as well as rigid and repetitive behaviours, and sometimes special interests that engage the person for hours. Sensory perception differences may be apparent in the person’s hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to certain or loud noise, tactile sensations,…