Dr Michelle Garnett, Clinical Psychologist Prevalence of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders in Average-IQ Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-analysis Lugo Marin, J et al. (2018). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2018), Vol. 48, pp 239-250 Since their separation as independent conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders…
By Radhika Tanksale, Clinical Psychologist The use of complementary and alternative treatment approaches in the area of autism is growing. Animal-assisted intervention is an adjunctive treatment approach. In my opinion, many children on the autism spectrum have a natural affinity to animals. Additionally, animals are non-judgmental, are a calming presence,…
By Ms 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; Ung et al., 2013). These difficulties affect children’s quality of life and daily functioning, and vary across home and…
By Madeleine Ryan, Guest Author Jealousy seems to have become an epidemic. It’s what drives social media, celebrity, the fashion and cosmetics industries, and the economy. The insecurity over lack of possessions, or status, or rivalry is often what motivates people to get to the gym, and to strive for…
by Professor Tony Attwood, Clinical Psychologist Those who have an ASD are prone to have a catastrophic reaction or meltdown when overly stressed, anxious or frustrated. The meltdown may be externalized, with an intense despair that manifests as an expression of anger, perhaps with destruction of property or aggression towards a…
by Dr Wesley Turner, Clinical Psychologist A common question that crops up when working with children with Autism Spectrum is when and how their child should be informed of their diagnosis. Caution often needs to be had when informing children and adolescents that they are on the Autism Spectrum without…
Psychologist Tonéya is a registered psychologist and a clinical psychology registrar. She completed her Master of Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University in Sydney, and her undergraduate and Honours degrees at the University of Adelaide. During her Honours year of study, Tonéya worked as an in-home Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapist…
Psychologist Jay Hobbs is a Psychologist who has worked in the area of Neurodiversity (Autism/Dyslexia/ADHD) for over 15 years. He trained under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Garnett at the Minds and Hearts clinic, has worked as an Autism Consultant for Brisbane Catholic Education and as a Clinical Psychologist for…
I grew up in a small rural mining town surrounded by my extended family. After graduating from university, working as a teacher and then a Guidance Officer in QLD, I lived for 12 years in London and worked as an Educational Psychologist. I now work at Minds and Hearts and…
By Amy Cleator, Provisional Psychologist Children and young people with ASD typically report higher rates of victimization and bullying than their typically developing (TD) peers. For many young people with ASD, difficulties in understanding others, interacting with peers, and reading social cues can lead to a misunderstanding of social interactions.…