Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Every child on the spectrum is unique. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives the world, communicates, and interacts with others. No two children with autism are the same, each has their own strengths, challenges, and support needs.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how people perceive the world and interact with others.
The creator of the term used it to describe withdrawal into one’s inner world — a phenomenon he observed in individuals with schizophrenia (you know, he coined the term 'schizophrenia' too!).
Children with ASD may experience:
Difficulties in communication and social interaction
Repetitive behaviours or restricted interests
Differences in processing sensory information (e.g., sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures)
ASD is a spectrum, which means each child may show these features differently and at varying levels. Just as how every fingerprint or retina is different and unique, no two cases of ASD are identical.
Levels of Support
Professionals often describe autism in three broad levels:
Requiring Support: Challenges with social communication and flexibility, but able to function with some guidance.
Requiring Substantial Support: More noticeable communication and behavioural difficulties, needing regular support in daily life.
Requiring Very Substantial Support: Significant challenges across communication, behaviour, and daily living, often needing close or round-the-clock support.
Knowing which level of support our child’s needs require, gives us the advantage of knowing what we need to do, and even how much guidance they need, in being able to build up their functional abilities. But these levels are not fixed, a child’s support needs may change with growth, therapy, and environment.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments
If you are wondering whether your child may be on the autism spectrum, an assessment can provide clarity and guide the right next steps.
At Annabelle Kids, our clinical psychologists use internationally recognised tools to evaluate your child’s development and communication:
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
Age: Children 12 months and older
Duration: 40 - 60 minutes to complete assessment
A structured, play-based assessment.
Looks at communication, social interaction, and behaviour through age-appropriate activities.
Helps determine whether your child shows traits consistent with ASD.
Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
Age: Children above 2 years of (mental) age
Duration: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
A detailed caregiver interview about your child’s developmental history and current behaviours.
Provides valuable insights into how your child communicates, interacts, and adapts across settings.
When Your Child Has Been Diagnosed
Hearing that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder can bring a mix of emotions: relief, worry, and sometimes uncertainty about what to do next.
Please know you are not alone. Many families walk this journey, and there are supportive steps you can take.
Medication
Some children with autism may also experience other conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or mood difficulties. In these cases, a doctor may suggest medication as one part of a wider support plan. If you are considering this, it’s important to:
Consult a psychiatrist or paediatrician to understand the benefits and possible side effects.
Ask questions and clarify any concerns before starting medication.
Monitor changes and share observations with your child’s care team.
Medication is not a “cure” for autism, but for some children, it can help manage related challenges. Decisions should always be made in partnership with qualified medical professionals.
An Action Plan for Families
Alongside medical and therapeutic support, families can play an important role in helping their child thrive.
Here are some steps that may help:
Build a team around your child - collaborate with paediatricians, child psychologists, early intervention centres, educators, and schools.
Create supportive routines at home - children with ASD often feel more comfortable with structure and predictability.
Set small, achievable goals - celebrate little milestones along the way, both yours and your child’s. Progress may take time, but every step forward matters.
Focus on strengths - each child has unique talents and abilities. Encouraging these can boost confidence and independence.
Care for yourself too - parenting a child with ASD can feel overwhelming at times. It’s okay to pause, breathe, and take care of your own well-being. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Helping Children with ASD Thrive in Society
Every child and young adult with ASD has unique strengths and challenges. With the right support, many can thrive in school, at work, and in daily life. For some, this may mean keeping up with mainstream education and joining the workforce; for others, it may mean exploring vocational paths or alternative settings that are better suited to their needs.
Stigma and barriers still exist, whether from visible signs of autism or from choosing different educational and employment pathways.
But with early intervention, skill-building, and supportive environments, children and young adults with ASD can find meaningful ways to participate in society.
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Sheltered Employment
A supportive work arrangement where a supervisor is present to guide and assist.
Often takes place in structured, autism-friendly environments.
Example: A bank offering a designated workspace where individuals with autism can do data entry.
Open Employment
Typical part-time or full-time jobs alongside neurotypical colleagues, with minimal support.
Example: Roles in hospitality or retail, such as cafés or hotels.
Day Activity Centres
Designed for individuals who may not be able to join the workforce but benefit from structured, meaningful daily engagement.
Focuses on social interaction, independence, and skills for daily living.
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For many young adults on the spectrum, developing everyday skills is just as important as vocational training. This may include:
Personal hygiene and self-care
Buying food and managing money
Social skills for interacting with colleagues, friends, or peers
Parents and caregivers can play a big role by identifying the key skills needed for their child’s chosen path and supporting their development. While job-specific skills are important, preparing a child socially and emotionally is just as essential.
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Some parents may be in a position to offer employment opportunities through family businesses. If so, it’s important to ensure that the workplace is inclusive and structured:
Use visual aids and clear routines.
Break down tasks into manageable steps.
Audit the environment for sensory triggers.
We recommend consulting an Occupational Therapist for professional guidance on adapting workplaces and ensuring inclusivity.
How We Support Families
At Annabelle Kids, we know that supporting a child with ASD is not just about therapy sessions. It’s about walking the journey together with families. We believe parents and caregivers are the most important partners in helping a child thrive.
We believe that when we work hand-in-hand with families, children have the best chance to grow in confidence and independence.
Here’s how we work alongside you:
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Every child is different. We take time to understand your child’s strengths, needs, and personality to create a plan that truly fits them.
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We keep you closely involved, sharing strategies you can use at home so progress continues outside of therapy.
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Our team of psychologists, speech therapist, occupational therapists, and art therapist work together to give your child comprehensive support.
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Therapy is not just about communication, it’s about preparing children to participate meaningfully in school, at home, and in the community.
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Parenting a child with ASD can sometimes feel overwhelming. We’re here to listen, reassure, and support you as you support your child.
Walking the Journey Together
Supporting a child or young adult with autism can feel overwhelming at times, but you do not have to go through it alone.
Our child clinical psychologists are experienced in working with children and families with ASD.
They are here not only for your child but also to support you as a parent or caregiver.
If you think your child may have ASD, please reach out. Early support can make a meaningful difference.