Autism support service includes therapies like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy. It also includes doctors, paediatricians, neurologists, specialists and dieticians.
Support services can be accessed in different environments like a home, a medical facility, a therapy centre, a school and an online site depending on convenience and accessibily.
Services are provided by individuals or organisations that offer therapies and support. Service providers offer one or more therapies and provide families with other support like respite care, social recreational programs and peer support programs.
They treat medical conditions of the child, teenager or adult and assist in managing medicines. For example, autistic kids with dental or muscle pain and kids with high sensory stimulation cannot sleep well. Such issues are addressed by a General Practitioner (GP) and a paediatrician or a medical specialist like a neurologist, orthodontist, cardiologist etc.
Educational and developmental facilities focus on skills development and learning in a playroom or classroom. They tailor their teaching to the child’s developmental stage. Helping the child learn to form positive, meaningful relationships and communication skills. Psychologists and developmental educators are examples of this group.
Therapists teach your child new behaviour and skills by using specialised, structured techniques. For example, if your child has difficulty with speech or communication, a speech therapist will help. Depending on the case, a single therapist or a team might work with an ASD child, teenager or adult.
There are alternative medicines like homeopathy, naturopathy and complementary therapy which includes acupuncture or massage therapy. Some other alternatives are music and art therapy.
Respite services give parents and care givers a break from caring for an ASD child, teenager or adult. Respite can include the time your child spends with support workers or the time they spend in social or recreational programs or activities. It can be for a few hours or for longer periods, at your home or elsewhere. Respite care is also a break from routine for your child. To develop new skills and some independence.
I also specialize in treating anxiety that often stems from difficult life transitions.
