Expat Down Under

Thank for the welcome everyone,
Autism in Australia
Australia is probably following the UK and US in most things funding and administration. On a provision of service levels we have:
- Similar referral systems (GP, Pediatricians, intake services)
- Early childhood intervention (ECI) centres in major citiesor towns
- Support assiatants in classes
- Dedicated Autism schools
- Research centres attached to Universities
Again like most funded services, services are stretched.
MP Visit
One upside, Australia has a general election due on 21st August, so as MPs love social activity, i managed to secure a visit to our local ECI. The staff at our local ECI are an excellent team who work well with both parents and ASD kids.
On the family front
we're pretty relaxed about Autism and all our kids development. My son's close in age (4-5), both are generally trested equally, but care is given to meet individual needs. Both kids are good mates. My daughter is about a month old, so she's at cute level at the moment.
As a family we find there are probably similar social stigmas and reactions in some situations. Our approach is to offer information for anyone who takes an interest, as most people are uncertain about autism symptoms in public. One difference i find in Australia, people are really supportive and helpful when they realise the situation.
Cheers
Steve

Hi Leanne,
My son has moderate ASD. He'll be attending the Northern Autism school in Melbourne. I've taken a tour, met the staff and found the school, resources and curriculum good. Our early intervention centre assists with all the appropriate testing and application process.
Once at the school he will hopefully progress into the transition programme to mainstream. My main concern is his happiness in his educational surroundings.
Out of My Comfort Zone
Other stuff i'm doing - Over the last year i've been completing an 'out of my comfort zone' monthly challenges. Each monthly challenge tests my mental aptitude and physical ability (btw i'm not that healthy). My inspiration was my son, who has daily challenges, i wanted to learn, understand and accept what he was going through. The challenges have rules and conditions - importantly they had to be achievable and i hadn't to have prior experience of the activities. Here are some examples:
- Celebrate Man U for a month (tougher than you think lol)
- Watch ten chick flicks over a month (rules: no drinking or falling asleep!)
- Go on the GFCF diet
- Run 5k a day
The challenges were fun, but had a serious message in each. August is my last month, haven't thought of anything yet! so any suggestions are welcome for any achievable fun thing which can be linked with my son's ASD.
I've a full list of achieved challenges on my blog:
http://parentingasdkids.com/category/asd-projects/
The project has changed my outlook in life. I'm hoping to write a book about my experiences and use the proceeds for further Autism projects.
Cheers
Stephen

Hi Everyone,

Astroids - thanks for the comments, i believe the challenges have made me a better person and more tolerant when understanding what people must face. Good to hear you are delivering services for people in the wider community - great news.

I've the opinion we always look at shaping our kids for conforming in society, when also what needs addressing the balance and shape society for Autism. Most Disability Discrimination Acts (Uk and Australian) don't acommodate sensory issues when accessing goods and services. I understand why, but this does put a systematic barrier in the way of Autism. I should mention i used to work at a University's Specialised Learning Resources Unit (SLRU), so i do get a bit soapbox on disability and society. Oh before i forget Astroids, do you have a website?

Interestingly, you mention about your diagnosis, i also had a feeling of my own ASD tendencies. I see some of James behavioural and social skills reflect my childhood and young adult life. Now at 43, although i'm reasonably confident i don't have ASD, but i do wonder what was going on when i was young. I suppose the answer is emerging through my son.

@ Elena - many thanks for sorting out my shouty bold font :)