Quirky Kid Clinic » Autism

Autism Research Trial

Leonardo Rocker — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:05:16 +0000

Monash University, in conjunction with the Brain & Mind Research Institute at the University of Sydney are currently conducting research, evaluating a new treatment approach for people with Autism and Asperger’s Disorder that aims to improve social skills. This first study is for males aged between 12 and 18 with a mental age of 8 or above. This trial provides an assessment, involves the administration of a nasal spray form of natural hormone, Oxytocin, and examines whether this particular medication can improve social functioning and emotion perception.

For more information please contact the Brain & Mind Research Institute Centre for Autism/Asperger on 02 9351 0881 or email at AutismCares@med.usyd.edu.au

This study has University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee approval.

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The Face It cards

Leonardo Rocker — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:38:53 +0000

We are delighted to introduce our new resource.

The FACE IT collection always makes an impression! This set of thirty-five (35) hand-drawn cards, depicting a wide range of facial expressions, are designed to engage children and adults from diverse social and cultural backgrounds as well as those on the Autism spectrum or with other special needs.

Parents, teachers and therapists will find the FACE IT cards are an exceptional resource to increase communication in the home, school, clinic or community setting.

Effectively used with both individuals and groups, the FACE IT cards allow participants the option of ‘pointing out’ their emotions to increase understanding, problem-solving and empathy when dialogue is difficult.

We hope you enjoy using them as much as we do!

Buy the Face It at the Quirky Kid Shoppe

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Interpreter Assistance

Leonardo Rocker — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:23:20 +0000

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has announced that it will now pay the cost of interpreting services provided by the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) that may be required by clients funded by the Helping Children with Autism package. Access to interpreting services is critical for ensuring appropriate Early Intervention is given to clients of FaHCSIA funded services who speak little or no English.

The Quirky Kid team has extensive experience in working with multicultural communities. Visit our community pages for more information

Please contact us if you require early intervention with an interpreter assistance.

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Asperger’s Disorder

Leonardo Rocker — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:18:59 +0000

What is Asperger’s Disorder?

Children with Asperger’s Disorder have a marked and ongoing impairment in social interaction, and they develop restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. In contrast to Autism, there are no significant delays in language acquisition and development. During the first three years of the child’s life, there are no significant delays in cognitive development, and they experience normal curiosity about their environment.

They do not experience significant difficulty in acquiring age-appropriate learning skills and adaptive behaviours, apart from social interaction. Children with Asperger’s Disorder may show a marked impairment in non-verbal behaviours such as eye to eye gaze, facial expression, body postures and gestures. They may have difficulty regulating social interaction and communication with others.

What should I look for?

Does your child have difficulty expressing him/herself using non-verbal behaviours like eye contact, facial expressions, body postures and hand gestures?
Does your child have difficulty developing and maintaining friendships?
Does your child have difficulty sharing their enjoyment, interests or achievements with others?
Does your child lack emotional exchanges with others?
Is your child preoccupied with one particular topic of interest at a level that seems unreasonable for his/her age?
Is your child inflexible in following set routines or rituals?
Does your child have repetitive body movements, such as hand or finger flapping or twisting?
Is your child persistently preoccupied with parts of objects, rather than the entire object?

How can the Quirky Kid Clinic help your child?

The Quirky Kid Clinic is a unique place for children and adolescents aged 2-18 years. We work from the child’s perspective to help them find their own solutions. If you suspect your child may be showing signs of Asperger’s Disorder, or if your child already has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder, you might consider one of the following options:

Assessment and Diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule.
Book an individual session with our experienced Child Psychologists
Register for a Social Skills group or ASD specific workshop
Contact us for more information

The Quirky Kid Clinic is part of the FaHCSIA Early Intervention Service Provider Panel for the Helping Children with Autism Package and intervention can be claimed as part of this funding.

Reference:

American Psychiatric Association:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

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