You might be familiar with Julia, Sesame Street’s endearing 4-year-old character with autism. Since her introduction, Julia has become an inspiring symbol of inclusion, captivating audiences and breaking down barriers. But Sesame Street’s commitment to fostering understanding and support for families doesn’t stop with Julia’s character. They now offer a treasure trove of resources online proving to be a hit among children and parents with their Sesame Worshop on Autism page. Read more: 12 books on Autism and Neurodiversity that are a must read. Transformative Benefits The breadth of Sesame Str ..read more

Andrew Whitehouse, The University of Western Australia The Australian government released its draft National Autism Strategy yesterday. It aims to power a “coordinated national approach, supporting Autistic people at each stage of life”. The strategy is the fulfilment of an election commitment by the Albanese government, which was met with great optimism by many in the Australian community at the time. The strategy was co-designed after consultation with more than 2,000 autistic people, families, carers and researchers. It follows the lead of South Australia which released a strategy and appo ..read more

Parent-teacher interviews are pivotal moments in a child’s educational journey, providing a platform for collaboration between parents and educators. However, when your child is autistic, these interactions require careful consideration and proactive communication to ensure the best outcomes for your child. We’ve delved into essential considerations for parent-teacher interviews when your child is autistic. Visit the directoryShould Your Child Be Present? At the outset, it’s crucial to decide whether your child should be present during the parent-teacher interview, particularly for the initial ..read more

We’re developing a National Autism Strategy to help improve life outcomes for Autistic people across Australia. The Strategy will be for all Autistic Australians. It will cover key reform areas including access to services, healthcare, education and employment. It will help to guide a more coordinated, national approach supporting Autistic people at each stage of life. Review the draft here The post National Autism Strategy Draft appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

How good are you at listening to the signals of your own body? Your Hand Please via Shutterstock Gemma Ware, The Conversation At every moment, your body’s internal organs are sending signals to your brain. You’ll be mostly unaware of them, but sometimes they cut through: for example when you’re hungry, or when you need to go to the bathroom. Our ability to tap into these hidden signals is called interoception – sometimes known as a sixth sense. Visit the free autism directory In this episode of The Conversation Weekly, we speak to a cognitive neuroscientist and expert on interoception about ho ..read more

48.4% (of autistic children) were found to have refractive errors As researchers continue to study how living with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis affects children, new findings are constantly being revealed. In a previous post, we discussed how children with autism use memory differently, shedding light on how they may learn from experiences and store them in a fixed way. This allows us to better understand how they learn and give them the right tools to develop necessary life skills. Similarly, understanding how ASD impacts sensory perception, particularly in the realm of sight ..read more

In the realm of relationships, understanding and acceptance are keystones to fostering harmony and growth. However, when it comes to neurotypical and neurodivergent partnerships, navigating the intricacies requires a deeper appreciation of the differences. From communication styles to coping mechanisms, these relationships come with their own set of challenges and rewards. Let’s delve into the nuances. visit our directory. 1. Communication Styles: Bridging the Gap One of the primary distinctions between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals lies in their communication styles. Neurotypica ..read more

As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2024, it’s imperative to recognise the diverse contributions of neurodivergent women who are making significant strides across various fields. In this article, we highlight ten remarkable neurodivergent women whose innovative thinking, resilience, and unique perspectives are reshaping industries and inspiring change. From science to art, advocacy to entrepreneurship, these trailblazers exemplify the power of embracing neurodiversity and challenge conventional norms, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. Join us in celebrating the ..read more

Tracey Mackey, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commissioner, has announced her resignation, effective in May. This decision comes shortly before the release of an independent report regarding a scandal that has deeply impacted the nation. Tracey Mackey steps downMinisterial Statement The Minister of Social Services confirmed that Tracey Mackey would step down from her role as NDIS Commissioner. The minister thanked Mackey for her service and expressed the government’s commitment to protecting Australians with disabilities from exploitation by unscrupulous ..read more

Recognising the early signs of autism is essential for providing timely intervention and support. In this exploration, we will delve into the subtle cues that may indicate autism in children, helping to facilitate understanding and assistance where needed. Autism, often referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that manifests differently in each individual. Receiving an autism diagnosis can evoke a range of emotions, including anxiety and fear. However, it’s crucial to understand that this diagnosis can also present opportunities for growth and un ..read more