Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Autism Spectrum Disorder course is divided into six units that provide detailed insights into ASD, its diagnosis, treatment options, and family support.

Unit 1: What is ASD?
This unit introduces ASD as a spectrum of developmental disorders that affect how individuals think, feel, and interact with others. It covers the causes, signs, and common misconceptions about ASD, explaining the broad spectrum of abilities and challenges faced by those with the condition​.

Unit 2: Burden of ASD
This unit focuses on the global and Australian prevalence of ASD, highlighting the financial and social burden the condition places on families and healthcare systems. It discusses the cost of diagnosis, ongoing care, and the importance of early intervention to reduce the long-term impact on individuals and families​.

Unit 3: Diagnosing ASD
Early diagnosis is essential for providing timely support to individuals with ASD. This unit explains the diagnostic criteria, signs, and symptoms of ASD, emphasising the importance of recognising ASD in early childhood. It also outlines the role of general practitioners in referring patients for evaluation and conducting genetic tests​.

Unit 4: Prognosis of ASD
This unit discusses the factors that influence the prognosis of ASD, such as childhood intelligence, early speech, and social skills. It emphasises the significance of early diagnosis and intervention in improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with ASD. The unit also explores the varying levels of support needed depending on the severity of symptoms​.

Unit 5: ASD Interventions
Interventions for ASD range from behavioural and developmental therapies to family-based approaches. This unit covers the most common interventions, such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and explores how combining various treatment methods can help children reach their full potential. It highlights the importance of individualised, high-intensity early interventions​.

Unit 6: Support and Guidance to Parents
The final unit provides guidance on supporting parents and carers of children with ASD. It discusses the emotional toll on families and the need for tailored intervention plans that involve a multidisciplinary team. Genetic counselling and the recurrence risk for families are also covered, helping practitioners understand the importance of ongoing support​.

This course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage and support individuals with ASD and their families.