What we do

Coffs Coast Autism volunteers host social events and provide information & links to resources that are relevant to the Mid North Coast of NSW; including Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Nambucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree and surrounding areas. We advocate for autistic individuals and carers, and promote understanding, acceptance and support in community settings.

Our information and events are inclusive of the experience, opinions and work of autistic people and is accessible to people of all different abilities, languages, cultures and differing information processing styles. We aim to provide information that is relevant to a full range of Autism Spectrum ages and developmental stages.

Events & Workshops

We aim to draw together the personal and professional skills, experiences and knowledge that currently exists within the local autism community for the benefit of:

  • Autistic people of all ages and stages of life
  • The community that cares about them & for them
  • Professionals seeking to increase their understanding of ASD, and possible referral options

We do this for the purpose of gaining or improving an understanding of the strengths and challenges of ASD, and providing connection to relevant people and resources.

Volunteers meet bi-monthly to discuss local projects and developments that can assist the ASD community; including our workshops, fundraisers and education projects. Subject to funding and donations, we run all-inclusive social gatherings including discos, film workshops, creative arts workshops, and information workshops for parents, carers and professionals.

We support families choices of education in mainstream or specialist schools, and proudly advocated and obtained funding for a new ASPECT satellite primary school in the Coffs Harbour area to expand the choices available to our community. The ASPECT satellite school is crucial in providing individualised learning experiences for children with ASD. Check out ASPECT schools for more information. We are aiming to help establish a high school satellite class in the near future.

What is Autism and what do we do now?

Definition
Autism is a lifelong neuro-developmental disability. Changes in ability and behaviour occur over time, and many individuals show remarkable improvements throughout their lives.

Characteristics
The word “spectrum” is used because the range and significance of the challenges people with autism experience can vary widely.

Autism Australia describes the following characteristics of autism.

A diagnosis of autism is made using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

In May 2013 a new version of the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5) changed the way professionals diagnose ASD. A single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder replaced the old terms and now includes a severity ranking of level 1,2 or 3 to reflect the degree of support needed.

Severity is based on social communication impairments and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour. For either criterion, severity is described in 3 levels:
Level 3 – requires very substantial support,
Level 2 – requires substantial support, and
Level 1 – requires support.

If you have any concerns about your child’s development we recommend consulting with your GP. Your GP may refer you to a developmental paediatrician or diagnostic service. Alternatively, you may contact Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) on 02 8977 8300.

ASD is diagnosed through assessments and meetings with the individual, their family and service providers. Information is gathered on the individual’s strengths/challenges in the areas of social interaction, communication as well as restricted and repetitive interests, activities and behaviours.

Such information may be obtained through questionnaires or tests which are conducted by experienced developmental paediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists who are qualified to make an ASD diagnosis. ASD is often diagnosed in early childhood, but assessments can be undertaken at any age. There is no single behaviour that indicates ASD. There are no blood tests that can detect ASD.

If you think you or someone you know may have Autism Spectrum Disorder follow our handy diagnosis checklist to help guide you through your next steps on how to receive a diagnosis through to seeking support and funding. In Australia, Autism CRC has produced the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In Australia, Autism CRC has produced the following guide Interventions for children on the autism spectrum, and we strongly recommend contacting CarersNSW to discuss how you can be supported in your role as a carer.

Stay connected with the local Mid North Coast Autism community by following us on Facebook for all up to date events and workshops.

Join Our Mailing List!

Send us your details and stay up to date with all the latest CCA news.

Name
Skip to content