Belong Health

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support at Belong Health
At Belong Health, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by offering comprehensive, compassionate, and personalised care. ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour, with symptoms varying greatly from person to person. Our team is here to provide specialised support and therapy to empower individuals on the autism spectrum to thrive in their daily lives.

We take a holistic approach, ensuring that every person receives tailored strategies based on their unique needs, strengths, and challenges. Our services extend to individuals of all ages, and our expert clinicians work collaboratively to enhance each individual’s capacity for communication, social interaction, learning, and sensory processing.

Clinicians Supporting Individuals with ASD
Our multidisciplinary team is made up of skilled professionals who specialise in supporting individuals with ASD through a variety of therapeutic approaches:

Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Our OTs specialise in sensory integration and daily living skills, helping individuals with ASD manage sensory sensitivities, develop motor skills, and increase their independence. They provide structured play, sensory toolkits, and environmental modifications to ensure comfort and progress in daily tasks.
Speech Pathologists
Communication is key for many individuals with ASD, and our Speech Pathologists focus on enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication. Through speech therapy, social stories, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, they help individuals express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable.
Psychologists
Our psychologists offer emotional and behavioural support, helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, rigid behaviour, and emotional regulation. They also provide assessments to support diagnosis and create individualised intervention plans.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioners
PBS practitioners work with individuals and their families to develop strength-based strategies that promote positive behaviour. They create personalised support plans that reinforce desired behaviours and respect each individual’s unique needs.

Each of our clinicians collaborates with families and other healthcare providers to ensure a cohesive and integrated support plan, fostering growth, confidence, and well-being for every individual with autism.

Explore Our Home Therapy Packs
Our guides offer practical strategies to support children with ASD in developing essential skills. To further enhance your approach, consider our Home Therapy Packs, specifically designed to foster engagement and communication at home.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Detailed Description
According to The National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia (Whitehouse et al, 2018), ASD is defined as:
"Autism is the collective term for a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and by repetitive patterns of behaviour and restricted interests."
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted and repetitive behaviours, interests, or activities. The effects and presentation of ASD and the severity of symptoms can vary widely.

Identifying Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Social Communication Challenges

Difficulty with Social Interactions: Children with ASD may have trouble understanding social cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body language. They might find it challenging to engage in typical back-and-forth conversations.
Delayed Speech and Language Skills: Some children may not speak at all, while others might have limited speech. They might use a flat or robotic tone, repeat phrases, or use words out of context.
Challenges with Nonverbal Communication: Children with ASD might avoid eye contact, have a limited range of facial expressions, and struggle with gestures like pointing or waving.
Difficulty Understanding Emotions: They might not recognise or respond appropriately to others' emotions. They might also have trouble expressing their own feelings.

Repetitive Behaviours and Restricted Interests

Repetitive Movements: This can include hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or other repetitive motions.
Insistence on Sameness: A strong preference for routines and a resistance to changes in daily activities or environments.
Highly Focused Interests: Intense interest in specific topics or activities, often to the exclusion of other interests.
Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-reacting to sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, textures, or smells. For example, a child might be extremely bothered by certain noises or textures or be fascinated by spinning objects or lights.

Developmental Delays

Motor Skill Delays: Difficulty with both fine and gross motor skills, such as using utensils, writing, running, or jumping.
Delayed Play Skills: Difficulty engaging in imaginative play or playing with toys in typical ways. They might line up toys instead of playing with them as intended.
Difficulty with Social Play: Struggling to play with others, preferring solitary play or playing alongside rather than with other children.

Emotional and Behavioural Challenges

Emotional Outbursts: May have meltdowns or tantrums, especially when routines are disrupted or when overwhelmed by sensory input.
Difficulty with Transitions: Struggling with changes in routine or moving from one activity to another.
Anxiety and Rigidity: High levels of anxiety, particularly in unfamiliar situations or environments, leading to rigid and inflexible behaviour.

Support Strategies for Children with ASD

Creating Consistent Routines

Daily Schedules: Utilise visual schedules to outline daily activities, empowering children to anticipate and engage with their day in a way that supports their unique processing styles.
Structured Environments: Maintain consistent routines and environments to foster a sense of security and predictability, honouring the child's need for stability.
Transition Supports: Offer countdowns, visual timers, or verbal cues to respectfully prepare children for transitions between activities, acknowledging their need for time to adjust to a change.

Enhancing Communication Skills

Speech and Language Development: Collaborate with speech therapists to support the child’s unique communication journey, whether verbal or nonverbal, fostering authentic self-expression.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Incorporate tools like picture exchange communication systems (PECS), sign language, or speech-generating devices to ensure every child has a voice that is heard and respected.
Social Stories: Develop personalised social stories that resonate with the child’s experiences, helping them navigate social interactions with confidence and understanding.

Supporting Social Skills

Social Skills Groups: Engage children in groups where they can learn and practice social skills in a supportive, inclusive environment that respects their individual differences.
Role-Playing: Use role-playing to explore social interactions in a safe space, allowing children to experiment with different responses and approaches.
Peer Modelling: Encourage positive peer interactions, where children can observe and learn from others in a way that feels natural and comfortable for them.

Addressing Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory Integration Support: Partner with our Occupational Therapists who specialise in sensory processing to help children navigate sensory input in a way that honours their sensory experiences.
Sensory Tools and Strategies: Develop a personalised sensory toolkit with your child’s OT, offering activities and strategies to help manage sensory needs throughout the day, enhancing the child’s comfort and focus.
Environmental Modifications: Adjust environments to reduce sensory overload, such as providing noise-cancelling headphones, dimming lights, or offering sensory-friendly clothing, enhancing the child’s comfort, ability to regulate and overall well-being.

Encouraging Play and Learning

Structured Play: Introduce structured play activities that align with the child’s interests and strengths, making learning an engaging and enjoyable experience.
Interest-Based Learning: Integrate the child’s passions into learning activities, tapping into their natural motivation and curiosity.
Task Breakdown: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps with clear, simple instructions, empowering the child to succeed at their own pace.

Behavioural Supports

Positive Behavioural Support: Use strategies that reinforce desired behaviours by recognising and celebrating successes, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
Strength-Based Plans: Develop individualised support plans that focus on the child’s strengths, providing specific strategies for navigating challenges in a way that respects their unique needs.

Steps to Get a Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

1. Observing Signs and Symptoms:
Parents and caregivers should keep a detailed record of their child's behaviours, including any challenges with communication, social interactions, repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities.

2. Consulting with a Paediatrician:
Schedule an appointment with the child's paediatrician to discuss concerns. The paediatrician will conduct an initial evaluation and may use screening tools to assess for ASD.

3. Referral to a Specialist:
If the paediatrician suspects ASD, they will refer the child to a specialist, such as a child psychologist, Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist who will perform an ADOS assessment or a Paediatric Neurologist, for a comprehensive evaluation.

4. Comprehensive Evaluation:
The specialist will conduct a detailed assessment, which may include:

Developmental history and parental interviews.
Observations of the child's behaviour in various settings.
Standardised tests and diagnostic tools (e.g., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - ADOS).
Input from other professionals (e.g., teachers, therapists) who work with the child.

5. Diagnosis and Recommendations:
Based on the evaluation, the specialist will provide a diagnosis and recommendations for Early Intervention and support. This may include:

Occupational Therapy.
Speech and language therapy with a Speech Pathologist.
Behavioural therapy (e.g., ABA) such as the Early Start Denver Model for Early Intervention.
Educational support and individualised education plans (IEPs).
Application for funding for therapies with the NDIS

6. Developing an Intervention Plan:
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive intervention plan tailored to the child's needs. This plan should address communication, social skills, sensory integration, and daily living skills.

7. Ongoing Monitoring and Support:
Regularly review and adjust the intervention plan as the child progresses. Ensure ongoing communication and collaboration between parents, healthcare providers, and educators to provide consistent support.

The National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism provides a detailed outline of this process and helpful resources for parents and caregivers https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-practice/assessment-and-diagnosis/for-parent-caregiver

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) FAQs
Q: What are the common signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
A: Common signs include difficulties with social interactions, repetitive behaviours, communication challenges, and restricted interests. Early signs may include lack of eye contact, delayed speech development, and limited play skills.
Q: How can Occupational Therapy help a child with ASD?
A: OT can help children with ASD improve their sensory processing, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, and daily living activities. Therapists use individualised strategies to address specific challenges and promote independence.
Q: How is ASD diagnosed?
A: ASD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including a developmental paediatrician, psychologist, and speech therapist. The assessment may include developmental history, standardised tests, and direct observation.

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Accessing our Perth services

Let's Work Together

Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider

Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from.

Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list.

Belong Health Occupational Therapist & NDIS Support Coordination

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

A: Alexander Heights, Alfred Cove, Applecross, Applecross North, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, Ashby, Ashfield, Attadale, Atwell, Aubin Grove, Aveley
B: Balcatta, Balga, Ballajura, Banjup, Banksia Grove, Baskerville, Bassendean, Bateman, Bayswater, Beaconsfield, Beckenham, Bedford, Bedfordale, Beechboro, Beeliar, Beldon, Belhus, Bellevue, Belmont, Bennett Springs, Bentley, Bibra Lake, Bicton, Booragoon, Boya, Brabham, Brentwood, Brigadoon, Broadway Nedlands, Brookdale, Bull Creek, Burns Beach, Burswood, Bushmead, Butler
C: Canning Vale, Cannington, Carabooda, Carine, Carlisle, Carramar, Caversham, Champion Lakes, Churchlands, City Beach, Claremont, Clarkson, Cloverdale, Cockburn Central, Como, Connolly, Coogee, Coolbellup, Coolbinia, Cottesloe, Craigie, Crawley, Currambine
D: Daglish, Dalkeith, Darch, Darlington, Dayton, Dianella, Dog Swamp, Doubleview, Duncraig
E: East Cannington, East Fremantle, East Perth, East Victoria Park, Eden Hill, Edgewater, Ellenbrook, Embleton
F: Ferndale, Floreat, Forrestdale, Forrestfield, Fremantle
G: Gidgegannup, Girrawheen, Glen Forrest, Glendalough, Glengarry, Gnangara, Gosnells, Greenmount, Greenwood, Guildford, Gwelup
H: Hamersley, Hamilton Hill, Hammond Park, Harrisdale, Haynes, Hazelmere, Heathridge, Helena Valley, Henderson, Henley Brook, Herdsman, Herne Hill, High Wycombe, Highgate, Hilbert, Hillarys, Hilton, Hocking, Hovea, Huntingdale
I: Iluka, Inglewood, Innaloo, Jandabup, Jandakot, Jane Brook, Jindalee, Jolimont, Joondalup, Joondanna
K: Kallaroo, Karawara, Kardinya, Karragullen, Karrakatta, Karrinyup, Kelmscott, Kensington, Kenwick, Kewdale, Kiara, Kings Park, Kingsley, Kingsway, Kinross, Koondoola, Koongamia
L: Landsdale, Langford, Lathlain, Leederville, Leeming, Lexia, Lockridge, Lynwood
M: Maddington, Madeley, Mahogany Creek, Maida Vale, Malaga, Manning, Marangaroo, Mariginiup, Marmion, Martin, Maylands, Melaleuca, Melville, Menora, Merriwa, Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale, Millendon, Mindarie, Mirrabooka, Morangup, Morley, Mosman Park, Mount Claremont, Mount Hawthorn, Mount Lawley, Mount Nasura, Mount Pleasant, Mount Richon, Mullaloo, Munster, Murdoch, Myaree
N: Nedlands, Neerabup, Nollamara, Noranda, North Beach, North Coogee, North Fremantle, North Lake, North Perth, Northbridge, Nowergup
O: O'connor, Ocean Reef, Orange Grove, Osborne Park
P: Padbury, Palmyra, Parkerville, Parkwood, Pearsall, Peppermint Grove, Perth, Piara Waters, Pinjar, Queens Park, Quinns Rocks
R: Red Hill, Redcliffe, Ridgewood, Riverton, Rivervale, Roleystone, Rossmoyne, Rottnest Island
S: Salter Point, Samson, Sawyers Valley, Scarborough, Seville Grove, Shelley, Shenton Park, Sinagra, Sorrento, South Fremantle, South Guildford, South Lake, South Perth, Southern River, Spearwood, St James, Stirling, Stoneville, Stratton, Subiaco, Subiaco East, Success, Swan View, Swanbourne
T: Tamala Park, Tapping, The Vines, Thornlie, Treeby, Trigg, Tuart Hill
U: Upper Swan
V: Victoria Park
W: Wangara, Wanneroo, Warwick, Waterford, Watermans Bay, Wattle Grove, Wattleup, Welshpool, Wembley, Wembley Downs, West Leederville, West Perth, West Swan, Westfield, Westminster, White Gum Valley, Whiteman, Willagee, Willetton, Wilson, Winthrop, Woodbridge, Woodlands, Woodvale, Wungong
Y: Yangebup, Yokine

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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