About us

AUTISM ADVISORY AND SUPPORT SERVICE

Our mission is to empower children and adults with autism and their families through knowledge and support

Established

Autism Advisory and Support Service (AASS) was established in 2007 to empower children and adults with autism and their families through knowledge and support & to positively impact and influence children and adults with Autism in their social and emotional development.

What is Autism?

The term Autism Spectrum Disorders can be difficult to define. Autism (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how a person’s brain develops and functions. ASD a lifelong disorder that presents differently in different genders. It is estimated that 1 in 40 individuals are on the autism spectrum, based on prevalence studies conducted over the past five years. People of all ages & backgrounds can be diagnosed with autism.

The Team

Our team of dedicated professionals use an evidence based, collaborative and holistic approach to service delivery. We work in partnership with individuals with autism, their families and carers, to evaluate, plan and implement appropriate services to support and deliver positive outcomes.

Our Mission

To empower children and adults with Autism and their families through knowledge and support. To positively impact and influence children and young adults with Autism in their social and emotional development.

Our Objectives

To advise and assist children with Autism and their families
To provide support and information to parents of children with Autism
To do this at a free, or nominal price for families affected by Autism
To engage relevant stakeholders that can make a valid contribution to the development of service and facilities for children with Autism and their families
To be a source of information of Autism services.
To seek funding to sustain development of Autism Advisory and Support Service.

Our Values

Innovation
Authenticity
Community
Passion
Responsiveness

What Is Autism?

The Official Definition of Autism

The term Autism Spectrum Disorders refers to a group of developmental disorders that are apparent before the age of three years and in which there is a unique combination of abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction, patterns of communication and restricted and stereotyped interests and activities.

Children vary a great deal in their presentation however it is the lateness in talking that often alarms parents first. To empower children with Autism and their families through knowledge and support. Many children have associated developmental delay in general skills such as in play and personal self help.

Another way to understand the Autism Spectrum is that children with these disorders process information from people around them and the environment in very disordered and unusual ways.

We expect children with ASD to develop and change over time and there is a general trend toward improvement with passing of the years though this may be slow. We expect children to go to school and learn. We expect them to grow up and to contribute to society. Early intervention helps and services that deliver this in Partnership with Parents and respect the goals of families are generally more successful in supporting people than services that do not.