Starting school

In this episode, let’s talk about why autistic individuals wander, how to keep them safe and ways to respond if wandering has occurred. References: Arky, B. (2020, August 18). Autism Plus Wandering. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/autism-plus-wandering/. Arky, B. (2020, November 19). What Families and Society Can Do to Protect Autistic Children from Wandering. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-families-and-society-can-do-to-protect-wandering-autistics/. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, September 18). Disability and Safety: Information on Wandering (Elopement). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandsafety/wandering.html. McLaughlin, L., Rapoport, E., Keim, S. A., & Adesman, A. (2020). Wandering by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Impact of Electronic Tracking Devices on Elopement Behavior and Quality of Life. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 41(7), 513–521. https://doi.org/10.1097/dbp.0000000000000817 Rice, C., Zablotsky, B., Avila, R., Colpe, L.,Schieve, L., Pringle, B., & Blumberg, S. (2016). Reported wandering behavior among children with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability. The Journal of Pediatrics, 174, 232-239.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.03.047. Let’s Talk About Autism is on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more!  For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, let’s talk about incidental teaching, its purpose and how to implement it in a child’s everyday life. References: Steinbrenner, J.R., Hume, K., Odom, S.L., Morin, K.L., Nowell, S.W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N.S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M.N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute & National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team. Retrieved 19 May 2022 from https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/sites/ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/EBP%20Report%202020.pdf. Weitlauf, A.S., McPheeters, M.L., Peters, B., Sathe, N., Travis, R., Aiello, R., Williamson, E., Veenstra-VanderWeele, J., Krishnaswami, S., Jerome, R., & Warren, Z. (2014). Therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder: Behavioral interventions update. Comparative Effectiveness Review no. 137 [AHRQ Publication No. 14-EHC036-EF]. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Retrieved 19 May 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK241444/ Wong, C., Odom, S.L., Hume, K.A., Cox, A.W., Fettig, A., Kucharczyk, S., Brock, M.E., Plavnick, J.B., Fleury, V.P., & Schultz, T.R. (2015). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(7), 1951-1966. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2351-z Let’s Talk About Autism is on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, let’s talk about what stimming is, why it happens, and how to reduce stimming. References: Kapp, S., Steward, R., Crane, L., Elliott, D., Elphick, C., Pellicano, E., & Russell, G. (2019). People should be allowed to do what they like: Autistic adults’ views and experiences of stimming. Autism, 23(7), 1782-1792. doi: 10.1177/1362361319829628. Masiran, R. (2018). Stimming behaviour in a 4-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder. BMJ Case Reports, bcr–2017–223671. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223671. https://childmind.org/ Let’s Talk About Autism is on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, let’s talk about Dr. Damien Milton’s theory of the Double Empathy Problem that poses the thought that not only do autistic individuals struggle to understand non-autistic individuals, it might actually work both ways. References: DeBrabander, K. M., Morrison, K. E., Jones, D. R., Faso, D. J., Chmielewski, M., and Sasson, N. J. 2019. Do first impressions of autistic adults differ between autistic and nonautistic observers? Autism Adulthood 1:250–7. doi: 10.1089/aut.2019.0018 Milton, D. E. M., Heasman, B., and Sheppard, E. 2020. “Double empathy,” in Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders, ed F. R. Volkmar (New York, NY: Springer). p. 1–9. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102273-2 Milton D. (2012). On the ontological status of autism: The ‘double empathy problem’. Disability and Society, 27(3), 883–887. Sasson, N. J., Faso, D. J., Nugent, J., Lovell, S., Kennedy, D. P., and Grossman, R. B. 2017. Neurotypical peers are less willing to interact with those with autism based on thin slice judgments. Sci. Rep. 7:40700. doi: 10.1038/srep40700 Sheppard E., Pillai D., Wong G. T. L., Ropar D., Mitchell P. (2016). How easy is it to read the minds of people with autism spectrum disorder? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(4), 1247–1254. Let’s Talk About Autism is on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, let’s talk about how building on the skills learned as children can support teenagers’ independence and how to decide when they are ready. References: Kersten, M., Coxon, K., Lee, H., & Wilson, N.J. (2020). Developing community mobility and driving with youth on the autism spectrum: A psychosocial perspective. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 28(2), 91-96. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2020.1798506. Kersten, M., Coxon, K., Lee, H., & Wilson, N.J. (2020). Traversing the community is uncertain, socially complex and exhausting: Autistic youth describe experiences of travelling to participate in their communities. Journal of Transport & Health, 18, Article 100922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2020.100922. Haas, K., Wilson, N.J., Cordier, R., Vaz, S., & Lee, H. (2020). The experiences of young adults on the autism spectrum in using metropolitan public transport. Autism CRC. Retrieved 2 March 2022 from https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/reports/3-041_Young-autistic-adults-on-public-transport_Report_2020.pdf. Let’s Talk About Autism is on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, let’s talk about what skills autistic children can develop to navigate an independent life. References: Gallimore, D. (2017). The essential guide to safe travel-training for children with autism and intellectual disabilities. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Kersten, M., Coxon, K., Lee, H., & Wilson, N.J. (2020). Developing community mobility and driving with youth on the autism spectrum: A psychosocial perspective. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 28(2), 91-96. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2020.1798506. Kersten, M., Coxon, K., Lee, H., & Wilson, N.J. (2020). ‘In their own time’: Parents gently push their autistic youth towards independent community mobility and participation. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(8), 2806-2818. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04384-9. Kersten, M., Coxon, K., Lee, H., & Wilson, N.J. (2020). Traversing the community is uncertain, socially complex and exhausting: Autistic youth describe experiences of travelling to participate in their communities. Journal of Transport & Health, 18, Article 100922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2020.100922. Let’s Talk About Autism is on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, let’s talk about the practical steps to make the transition to school smooth for all involved. References: Johora, F.T. (2021). The preschool teacher’s assumptions about a child’s ability or disability: Finding a pedagogical password for inclusion. Early Years. https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2021.1922991. Kemp, C.R. (2016). Early childhood inclusion in Australia. Infants & Young Children, 29(3), 178-187. https://doi.org/10.1097/IYC.0000000000000062. Kwon, K., Hong, S., & Jeon, H. (2017). Classroom readiness for successful inclusion: Teacher factors and preschool children’s experience with and attitudes toward peers with disabilities. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 31(3), 360-378. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2017.1309480. Mackenzie, M., Cologon, K., & Fenech, M. (2016). ‘Embracing everybody’: Approaching the inclusive early childhood education of a child labelled with autism from a social relational understanding of disability. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 41(2), 4-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693911604100202. Munchan, L., & Agbenyega, J. (2020). Exploring early childhood educators’ experiences of teaching young children with disability. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 45(3), 280-291. https://doi.org/10.1177/1836939120944635. Resources: https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/play-learning/preschool/settling-in-at-preschool https://raisingchildren.net.au/disability/disability-rights-the-law/rights/inclusion-children-with-disability-developmental-delay-autism Let’s Talk About Autism is now on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.st

In this episode, let’s talk about common sleep problems, their impact, and ways to help them to get a good night’s sleep. Resources https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-wellbeing/sleep/sleep-for-children-with-asd https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/sleep/better-sleep/sleep-relaxation References Coumo, B.M., Vaz, S., Lee, E.A.L., Thompson, C., Rogerson, J.M., & Falkmer, T. (2017). Effectiveness of sleep-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-synthesis. Pharmacotherapy, 37(5), 555-578. doi: 10.1002/phar.1920. Papadopoulos, N., Scibberas, E., Hiscock, H., Mulraney, M., McGillivray, J., & Rinehart, N. (2019). The efficacy of a brief behavioural sleep intervention in school-aged children with ADHD and comorbid autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Attention Disorders, 23(4), 341-350. doi: 10.1177/1087054714568565. Richdale, A.L., & Schreck, K.A. (2015). Examining sleep hygiene factors and sleep in young children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Research in ASD, 57, 154-162. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2018.10.008. Veitch, O.J., Maxwell-Horn, A.C., & Malow, B.A. (2015). Sleep in autism spectrum disorders. Current Sleep Medicine Reports, 1(2), 131-140. doi: 10.1007/s40675-015-0012-1. Let’s Talk About Autism is now on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, let’s talk about what grief might look like for autistic individuals, how to talk about the death of a loved one and how to support them with the grieving process. Resources: Finding your own way to grieve by Karla Helbert - A practical and visual activity workbook for autistic children and young people. How people with autism grieve and how to help: an insider handbook by Deborah Lipsky References: Hume, K., Regan, T., Megronigle, L., & Rhinehalt, C. (2016). Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Grief and Loss. Teaching Exceptional Children, 48(3), 128-136. Koehler, K. (2016). Supporting children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder through bereavement. Bereavement Care, 35(3), 94-101. Ryan, K., Guerin, S., Dodd, P., & McEvoy, J. (2010). Exploring the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities when service users die. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39, 259-265. Sormanti, M., & Ballan, M. (2011). Strengthening grief support for children with developmental disabilities. School Psychology International, 32(2), 179-193. Let’s Talk About Autism is now on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, let’s talk about why many autistic females are being misdiagnosed or receiving a diagnosis too late in life, and therefore missing out on timely support. References: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 Attwood, T. (2006). Autism and Asperger syndrome: preparing for adulthood. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(2), 223-224. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469- 7610.2006.00452.x Frazier, T. W., & Hardan, A. Y. (2017). Equivalence of symptom dimensions in females and males with autism. Autism: the international journal of research and practice, 21(6), 749–759. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361316660066 Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., & Mandy, W. (2020). The Female Autism Phenotype and Camouflaging: a Narrative Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 7, 306-317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-020-00197-9 Lai, M. C., Lombardo, M. V., Pasco, G., Ruigrok, A. N., Wheelwright, S. J., Sadek, S. A., Chakrabarti, B., MRC AIMS Consortium, & Baron-Cohen, S. (2011). A behavioral comparison of male and female adults with high functioning autism spectrum Livingston, L. A., & Happé, F. (2017). Conceptualising compensation in neurodevelopmental disorders: Reflections from autism spectrum disorder. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 80, 729–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.06.005 Loomes, R., Hull, L., & Mandy, W. (2017). What Is the Male-to-Female Ratio in Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(6), 466–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2017.03.013 Young, H., Oreve, M-J., & Speranza, M. (2018). Clinical characteristics and problems diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in girls. Archives de pediatrie, 25(6), 399-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcped.2018.06.008 Let’s Talk About Autism is now on Instagram. Click https://www.instagram.com/letstalkaboutautismpodcast/ to follow so you can stay tuned for new episodes, extras and much more! For more information, head over to Aspect Australia - www.autismspectrum.org.au. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional, just a student with a passion for autism. I acknowledge the Cadigal people who are the traditional custodians of the land I walk and learn on. I pay respects to the elders past, present and emerging.