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14 Jan 2025... The strategy sets out the vision for a safe and inclusive society for all Autistic people.

01 Aug 2021... Peak Victorian autism organisation Amaze developed a poster outlining some characteristics autistic people may display in social communication and interaction, behaviour, interests and activities.

24 May 2024... Suitable for 3-18 years Key points There’s no single, known cause of autism. Causes of autism might include genes, brain development, family history and other factors. Autism isn’t caused by poor parenting, vaccines or diet.

30 Apr 2023... This guide outlines how and why visuals are used to support learning and routine, and to assist the development of speech and language.  The English version of these translated fact sheets is included in each document.

24 May 2024... Suitable for 3-18 years Key points Autism is a type of neurodiversity. Autistic children have particular communication styles, special interests and repetitive behaviour. Autism can be diagnosed in some children from around 18 months of age. Early autism diagnosis means children can get support for their development. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your child and family health nurse or GP.

01 Sep 2021... This document explains Damian Milton’s theory of ‘double empathy’. In it, he proposes that Autistic people do not lack empathy. Milton argues that Autistic people experience the world and express emotions differently to non-autistic people.

19 Aug 2024... Suitable for 3-0 years. Key points Learning about bodies can help autistic children feel comfortable with their bodies. Learning about private and public body parts can help autistic children understand private and public behaviour. Learning about personal boundaries and different kinds of touch is part of learning about bodies. Visual supports and social stories can help autistic children learn about bodies and personal boundaries.

19 Aug 2024... Suitable for 0-18 years Key points Neurodiversity is the idea that there’s natural variation in how people’s brains work. When we embrace neurodiversity, we accept and celebrate neurodivergent children. Embracing neurodiversity is good for neurodivergent children and good for society. There are many ways for families, communities and schools to embrace neurodiversity.

This is a simple planning tool to help children with autism. It includes visuals for each developmental area and provides a simple way of recording a picture of the child's characteristics, the impact of those characteristics, the family's concerns, and who could help.

19 Aug 2024... Suitable for 3-18 years Key points Meltdowns happen when autistic children and teenagers feel completely overwhelmed. Autistic children and teenagers need support to recognise overwhelmed feelings and know what to do. Help autistic children and teenagers avoid meltdowns by stepping in when they start to get agitated. During a meltdown, stay calm, give children space, avoid saying too much, and wait.