autism
 

i would love to give my kids a better opportunity in life ,and feel australia would be the perfect place for them to grow up,but am a little worried as my son has been diagnosed with autism and i would not like to jepordise his future .i would just like to know if australia is as supportive as the uk when it comes to autism in children ,thanks for any advice

Re: autism
 

Aside from that the big question is do you already have a permanent visa, or could you get one (keeping in mind your child must meet the health requirement)?

Re: autism
 

Well, i don't have any experience as i live in the UK, but i know how hard it can be to live with people with autism, my brother has it.

Before my mum came over to the uk, way before that (born 69, moved in 92)she had to grow up with an austistic brother (my uncle), around when she was 7+ish, as i am having to.

From what i have been told, they weren't as helpful as the UK, but that was around 30 years ago. Wasn't really accepted, generally thought of bad behaviour. My mum had trouble growing up with a sibling with autism, as how they are. I find it hard as well, stressful (i'm 15) and find it hard to cope.

Since you said you got kids, know that they will feel the emotions and stress, as it is worse (i feel, as did my mum) growing up with someone who has autism. What they can do, and always support them and still try to be with them, as the autistic child will take up much more time, so your other children will feel left out (which i feel half the time).

I have found this website http://www.autismspectrum.org.au and suggest you look at it as it looks like it has some useful information, as does the services page http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/a2i...4/services.htm then there is also the forums, http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/ind...ard&Itemid=123

Good luck, and remember to spend a decent amount of time with your other children, as they feel the stress (as i have said before) and still need time with you, which i didn't, and still don't really have from my mum and dad.

Re: autism
 

Hi

It is a lotto depending on where you live, where on the spectrum your child is and how old they are.

I am looking into the Brisbane and Melbourne systems to see if I can improve my sons life with a company move. The Sydney office is closing.

I do not know what support you have in the UK but I understand it is also a postcode lottery there.

QLD seems to offer intense good early intervention if you go private. See AEIOU. In Brisbane there is the Sunnybank and Brighton autistic schools which are 2 - 3 days a week until age 6. After that it is a few hours aide time a week in mainstream.

In Vic high functioning and verbal autistic children are only just being recognised by the state as in need however the resources are not in place for schooling. There are private options however investigations have found they are for kids who have failed in mainstream. Seems back to front to me. We spoke to Wantirna autistic school which seems to have good facilities and staff ratios however my son is too high functioning.

In Sydney my son is on the waiting list for one of the ASPECT schools. 4-1 teacher ratio, OTs, psyches and speechies on hand and sensory integration is on the curriculum. Basically a school to teach him how to go to school. They then work on gentle mainstreaming the child.

Other resourcing is excellent if you are willing to pay although there is some new early intervention funding. All I can say is that the system is not simple and I cannot compare it to the UK but doing so is probably futile due to the variations.

If your child does not like wearing coats and jumpers then the environment will help.

Re: autism
 

ASPECT are an excellent organisation primarily based in NSW.

Another good starting point is here
http://www.autismvictoria.org.au/links/

Re: autism
 

It's good to do research but I would seriously look into if you can qualify for the visa (and pass medicals) before getting to wrapped up in planning.

Re: autism
 

thanks for the advice regarding autism,what would be my next step on finding out if my son will pass the medical{is there any parent out there that has been through it} any information would be much appreciated

Re: autism
 

First off, check out the Immi Site to see if you're eligible for a visa. Then use the facilities of the Immigration Forum for help and advice regarding how to get a visa.

There are people on here who's children have Autism, if they don't show themselves for whatever reason, do a search, it's a popular subject.

Re: autism
 

Here's a quick search on autism threads:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/searc...earchid=386424

Re: autism
 

thank you to everyone who have taken the time to reply ,i will gather as much information as possible and see what happens thanks again

Re: autism
 

regarding medicals for children can anyone elabarate into what they actualy consist of what tests,what the child has to do any info would be helpful

Re: autism
 

You really need good information from the professionals who have done the assessments. IQ tests, adaptive behaviour tests and any sort of prognosis as to possble independent living. If you have a child who is severely autistic with no language etc who will require a special school placement and with long term doubtful prognosis then you are likely to be rejected. If OTOH someone has made a vague ASD diagnosis because of tendencies rather than full blown Kanner then you are more likely to get in. They will make a judgement on professionals reports and assessments