Autism Awareness Week Webinar One: Adulthood

Autism CRC Webinar: The Early Years Troubleshooting Audio No sound? 1.Click the Settings icon in the toolbar. 2. On the Audio tab, select Computer Audio. 3. Check you are not on silent mode OR If you prefer to join over the phone, just select “Telephone” in the Audio pane, and the dial-in information will be displayed.

An overview of health issues for adults on the spectrum - What we know, what we don’t know and what we are doing in the CRC? My context is important to understand Wednesday 6 April 1-2pm AEST

What we know Mental health issues dominate –Anxiety –Depression –Disabling environments e.g. Doctors waiting rooms Physical health issues –“Other” - diversity usual –Gastro-intestinal –Metabolic disorders –Associated with syndromes causes of Autism e.g. Fragile X syndrome What we ‘know’ –Prevalence, childhood assessment & management –Definitional changes –Context is crucial

What we don’t know ~ 1% research is on adults! Accurate adult mental health assessment –Very little work done – e.g. Screening tools for mental disorders –Effective psychological management for anxiety & depression in adults Not clearly applying neuro-typical treatments e.g. CBT and Acceptance Commitment Therapies –Differences depending on communication style, capacity & social context. Health & health care delivery –What strategies work to maximise health & healthcare? –How can they be effectively delivered? –How can be best augment the advocacy skills? –How can we promote effective person centered care?

What are doing in the Autism CRC Developed a health hub for adults on the autism spectrum –Questions for judging the quality of autism websites –What we can do to assist health professionals to better understand how to provide high quality care to adults –Emergency communication boards –What is known about mental ill health in adults with autism for general practitioners Care pathways - Public Health Networks (PHNs) Autism Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) Vision –augment of general practice and mental health practitioner care –high level interactivity, co production and peer support

What are doing in the Autism CRC Diverse lives of people with on the spectrum or Autistics adults –Responses have to be tailored & generalisations are fraught! –Get the big picture right Inclusion –innovative social and work/vocational solutions lifestyle factors –Exercise, diet & avoiding isolation –Choice making – individualised and challenging for all involved

Supporting Young People on the Spectrum at University

What are the Challenges? Academic staff do not generally have great knowledge or understanding of autism spectrum conditions Many staff report finding particular behaviours difficult –Interrupting –Challenging content –Refusing to work in groups Staff report not knowing what to do in the face of behaviours that they find difficult or challenging

Our Objectives Increase the knowledge of academic staff Increase staff willingness to think constructively about behaviour that they find difficult Provide explanations and examples of why a student with ASC might behave in a particular way Develop a workshop for staff that addresses their concerns Develop resources for students that will help with the new university environment

Work Completed to Date In partnership with colleagues in Engineering at The University of Queensland and with Professor Tony Attwood A workshop for staff was delivered in February, 2016 The format was interactive – issues generated by participants. Behaviours explained in the context of ASC and role plays used to demonstrate ways to respond effectively

How was the Workshop received? Seventy Three people attended The group was very interactive and provided good examples of behaviours that they had found difficult The explanations of why a student with ASC might behave in a particular way provoked very positive discussion The role plays were very well received The evaluation of the workshop was extremely positive

Where to From Here? Offer this workshop to a wider audience at UQ Develop more materials and use video footage to construct an interactive website Trial the website both within UQ and in other universities Develop visual materials to be available to students to show them how a lecture works, how a tutorial works, what happens in teams or practicums and so on. Trial these materials The website we hope will also link to other websites such as that developed by La Trobe Other universities have used peer mentoring – we hope to offer a start to such a program at UQ

QUESTIONS?

The Integrated Employment Success Tool (IEST): Helping employers support adults on the spectrum at work

Employment and adults on the spectrum Challenge to find a job and keep a job Employers’ knowledge, confidence and attitudes play an important role Bridge the gap in employment: workplace modifications and the IEST

WORK IS IMPORTANT: SENSE OF PURPOSE SOCIAL OUTLET IDENTITY FINANCIAL GAIN Finding a job, keeping a job

Purpose of the Integrated Employment Success Tool (IEST) Create an awareness of autism in the workplace Focus on the strengths of employees on the spectrum Identify potential workplace difficulties Strategies for modifying the work environment

What is next for the IEST? Currently trialling the IEST with employers across Australia Looking for more participants to take part in the trial We hope that the IEST workplace tool will increase employers’ confidence and knowledge to support employees on the spectrum In the long-term we hope that this will lead to more people on the spectrum remaining in jobs that they enjoy in a workplace tailored to meet their individual needs For more information please contact Melissa Scott or 9266

You can submit questions through the Questions pane in your attendee control panel Q & A

Contact us autismcrc.com.au/enews facebook.com/autismcrc twitter.com/autismcrc