“CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning is providing clinicians who work in a diagnostic or treatment capacity, GPs, paediatricians, teachers, child psychiatrists and other allied health professionals with a rare opportunity to listen to a presentation by Dr Tony Attwood in Taree,” CatholicCare psychologist and Clinical Services Manager, Tanya Russell, said.
“Renowned the world over for his work in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Tony will provide this group of professionals, who already have a baseline understanding of the condition, valuable insight into progressive assessment tools and treatment options that are now available,” Tanya said.
“Topics covered will include symptoms and features to recognise when considering referring or making a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, information regarding assessment tools and how to identify children (and adults) who ‘fly under the radar’ and are possibly missed,” Tanya said.
Tony will also be available to answer questions.
“As professionals it is important to recognise when a child or adult may benefit from an Autism assessment. Many of us are skilled at picking up on the traditional and obvious features of Autism but we at CatholicCare are passionate about ‘getting it right’ for families as we know there are many children who go undiagnosed for many years. And we have also met many adults who have always questioned why they are different but haven’t ever had a professional suggest the reason as being Autism. This lack of understanding about the many aspects of Autism can result in life-long challenges for the undiagnosed or misdiagnosed child or adult in many areas of life, such as education and work,” Tanya said.
“Knowledge is power and learning from an esteemed professional like Tony will expand our thinking about Autism. You can expect to see a positive impact on how we work with and understand many of the people we support in our different working environments,” Tanya said.
Both information sessions are free to attend but RSVP is essential, with limited seats available.
Date: Friday 3 March 2017
Location: Club Taree, 121 Wingham Road, Taree 2430
Morning session 9.00am-11.30am
Topic
I think or know my child has Autism, what now? What if I also think I have Autism?
Afternoon session 1.00pm- 4.00pm
Topic
What we as clinicians and professionals need to know about Autism
RSVP online before Wednesday 1 March. For more info, please email tburns@catholiccare.org.au, phone 4979 1176 or visit www.catholiccare.org.au