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RFVP Disability Inclusion and Safety Resource Hub

Neurodiversity

The Disability Inclusion and Safety Resource Hub has been developed for organisations and practitioners who are working with people with disability who are experiencing or using family violence. 

The Resource Hub provides ready access to important resources that promote safety, accessibility, equity and inclusion of people with disability which can aid in reducing barriers and increasing safety.  Resources are relevant to Organisational Leaders, Specialist Family Violence and Sexual Assault Practitioners, Disability Services, Health, Family Support, Education and others.


What is considered neurodiversity?

“Neurodiversity” is a word used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work. While everyone’s brain develops similarly, no two brains function just alike.

Furthermore, there’s no “correct” way for the brain to work.  Instead, there is a wide range of ways that people perceive and respond to the world, and these differences are to be embraced and encouraged. 

Source:  Child Mind Institute

Examples of neuro-variations include:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Attention/Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Dyslexia
  • Tourette’s
  • Dyspraxia
  • Other neurological conditions

Autism – Understanding the different levels

About this resource: Autism Spectrum Disorders diagnosis and levels explained.  

Applying this resource: A quick guide for practitioners who may wish to understand more at Autism Spectrum Disorders.   

Autism Communication Strategies

About this resource: Some guidance to help inform communication with a person with Autism. 

Applying this resource: A quick guide for practitioners to assist in modifying communication when working with people with Autism. 

National Autistic Society – Communication Tips

About this resource: Some guidance to help inform communication with a person with Autism. 

Applying this resource: A quick guide for practitioners to assist in modifying communication when working with people with Autism. 

Being a parent on the Autism Spectrum

About this resource: A resource produced by ASPECT.

Applying this resource: For practitioners and parents who have Autism. 

National Guidelines for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia

About this resource: This summary was produced to support clinicians who conduct diagnostic evaluations that may result in an ASD diagnosis. It outlines the recommendations made in A national guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in Australia (the Guideline). This Guideline has been developed through an evaluation of the evidence base and through a comprehensive series of community consultations. 

Applying this resource: For practitioners and parents/people with disability wanting to understand the system for Assessment and Diagnosis of ASD in Australia. 

The protection of children and young people with autism from violence and abuse

About this resource: Developed by The National Autistic Society (United Kingdom) to assist those responsible for the protection and safeguarding of children and young people with autism. Includes additional considerations for safety and recognizing signs of abuse in children with ASD. 

Applying this resource: For practitioners to inform practice with children and young people with ASD. 

Victimisation and Perpetration Experiences of Adults with Autism

About this resource: Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be at considerable risk for interpersonal 

violence, which refers to violence and abuse that occurs between people, including 

child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, adolescent dating violence, and bullying 

This study aims to describe the self-reported experiences of childhood and adult victimization and perpetration of violence experiences for people with ASD.

Applying this resource: For practitioners to develop further understanding of the experience of abuse and perpetration of abuse in adults with ASD.

I Can Network

About this resource:There are a significant number of Autistic people who also belong to the LGBTIQA+ community, an intersection that is reflected in formal research, rich anecdotal evidence from around the world and from the lived experience.  The I Can Network has developed resources for young people, family members and professionals and services to assist in meaningful inclusion and engagement of LGBTIQA+ young people who are Autistic. 

Applying this resource: For practitioners to utilise in practice with Neurodivergent LGBTIQA+ young people and families they are supporting.  Professional development is also available.

Rainbow Inclusion

About this resource: The Rainbow inclusion website has been created for LGBTIQA+ people with disability.  It aims to provide information in easy read/accessible formats.  There are a range of resources in relation to rights and accessing support/services. 

Applying this resource: For LGBTIQA+ people with disability, disability and family violence services

Neurodiversity hub

About this resource: A vast array of resources for Employers, Parents, Young people which highlight the support and environments that enable neurodiverse people to thrive.

Applying this resource: For organisations and practitioners to utilise in employment and practice with people they are supporting.   

 

Amaze

About this resource: Amaze is a leading autism organisation driving change so that Autistic people and their families can live their best lives.   

Amaze builds autism understanding in the community, influences policy change for autistic people and their families/supporters, and provides independent, credible information and resources to individuals, families, professionals, government and the wider community.   

Their website has a vast array of resources for professionals and employers. 

Amaze also offers a Free phone, email and web chat service, providing information, support and referrals to services that can help individuals, parents and professionals. 

Autism Connect helpline 1300 308 699 

Applying this resource:

For people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, parents, employers and professionals.   

ADHD Australia

About this resource: Supports all Australians affected by ADHD through raising awareness, advocacy, education and research initiatives. 

Their website has a vast array of resources for professionals and employers and information about ADHD Support Groups.  

Applying this resource: For people with ADHD, parents and professionals. 

ADHD Foundation

About this resource: The ADHD Foundation offers services, support, referrals, and information via the ADHD Australia National Helpline. Counselling and Psychological Services are also provided.

ADHD education in Australia is facilitated by the ADHD Foundation, tailored to the community’s needs.
They provide reliable and precise ADHD education and information to workplaces, educational
institutions, organizations, caregivers, and support workers across the country.

Additionally, they publish a newsletter on a quarterly basis

Applying this resource: For people with ADHD, parents and professionals. 

Reach Out

About this resource: ReachOut is a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future. The website also has information about ADHD as well as strategies to support people manage their
experience of ADHD on a daily basis. This is a good resource for professionals to also develop
knowledge and understanding of ADHD.

Applying this resource: For people with ADHD, parents and professionals. 

Tourettes syndrome association of Australia

About this resource: The purpose of the Association is to support people with Tourette Syndrome and increase awareness of the disability among medical practitioners, public utilities and the general public.  

Their website contains resources for parents, young people and adults with Tourettes Syndrome, and educators.  

Applying this resource: For people with disability, parents and professionals.   

Dyslexia Association Australia

About this resource: The purpose of the Association is to support the well-being, identification and educational intervention and instruction of all who struggle with aspects of spoken and written language. 

Their website contains resources for parents, young people and adults with Dyslexia, and educators.  The Dyslexia Association Australia also provides a pre assessment service as a sensible procedure in identifying dyslexia and or dysgraphia.   

Applying this resource: For people with disability, parents and professionals.   

Development Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)

About this resource: DCD Australia is a national, not for profit organisation. Their Mission is to improve the lives of those affected by DCD by raising awareness and providing education and support. Their website contains resources for parents, young people and adults with Dyspraxia, and educators.

Applying this resource: For people with disability, parents and professionals.   

Neurodiversity affirming approaches

About this resource: In contrast to a deficits-based approach which focuses on “fixing” the impairments associated with neurodevelopmental conditions, a neurodiversity-affirming approach acknowledges that all neurotypes have unique strengths, interests, and support needs. Moreover, this approach highlights the role of the environment and societal barriers in further exacerbating challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. 

This resource explains Neurodiversity affirming approaches and includes a range of resources for professionals.  

Applying this resource: For professionals working with children and young people with ADHD.   

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