Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism is the short term for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

There is no known single cause of autism. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors, and is a so called ‘spectrum disorder’, that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Characteristics of autism can include challenges in social interaction and communication skills. In Australia the number of people on the autism spectrum is 1 in 100.

Individuals with autism often display positive characteristics like:

• Mathematical, technological, musical (or other artistic) abilities
• Intense interests
• Excellent concentration and focus skills – especially on a preferred activity
• Strong visual acuity
• Perseverance solving repetitive tasks
• Understanding and retention of concrete concepts, patterns and rules
• Good rote and long term memory of facts, statistics, etc.
• Adherence to rules, honesty

At Specialisterne, we assess, train and make use of the characteristics in job settings to provide valuable tasks for our corporate partners.

For more information on autism visit the following websites:

The Autism CRC at www.autismcrc.com.au/

The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University at www.latrobe.edu.au/otarc