Autism Ladder in the Wangaratta Region: A

Guide for the newly diagnosed.

Note. General Advice. Adapted from Autism Ladder First 100 days checklist,
by S. Carter Murray, 2013, Brisbane. www.autismladder.com, with
permission)
Receiving any diagnosis can be daunting. You may be feeling overwhelmed
or even relieved or perhaps a bit or both. Having a plan to follow for the
first few months will ensure that you are off to a flying start.

TALK: FIND SOMEONE TO TALK TO

1

Find someone you can talk to on a regular basis. Setting up your own
supports is critical - consider building a relationship with a counselor
or psychologist. This is a marathon not a sprint. Autism is a life-long
disorder that will bring many joys and challenges throughout life.

An Autism diagnosis needs to involve the whole family. It is important

to have early involvement from partners, siblings and extended
family from the start. It is very common to experience some
resistance to the diagnosis by some family members. Seek
professional advice about how to bridge the gap and ensure

LEARN: LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTISM AND WHAT YOU

CAN DO
3

Contact Amaze Victoria: Request an Information Package

www.amaze.org.au Autism Advisor Line: 1300 424 499
Visit Positive Partnership website and complete their free selfeducation modules. It is recommend that family members also visit
the website and read what is autism
There are many interventions theories (some better than others). You
should explore these interventions with a professional over time.
Dont rush.

APPLY: APP LY FOR ENTITLEMENTS

6

Make an appointment with Centrelink to talk about the financial

assistance you might be entitled to. Some payments to ask about are
Carer Allowance, Carer Payment, Carer Adjustment Payment. Some
forms can be difficult to complete: Feel free to consult with
professionals on how to fill out form
Register with DHS Disability Services: Intake and Response Service.
DHS may be able to help with case management and respite through
their Individual Support Packages.
Tel: 1800 783 783
Email: disability.services@dhs.vic.gov.au
TTY: 1800 008 149

CONNECT: CONTACT LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS

Visit the Hume Region Autism Community of Practice website to

download the local autism directory of service
www.humeautismcop.com
The Hume Region Autism Community of Practice website also lists
local events / workshops

Talk to local support Organisations to help understand the services

they offer: Upper Murray Family Care, Villa Maria
Upper Murray Family Care www.umfc.com.au
Villa Maria: http: www.villamaria.com

10

11

Contact Mansfield Autism Statewide Services to discuss services

available in the Wangaratta Region such as the Mansfield Autism
Practitioner home visit service
Web: www.autismmansfield.org.au
Ph: 03 5775 2876
Consider connecting with other parents and joining a local support
group
1. Regional Australia Autism Support Network / Albury Wodonga
(Facebook)
2.
3.

NE Victoria Autism / Aspergers Parent Carer Support Group

(Facebook)
Benalla Support Group: 03 57627057 Email:

SCHOOL: DEVELOP A COLLABORATIVE

MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
Develop a multidisciplinary team ask your paediatrician and allied
health professionals to attend a PSG meeting at your school.
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If you require an interpreter it is advised to take a professional

interpreter rather than a family member. Contact RIAC Regional
Information and Advocacy Council www.riac.org.au

Please remember: You are your childs

advocate take on board advice given
however you decide on the pathway that best
suits your childs needs.