What is good professional support?

Finding the right support services for autism can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can identify what works best for you or your autistic person. 

With countless therapies and support options out there, knowing how to choose wisely is key. Below we break down what makes a good support service and how you can find one that suits your needs.

It’s important to ensure the therapies or treatments you're considering are evidence-based. This means they've been thoroughly researched and proven to work. Most of the research has focused on children, but more recently, it has been geared towards autistic adults. It’s crucial to look into the research and see if these treatments might be effective for you.

Everyone’s experience with autism is unique, so it’s important to find support that addresses your specific challenges. Whether you need help with communication, social skills or managing anxiety, look for therapies designed to tackle these areas. Identify your key needs and seek out treatments that align with them.

Tips for finding the right service providers

Here are some practical tips to help you find the right support services:

• Take your time: Don’t rush into choosing a service provider. It’s taken a lot to get where you are, and you might need time to find the right support. Read widely, understand your options, and don’t feel pressured to make quick decisions.
• Initial consultations: Meet with service providers and have initial discussions before committing. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident with the people you’ll be working with.
• Look for experience with autism: Ensure the therapist has experience working with autistic adults. Ask about their background and training specific to autism.
• Check for compatibility: It's important to feel comfortable and understood. If possible, have an initial consultation to assess if the therapist's communication style and approach align with your needs.
• Research therapies available: Familiarise yourself with different therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Social Skills training, mindfulness therapy, and others to see which might suit you best.
• Inquire about sensory accommodations: Understand if the therapist is willing to accommodate sensory sensitivities, such as lighting, sound, and seating arrangements during sessions.
• Ask about personalisation: A good therapist should tailor their approach to fit your unique experiences and needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.
• Evaluate communication skills: Effective communication is key. Ensure the therapist can communicate in a way that you find clear and accessible, whether that's through direct speech, written notes, or visual aids.
• Seek recommendations: Ask other autistic adults or parents/carers for recommendations. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into finding a suitable therapist.
• Consider teletherapy options: For some, virtual sessions might be more comfortable and accessible. Check if the therapist offers telehealth and if it fits your needs.
• Verify credentials and licensing: Ensure the therapist is licensed and has the appropriate credentials. This ensures they have met specific professional standards.
• Be aware of red flags: Be cautious of therapists who make promises of a "cure" for autism, push therapies you are uncomfortable with, or do not respect your boundaries and autonomy.
• Trust your instincts: Sometimes, you might not get it right on the first try. If you find that a service provider or therapy isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to move on. It’s important to feel comfortable and supported. It’s okay to make changes to find the best fit for you.

Navigating the support sector

The disability support sector is growing, but finding experts in adult autism can still be challenging. You might need to look beyond your local area to find the best support.

Rural and regional support

If you live in a rural or regional area of Australia, your local options may be limited or non-existent. Even within cities, you might need to travel to access quality services. Consider how far you are willing and able to travel for in-person appointments and how this can be managed both financially and time-wise. You may want to consider online services where in-person ones are not available.

Telehealth options

Many autism services now offer telehealth options, which can be a great alternative to in-person visits. These remote appointments can be convenient and effective, especially if you start with in-person meetings and then transition to telehealth.