News from the Deputy Principal

Last week I was lucky to attend the Deputy Principal's Conference at RACV Healesville. We focused on Mental Health First Aid with psychologist Maria Ruberto and learned about the brain's power when encountering flight or fight responses. It was a wonderful two days discovering how the brain protects us from traumatic responses and also assists us in developing protective responses to these situations.  Hopef

Last newsletter I included some information about neurodiversity and had a focus on ADHD.  This newsletter I'd like to focus on Autism. 

What is Autism?

 Autism is a neurological developmental difference that changes the way an individual relates to the environment and people in it.

Autism changes the way that an individual sees, experiences and understands the world.

Boys and girls with Autism display some different characteristics.  Did you know that boys are diagnosed at a rate of 4:1 to girls? 

Diagnosis of Autism is diagnosed under two categories:

Domain A: Social communication and social interaction

Differences or challenges relating to language and social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, both currently or historically. These include difficulty or differences in:

• Social-emotional communication and personal exchanges.
• Non-verbal communicative behaviours used for social interaction.
• Developing, maintaining and understanding relationships.

Domain B: Repetitive or restricted behaviour, interests or activities

Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities in at least two of the following:

• Repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech.
• Insistence on things being the same, inflexible and insistent on routine, or ritualised patterns of verbal or non-verbal behaviour.
• Engage in passions, activities or hobbies with a great focus and which can bring intense enjoyment; and
• Unexpected reactions, to sensory input, or an unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment.  (Reference: https://thespectrum.org.au/autism/)

Please see below some links to resources and fact sheets to assist you with further information about Autism. 

The Yellow Ladybugs information booklet focusing on Girls on the Autism spectrum.

The following resources are from ASPECT - Autism Australia Foundation

What is Autism? 

Autism Myths and Facts

School Refusal

Tackling Bullying

Once again I invite you to come in and ask any questions about any of this information or if you have any queries that you think need clarifying, please do not hesitate to contact me via email kvranken@sjyarrajunction.catholic.edu.au or my office days are Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays.

Wishing you all the best for the fortnight ahead,

Katie