Each person with autism is a unique individual. They have their own set of strengths, personal preferences, socio-economic background, family background (including culture and beliefs) and the severity and presentation of their autism varies greatly.
This website is designed to introduce key issues facing individuals with autism during the “middle years” of pre and early adolescence. It is not intended to be an exhaustive resource but rather a “key” with which to unlock understanding of the unique strengths and challenges of autism during this age range.
What are the “middle years”?
The middle years encompasses the ages of pre-adolescence and early adolescence or approximately the ages of nine to fourteen (9-14) years of age. Read the middle years
The Diagnosis
Autism is a complex lifelong neurological difference which impacts a person in all areas of life. Autism is no longer considered to be a low incident disability.Read The Diagnosis
Autism Therapy
Intervention therapy that is grounded in evidence-based practice has demonstrated increasingly positive outcome for all young people with Autism. Read Autism Therapy
Key Areas of Difference
People with autism have key differences in the areas of social communication and social interaction, behaviour and information processing which are characterised by sensory sensitivities, fixated interests and repetitive behaviour. Read Key Areas of Difference
Common Challenges in the Middle Years
An important transition that faces most young people with autism during the middle years is the transition to secondary education. Read the middle years Read Common Challenges in the Middle Years
The needs of the Family
The experience of siblings of young people with autism is important and is unique to each family. Read The needs of the Family