Autism, Asperger's, Diagnosis and Treatment

The Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic is a FaHCSIA Autism Panel Provider

Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, PDD, PDD NOS are Functional Disorders requiring expert Diagnosis, Biomedical assessment and Treatment, ABA therapy and family support.  The Clinical staff of the Behavioural Neurotherapy clinic and associated Health Professionals are committed to investigating and treating the many possible Biomedical and Physiological factors that underpin Autism Spectrum Disorders. Furthermore we are committed to researching and implementing the most effective ABA treatment options that research offers. To this end we have introduced Pivotal Response Treatment into our ABA therapy.

autism victoria

Autism Victoria is the designated Autism Advisor for the state of Victoria, while the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic is a FaHCSIA Autism Panel Provider. The clinic provides assessment and treatment for children with Autism, as well as providing the necessary parental support and training.

Definition of Autism

The Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of disorders with common deficits in three key areas - communication, social interaction and imaginative thought and play. The disorder is defined by a list of behaviour criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association. The criteria is used to define subtypes in what has become known as "Autism Spectrum Disorders" (ASD). The word 'spectrum' reflects the fact that no two people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder behave the same.  At the least affected end of the spectrum diagnostic labels such as "Asperger's Syndrome", "High Functioning Autism" and "Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified" (PDD-NOS) are used. At the more impaired end labels such as "Autism", "Classic Autism" and "Kanner Autism" are used. Read more...

Autism Diagnosis

Autism is not diagnosed through any specific diagnostic laboratory tests. The diagnosis of Autism is based entirely on observation and classification of behaviours and does not take into account the underlying causal factors. A multi-disciplinary assessment is usually recommended for a diagnosis. At the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic, younger children are assessed by a team of Allied Health Professionals, who will provide information that will enable parents to make educated decisions about our ABA program and Biomedical treatment approaches. For older children, teenagers and adults, a psychologist experienced with Autism Spectrum Disorders usually makes the diagnosis. We prefer to provide a diagnosis as early as possible preferably from approximately 18 months through to three years of age, to allow for early intensive intervention.  Read more...

Causes of Autism

Although there are no single specific causes identified in the aetiology of Autism Spectrum disorders, there are published scientific theories that Autism may be caused by genetic polymorphisms which express themselves when interacting with nutrient deficiencies to create less than optimum cell structures. These in turn can potentially cause multiple dysfunctions in systems in the body. Environmental toxins may then further compromise these systems resulting in the range of health and behaviour deficits seen in the Autistic population.  Read more...

Biomedical Assessment

The investigation of possible underlying causal factors at the clinic, based on biomedical tests, provides evidence supporting a scientific model that leads to treatment protocols designed to address nutrient deficiencies and gut dysfunction. Read more...

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for Autism

The Clinic's approach uses behavioural interventions (ABA) to modify Autistic behaviours and provide family support. The Clinic provides training to parents and carers in ABA interventions Read more...

Biomedical Treatment

The systematic Biomedical and Nutritional treatment protocols used at the clinic attempt to redress food sensitivities, cellular malnutrition, Leaky Gut, heavy metal toxicity, methylation and other metabolic problems that may underpin Autism or exacerbate symptoms.  Read more...

Neurotherapy Treatment for Attention deficits in Autism

Neurotherapy is a Clinical Neuroscience technique for training abnormal Brainwave activity towards normal. After Biomedical and nutritional interventions have resulted in sufficient gains, Neurotherapy may help to improve Attention Deficits and Learning Difficulties and improve general brain connectivity and function. Read more...