Men on the Autism Spectrum |
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DiagnosisPete Potgieter, the therapist at autismspectrum.men and CBT Counselling and Psychotherapy provides neurodivergent affirming treatment.
He does not provide autism assessment or autism diagnosis as a service. To diagnose a man with Autism Spectrum Disorder requires specific training. The diagnosis is is often done jointly by a multiprofessional team and it will also indicate the level of severity. Having an autism diagnosis confirmed can be very helpful. It is often a very significant event in an autistic man's life, which then allows him and his family to understand his behaviour and his sensitivities much better. Having a diagnosis confirmed also allows men and their families to access support services, appropriate counselling and skills training. Some men, however, prefer not to have a diagnosis confirmed as they are concerned about being labelled as having a disability. Some men who are on the autism spectrum prefer to refer to themselves as either Autistic, a person who is Autistic, as having Aspergers, being neurodiverse, or being an Autist. It is a personal preference. The formal diagnostic term is Autism Spectrum Disorder. |
CounsellingIf you are on the autism spectrum, it is very important to find a counsellor who has a good understanding of autism and how it presents in a man's life.
A therapist who is certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist has the clinical training and experience that is required to treat men on the autism spectrum. Autism presents quite differently in different men. Treatment should therefore be customised to accommodate each man individually. Counselling can help a man develop strategies to manage the impact that his autism has on his relationships, his friendships, his ability to manage in a workplace and his wellbeing. The counselling builds on the strengths and the skills that autistic men already have. It is a respectful process that is guided by each man's individual goals. 
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Can I get a Medicare rebate for Counselling?Yes, Medicare in Australia pays a rebate for up to 10 sessions of counselling each calendar year.
You can also receive free counselling through the Primary Health Network if you're feeling suicidal or if you're on a low income. If you have a chronic medical condition you can also get rebates on 5 counselling sessions if the counselling is related to your medical condition. The first step is to see your GP for a GP Mental Health Care Plan and a referral. If you're a victim of a crime committed in NSW you can also receive free counselling through Victims Services NSW who can be contacted on Tel: 1800 633 063. Men who are participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme may be able to use some of their funding for counselling and skills training. Some men who are on the Autism Spectrum find the services of Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists , Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists very helpful. There are also psychiatrists who have indicated that they have expertise in working with patients who are on the autism spectrum. They can be selected from the list at https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist |
Links to Autism Resources
There are organisations in Australia that provide information and support to men who are on the autism spectrum and men who think they may present with autistic traits.
Autism Spectrum Australia can be contacted at 1800 277 328 or www.autismspectrum.org.au
AMAZE (Autism Conect) can be contacted at 1300 308 699 or www.amaze.org.au
The Australian Government also provides support.
HealthDirect has a section with information on Autism and Aspergers at www.healthdirect.gov.au/autism#resources
Family members or a partner of a person with Autism can also access information and support from the Carer Gateway at www.carergateway.gov.au or by calling 1800 422 737.
Autism Spectrum Australia can be contacted at 1800 277 328 or www.autismspectrum.org.au
AMAZE (Autism Conect) can be contacted at 1300 308 699 or www.amaze.org.au
The Australian Government also provides support.
HealthDirect has a section with information on Autism and Aspergers at www.healthdirect.gov.au/autism#resources
Family members or a partner of a person with Autism can also access information and support from the Carer Gateway at www.carergateway.gov.au or by calling 1800 422 737.
