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Children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder What is autism spectrum disorder? National guidelines on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describe autism as a collective term for a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and by repetitive patterns of behaviour and restricted interests. The behavioural features that
Read moreConduct disordered and violent
The most challenging behaviours encountered in schools are exhibited by violent, out of control, conduct disordered children. Conduct Disorder (CD) affects a small percentage of children and is typically diagnosed between 10 and 16 years of age.[1] Victoria State Government, Better Health Channel (2020). Conduct disorder. Retrieved 27 May 2020. … Continue reading It is often
Read moreChildren who experience, witness or hear about an extreme traumatic event may be severely and intensely affected emotionally, socially and/or physically. Most children will recover after several weeks, but up to one third of children will go on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs following
Read moreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that affects approximately 1 per cent of children. Children with OCD have persistent recurring obsessions (worries, thoughts, images, or impulses) that are unwanted, unpleasant and often the cause of extreme fear or anxiety. Children with OCD feel compelled to perform compulsive behaviours to reduce the
Read moreIntellectual Disability (Revised)
Intellectual disability involves impairments of general mental abilities that affect a person’s cognitive and adaptive behaviour. Approximately 2 per cent of all children have an intellectual disability.[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2014). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric … Continue reading This is a lifelong disability of varying degrees ranging from
Read moreWhile learning to read and write seems effortless for many children, for some it can be challenging. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability with a neurobiological basis that affects 3 – 5 per cent of all children.[1]World Dyslexia forum, 3–5 February 2010 at UNESCO Paris. Summary for findings and recommendations. www.worlddyslexiaforum.org .For children with dyslexia reading, writing and spelling
Read moreDyscalculia (mathematics disability)
Children with dyscalculia have a poor sense of number. They experience significant difficulties understanding the size or quantity of a number and thus the relationship of numbers to one another[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric … Continue reading . Approximately 3 to 6 per cent of children suffer
Read moreChildren with Asperger’s syndrome interpret the world very differently from other people. Asperger’s syndrome is characterised by significant impairments in the child’s social communication skills, difficulty regulating emotions, sensory sensitivity, learning difficulties, and repetitive or persistent behaviours and interests. They are typically eccentric and one-sided in social approaches with others and are often labelled ‘little
Read moreAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)(revised)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which can have lifelong implications. It is the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder in school-aged children. The Australian population survey on the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents reported the incidence as follows [1]Lawrence, D., Johnson, S., Hafekost, J., Boterhoven De Haan, K., Sawyer, M, Ainley J.,
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