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Rural and regional support options
Autistic adults living in rural and regional Australia face distinct challenges when it comes to accessing support services.
Geographic isolation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and reduced availability of specialised services can significantly impact their access to good support and quality of life. Despite these challenges, various support options and funding are available that can help. Below we explore these along with some broader considerations that can be made.
Available support options
Telehealth services
Telehealth has become an essential tool for providing healthcare services to rural and regional areas. It allows autistic adults to access specialised care, including psychological counselling, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, from the convenience of their homes. Telehealth can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering regular and consistent support without needing long-distance travel. With advancements in telecommunication technology, telehealth services have become more reliable and accessible, making it a viable option for continuous care.
Community health centres
Many rural and regional areas have community health centres that provide general healthcare services. While these centres may not have autism specialists, they can offer basic medical care and referrals to appropriate services. These centres often collaborate with larger hospitals or clinics in urban areas to facilitate specialised care. They serve as a central point of contact for autistic adults seeking medical attention and can help coordinate care plans that include specialised services in other regions.
Local support groups and networks
Support groups and networks can be invaluable for autistic adults and their families. These groups provide a platform for sharing experiences, resources, and emotional support. They may also organise events, workshops, and social activities that promote community involvement and build connections. The sense of community and understanding found in these groups can be a lifeline for those who feel disconnected due to geographic isolation.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS offers funding and support for individuals with disabilities, including autism. In addition to the typical funding and support provided, autistic adults living in rural and regional areas have access to a range of specific supports and services, including:
Outreach programs involve professionals travelling to rural and regional areas to provide essential services such as medical care, therapy, and support services directly to participants. This ensures that individuals in remote locations receive the same quality of care as those in urban areas. These visits can be scheduled regularly (e.g., monthly or quarterly) to ensure ongoing support and monitoring.
Mobile units are specially designed vehicles equipped with medical and therapeutic tools, staffed by professionals who can deliver services on-site. These units can offer various services, including health assessments, therapy sessions, and training workshops.
The NDIS provides funding to cover the costs associated with travelling to access essential services. This includes transportation to medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other necessary activities. Participants can use this allowance to arrange their own transportation or reimburse costs incurred during travel.
These officers support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, ensuring services are culturally sensitive and accessible. Liaison officers work closely with Indigenous communities to promote understanding and participation in the NDIS.
Online resources and education
There are many online resources available to support autistic adults and their families. Websites, forums, and online courses provide information on managing autism, accessing services and developing life skills. These resources can be accessed from anywhere, making them particularly valuable for those in remote areas. Autism: What Next? provides practical evidence-based information and resources to help you navigate your autism journey.
Home-based support services
Some organisations provide home-based support services, where professionals visit the homes of autistic adults to offer therapy, daily living support and respite care. This option can be particularly helpful in areas where travel to healthcare facilities is challenging. Home-based services ensure that individuals receive the care they need without the added stress of travelling long distances, which can be particularly challenging for those with autism.
Allied Health Assistants (AHAs)
It can be difficult for people in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia to access regular allied health services like speech pathology, psychology, and occupational therapy. Issues such as long wait lists, lack of choice of specialists, and extensive travel are underpinned by difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff in these areas.
Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) deliver therapy support – under the supervision of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) – to regional, rural, and remote communities via fly-in fly-out and telehealth service models. The rise of virtual care has increased opportunities for AHAs to work under the supervision of a distant AHP, particularly using a hub and spoke model. The hub and spoke model enables AHPs located at larger sites (hubs) to provide virtual supervision and delegation to AHAs and patients at smaller sites (spokes). The use of qualified AHAs in rural and regional Local Health Districts (LHDs) alleviates demand pressures and helps improve rural patient access, outcomes, and experiences.
Considerations for rural and regional support
Travel and transportation
Limited public transportation options can make it difficult for autistic adults to access services located far from their homes. Solutions may include arranging for community transport services, carpooling with other families, or using NDIS funding for transportation support. Ensuring reliable and accessible transportation options enables access to necessary services.
Building local capacity
Encouraging local healthcare providers to gain training in autism-specific care can improve service availability. Governments and non-profit organisations can offer incentives and support for rural healthcare professionals to pursue specialised training. By building local capacity, communities can develop a more robust support network that is responsive to the needs of autistic individuals.
Utilising technology
Leveraging technology is crucial in rural and regional areas. Telehealth, online support groups, and digital resources can supplement face-to-face services and provide continuous support. Ensuring reliable internet access in these areas is essential for effectively using these technologies. With the proper technological infrastructure, individuals can access a wide range of resources and support services from their homes.
Community awareness and inclusion
Raising awareness and promoting acceptance of autism within rural communities can create a more supportive environment. Community education programmes can help reduce stigma and encourage inclusive practices in further education, workplaces, social settings and local communities. By developing a more inclusive community, autistic individuals can feel more accepted and supported in their everyday lives.