Fact sheets

Fact sheets

Autism Spectrum Disorder and young people

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can be identified from early childhood onwards and can affect a person throughout their life. The cause is unknown, and there’s no specific medical or genetic test to diagnose it. Instead, diagnosis is based on the presence of: particular patterns of social communication and interaction, restricted interests, and rigid routines, repetitive behaviour (e.g., lining up objects) or repetitive speech.

Neurodevelopmental disorders and youth mental health

This fact sheet can assist professionals and support workers who work in the youth mental health field to: 1) understand the nature and impact of three common comorbid neurodevelopmental conditions; 2) suggest useful resources that assist in working with young people with these conditions; and 3) suggest other sources of support available.

Intellectual disability and youth mental health

Intellectual disability is the term given to permanent impairment in general mental abilities, which results in reduced functioning. This fact sheet is designed for clinical and non-clinical professionals who work with young people. It will help you to understand how intellectual disability impacts on conceptual development, affects social and practical skills and ranges from mild to severe impairment.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and youth mental health

This fact sheet is for clinical and non-clinical professionals who work with young people. It provides an overview of what ADHD is, how it presents in young people, commonly occurring co-morbidities and effective treatment options and considerations available for young people.