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Aust. J. Rural Health (2014) 22, 87
From the Journal Associates Too many questions Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remain a puzzling challenge for families, clinicians and carers despite improving rates of diagnosis. All too often responses to ASD are reduced to the formula: too many questions, too few answers. The cause of ASD is not known. About one in 100 Australians are affected, and more males than females (about 4:1).1 People living with ASD, their families, supporters and carers face a wide range of ongoing challenges. It is not known whether ASD affects people in rural and remote areas at the same rate as the rest of Australia’s population. There is evidence2 that families living in rural and remote areas lack proximity to disability support and educational services, and have poorer access to the services and clinicians who can play essential roles in meeting the challenges of ASD. The same article allows a glimpse of a worthwhile response to the particular need for rural and remote services. But overall, the knowledge base is scanty. The National Rural Health Alliance is one of the participants in the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with ASDs (http://www.autismcrc.com.au). The Alliance will provide in-kind support through its networks and knowledge, and help ensure that the particular rural/remote manifestations of ASD are understood and accommodated in the research effort and subsequent developments. The Autism CRC has launched an ambitious ‘wholeof-life’ research program to provide practical, evidencebased insights and meaningful data that will improve the lives of those living with ASD. The CRC’s research will focus on three core areas:
© 2014 National Rural Health Alliance Inc.
Diagnosis: to extend knowledge of behaviours and genetics so that diagnosis can be earlier and more accurate. Education: to develop appropriate environments and programs as the basis for social, behavioural and academic success. Adulthood: to facilitate successful participation in higher education and employment and improved lifelong health and well-being. The Autism CRC has received $31 m from the Australian government and brings together the resources and support of over 50 organisations, including key universities, end users and service organisations. Its ambitious 8-year program (a unique initiative for Australians living with ASD) promises to be a game changer – with the potential to transform lives. Gordon Gregory Executive Director National Rural Health Alliance, Deakin West, ACT, Australia
References 1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011, Autism in Australia, 2009, cat. no. 4428.0. [Cited 20 March 2014]. Available from URL: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/mf/ 4428.0 2 Farmer J, Reupert A. Understanding autism and understanding my child with autism: an evaluation of a group parent education program in rural Australia. Australian Journal of Rural Health 2013; 21: 20–27. doi: 10.1111/ ajr.12004
Aust. J. Rural Health (2014) 22, 87
From the Journal Associates Too many questions Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remain a puzzling challenge for families, clinicians and carers despite improving rates of diagnosis. All too often responses to ASD are reduced to the formula: too many questions, too few answers. The cause of ASD is not known. About one in 100 Australians are affected, and more males than females (about 4:1).1 People living with ASD, their families, supporters and carers face a wide range of ongoing challenges. It is not known whether ASD affects people in rural and remote areas at the same rate as the rest of Australia’s population. There is evidence2 that families living in rural and remote areas lack proximity to disability support and educational services, and have poorer access to the services and clinicians who can play essential roles in meeting the challenges of ASD. The same article allows a glimpse of a worthwhile response to the particular need for rural and remote services. But overall, the knowledge base is scanty. The National Rural Health Alliance is one of the participants in the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with ASDs (http://www.autismcrc.com.au). The Alliance will provide in-kind support through its networks and knowledge, and help ensure that the particular rural/remote manifestations of ASD are understood and accommodated in the research effort and subsequent developments. The Autism CRC has launched an ambitious ‘wholeof-life’ research program to provide practical, evidencebased insights and meaningful data that will improve the lives of those living with ASD. The CRC’s research will focus on three core areas:
© 2014 National Rural Health Alliance Inc.
Diagnosis: to extend knowledge of behaviours and genetics so that diagnosis can be earlier and more accurate. Education: to develop appropriate environments and programs as the basis for social, behavioural and academic success. Adulthood: to facilitate successful participation in higher education and employment and improved lifelong health and well-being. The Autism CRC has received $31 m from the Australian government and brings together the resources and support of over 50 organisations, including key universities, end users and service organisations. Its ambitious 8-year program (a unique initiative for Australians living with ASD) promises to be a game changer – with the potential to transform lives. Gordon Gregory Executive Director National Rural Health Alliance, Deakin West, ACT, Australia
References 1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011, Autism in Australia, 2009, cat. no. 4428.0. [Cited 20 March 2014]. Available from URL: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/mf/ 4428.0 2 Farmer J, Reupert A. Understanding autism and understanding my child with autism: an evaluation of a group parent education program in rural Australia. Australian Journal of Rural Health 2013; 21: 20–27. doi: 10.1111/ ajr.12004
