Breaking Barriers summit sees experts gather to explore ASD therapeutics

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Freya Lucas

Jul 22, 2024

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A leading group of international health specialists will convene in Brisbane over the next five days for the Breaking Barriers Summit, an immersive five day event which explores the transformative potential of digital therapeutics for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Healthcare providers, educators, caregivers and technologists will explore the forefront of digital innovation in autism support, highlighting the latest advancements, applications, and research findings in the field.

A range of digital tools and therapeutic solutions will be made available, from interactive apps through to virtual reality environments, all tailored to support those with ASD.

The interactive sessions and collaborative workshops are designed to allow attendees to witness firsthand the impact of these technologies on enhancing communication, social skills, and overall independence for those on the spectrum.

Ahead of the summit The Sector connected with pediatric Allied Healthcare practitioner Dr Genevieve Dharamaraj to learn more about the intersection of early childhood education and care (ECEC) and ASD.

Increase in ASD?

Some sources note that the rates of ASD in Australian children are amongst the highest in the world. We asked Dr Dharamaraj for her perspective on why this might be.

“The high rates of ASD in Australian children can be attributed to several factors,” she said.

“Better awareness and understanding of ASD has led to improved diagnosis rates over the years. The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has also played a role by making diagnoses more accessible and incentivizing families to seek formal assessments. However, it's essential to note that these factors may contribute to an apparent increase in prevalence without necessarily reflecting an actual rise in cases.”

Support for educators

While the number of children presenting to early learning services with a diagnosis of ASD is rising, many educators feel that their course work did not adequately equip them with an understanding of supporting the needs of children with ASD in an early learning environment.

Common presentations of ASD in early childhood include:

Challenges in social communication and interaction
Repetitive behaviours or restricted interests
Sensory sensitivities
Difficulties with transitions and changes in routine

That being said, Dr Dharamaraj was clear to emphasise that ‘if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person’ and that the presence of these traits is not a solid confirmation that a person is living with ASD.

To further education and understanding she recommends the book Ollie the Octopus and his Magnificent Brain and the courses available on the Nurturing Brain Potential website.

Tackling pervasive myths

One pervasive myth that Dr Dharamaraj was keen to clarify was that children can ‘grow out’ of autism.

“A lot of Autism, from a Functional Neurology standpoint is underdeveloped pathways,” she said.

“There is an unevenness of skills where part of the brain may function at a higher than expected age level, for example, having incredible intelligence, or photographic memory, incredible maths skills, yet unable to socialise or have eye contact.”

“Unless there is specific stimulation to the under developmental side, there is no “growing out” of Autism. However, with the proper stimulation and therapy, it is possible to gain skills. At Nurturing Brain Potential, we have helped many non verbal children gain the skill of speech.”

Avoiding simplistic comparisons

Any diagnosis of ASD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should be approached with careful consideration of individual differences and developmental trajectories, she continued, cautioning against professionals from the ECEC sector intimating that a child may have either condition.

“While there may be cases where behaviours are compared to peer norms, accurate diagnosis involves comprehensive assessments by qualified professionals, considering both behavioural observations and standardized criteria,” she said.

“It's crucial to avoid overly simplistic comparisons and instead focus on understanding each child's unique developmental profile.” “Every child is an individual with differences in presentation. The most important thing to remember is that the brain is Neuroplastic ( has the ability to change) and that a child’s potential should not be limited. With the right stimulation and therapy, we can see drastic improvements in quality of life.”

For those who are interested, the Breaking Barriers Summit will hold a session on Wednesday, 24 July, where educators, parents and caregivers can meet and hear from leading experts in the field of ASD.

Learn more on the summit website, here.

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