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Penelope Clunas
Funding from the Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP) has enabled a Tamworth speech pathologist to become one of the first people to offer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) privately to her community.
Penny Clunas applied for HWSP funding after identifying a need for more timely ADOS-2 assessments in Tamworth, following waitlists of up to two years for families.
“I have a lot of clients who question whether or not their child has autism,” said Mrs Clunas. “There is currently up to a two-year wait to see a pediatrician for assessment, whereas now, as a result of this course, I can offer the assessment.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder (also simply termed autism) is a persistent developmental disorder, characterised by symptoms evident from early childhood. These symptoms can range on a spectrum from mild to severe, and include difficulty in social interaction, restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour and impaired communication skills.
Whilst Mrs Clunas can’t officially ‘diagnose’ autism, she can contribute significant information to the decision-making process.
“I have the skills to assess and describe the child’s social communication skills and the ability to give clear answers and results which can indicate whether a diagnosis of autism is likely or not.
“The pediatrician has to make the official diagnosis, but he/she can be helped by an ADOS-2 assessment having already been completed, which I’m hoping will help speed up the process for families,” she said.
The number of people with autism in Australia has increased considerably in recent years. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC), an estimated 164,000 Australians had autism in 2015, representing one in 150 Australians and up from an estimated 64,400 people in 2009.
With growing diagnoses comes a need for further assessments. Mrs Clunas says not only has the course allowed her to offer assessments, it has further enhanced her knowledge of autism, which will also benefit local children and their families.
“There can be a lot of grief involved with an autism diagnosis,” Mrs Clunas said. “This course has provided me with more assessment skills and has added to my knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder and helped me provide clearer answers for people who are concerned.”
Working as a solo practitioner, Mrs Clunas acknowledges she could never have completed the course without HWSP funding.
“I would never have been able to do this without the funding - it covered my course, accommodation, travel and $3,000 kit which is full of booklets, toys, tests and more.
“I didn’t expect to receive [the funding]. I was surprised but very excited to have the opportunity. It was an excellent, swift and easy application process.
“I am really happy and grateful.”
The Health Workforce Scholarship Program provides scholarships and bursaries to help health professionals in rural and remote Australia retain and enhance their skills, capacity and scope of practice. The Program is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, administered in New South Wales by Rural Doctors Network.