Here are some guidelines to determine if your child will benefit from membership in Echidnas. Students who have the most success in Echidnas have many of the following characteristics in common:
- A diagnosis of Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism from a medical professional
- Social awkwardness or naiveté
- Difficulty in developing age-appropriate peer relationships
- Difficulty with abstract concepts combined with concrete (black/white) thinking
- Literal interpretation of language
- Limited or unusual interests
- Average to above-average IQ
- Inflexible adherence to routines
- Sensitivity to the environment-loud noises, clothing or food textures
- Ability to independently participate in group activities
Your child will NOT be a good fit for our organization if he or she:
- Has a low IQ
- Is non-verbal
- Is unable to attend and participate in group activities without one-on-one supervision
The above list is intended for reference only and is not intended as a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism. The Echidnas group is unable to make any diagnosis to anyone. To obtain a diagnosis consult a qualified professional.