Autism Support

Use this page to get an overview of the options available to you. Scroll through the sections, or click one of the jump-to links below to go straight to the area mentioned.

The roller coaster of an autism diagnosis - Harry's story

For the first two years of his life Harry seemed to meet all the necessary milestones. He was walking at nine months and walking at 10 months, however the milestone he never met was sleeping through the night.

By age two and a half his parents knew that something wasn’t right with his lack of sleep, lack of speech and increasingly challenging behaviour issues. In their search for answers the family continued to push doctors for checks and tests to help their young son, ultimately resulting in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Read Harry’s full story

Autism and the NDIS

If you or your child has been diagnosed with autism you may be able to receive Government funded assistance and support services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The articles below explain more about NDIS and how to access the Scheme.

How to apply for NDIS funding

Who can help?

There are a number of professionals who can help you work through the different challenges of an autism diagnosis. They can help you to understand and adapt to the condition and also give you the tools and support to gain a variety of skills such as communication or social interactions, manage sensory input and manage behaviours.

Paediatricians

Paediatricians manage the health of children, including physical, behaviour and mental health issues. They diagnose and treat childhood illness, infections and disease.

Search for Paediatricians

Speech Therapists

Speech therapists work on smoothing out communication and swallowing difficulties in both children and adults.

Search for Speech Therapists

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists (OTs) help people of all ages gain or regain their confidence and independence in everyday life.

Search for Occupational Therapists

Plan Support

Support services to help you manage the planning and funding allocated under NDIS.

Search for Plan Support

Support for people with autism

From getting help with early intervention, accessing respite care or learning important life skills, there is a wide range of support services available to help you if you are looking for assistance to manage day-to-day life with autism.

Childhood Supports

Early childhood intervention supports can help maximise your child's development and give them the skills to participate in daily activities.

Search for Childhood Supports

Community Support

Being social and active in your community helps you to remain connected and is good for your wellbeing.

Search for Community Support

Education

Students with disability can access additional support at primary and high school through both internal and external services.

Search for Education

In-Home Support

Supports such as personal care, cleaning or nursing care to help look after you in your own home.

Search for In-Home Support

Related information articles

Here you’ll find a selection of information articles related to autism that have been published on Disability Support Guide to help you understand the condition or give further insight into getting the right supports.

Testing and diagnosing autism

Not every child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will rock back and forth, avoid eye contact or line its toys u…

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A challenge for the whole family - Nat and Jess’ story

Caring for nearly four year old twin boys Cameron and Aydan, who were both diagnosed with varying levels of autism, d…

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What is Autism?

Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition affecting 1 in every…

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