Caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

What is autism?

Autism, also known as Autism spectrum disorder, is a naturally occurring variation in the way the brain develops and processes information, a type of neurodiversity. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning the presentation can vary greatly between each person.

What are the signs of autism?

Autism may affect the way your child:

• communicates
• processes information
• relates to their environment and other people

Autistic children may have:

• differences in how they communicate and interact
• repetitive behaviours and/or interests
• sensory difficulties

Watching your baby’s social and communication development in the first 1-2 years is important for spotting early signs of autism. Most babies begin to show social behaviours like looking at you, smiling, responding when you say their name, and using gestures such as waving or pointing. These are typical milestones that help you understand how your baby is connecting with the world around them.

Young children might have sensory difficulties such as unusual reactions to sounds, light, movement and textures. Textural challenges may appear when introducing solids to babies, or during bathing or swimming lessons.

Visit Autism Awareness Australia to understand more about the signs of autism in young children.

What causes autism?

It's not fully understood what causes autism.

Although current research suggests that genes and environmental factors may play a part in it. Having said that, no single cause has been found, and researchers are continuing to look into this.

Paracetamol durng pregnancy

Robust scientific evidence shows there is no causal link between the use of paracetamol in pregnancy and autism or ADHD. For more information from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), visit Paracetamol use in pregnancy. If you're unsure or have questions, speak to your doctor or midwife.

Childhood vaccinations and autism

There’s no link between childhood vaccinations and autism.

Vaccines given in early childhood do not cause autism. Reliable scientific research has found no connection between the two. Claims suggesting a link have been thoroughly investigated and disproven. Vaccinations in Australia are safe and play a vital role in protecting children, and the wider community, from serious infectious diseases.

What should I do if I notice signs of autism in my child?

If you observe signs of autism in your child, you should see your doctor.

They will likely refer you to healthcare professionals specialising in autism along with other health professionals who can assist. This may include:

• paediatrician (children’s doctor)
• psychologist
• speech pathologist

These specialists will want to know more about your child. They’ll want to understand things like their strengths and challenges and will test your child’s language and thinking skills.

Getting an early diagnosis can help you to get:

• advice
• early interventions — treatment programs
• family support

This will help your child have positive outcomes.

What should I do if my child is diagnosed with autism?

If your child has autism, it is important to get help and support as soon as possible.

What is early intervention?

Early diagnosis and a tailored early intervention program can help your child get support for a good quality of life.

Early childhood intervention offers therapy tailored to support your child’s development. It can also help your child build their communication, play and social skills. This can reduce difficult behaviour and help them cope better at home, childcare and school.

Your child might benefit from:

• speech and language therapy, to help them communicate
• occupational therapy, to help them take part in everyday activities
• psychological therapy, to help with social skills and regulating emotions and stress
• support to ease the transition to school

It’s important for parents, carers and healthcare professional to work as part of a team.

Your child’s experience of autism may vary each day, depending on different factors. The best support for your child will come in the form of tailored supports and interventions for their needs.

Will my other children have autism?

If your child is diagnosed with autism, there is a chance your other children may also have it.

If you are planning future pregnancies, your doctor can refer you to a genetic counsellor and other support services to discuss this.

How do I care for my child with autism?

Caring for a child with autism can be both rewarding and challenging. As your child grows older, they may need more or different supports. Be guided by your child’s healthcare and support team.

You can make things easier for you, and your child by:

• learning how to care for a child with autism
• knowing where to get help

There are many support organisations available.

What other difficulties could my child have?

If your child has autism there are some conditions that are more likely. These are:

• anxiety or depression
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• challenging behaviours
• eating and sleeping problems
• global developmental delay
• intellectual disability
• learning difficulties
• medical and genetic disorders — such as fragile X syndrome
• dyspraxia — motor co-ordination difficulties

These conditions all have different treatments. They may also affect how your child progresses.

How you can support your child with autism in family life?

You don’t need to be neurodivergent yourself to support neurodiversity in everyday life. Simple, respectful conversations with children can help build understanding and acceptance of autism in your family and community.

Supporting your child's neurodiversity helps them to feel safe, understood and valued for who they are and have a positive impact on their mental health, wellbeing and sense of identity.

It's important to get help and support to understand your child’s needs and differences to learn how you can grow together as a family.

Where can I get financial help?

You can apply for financial support to help with the costs of therapy through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Children under 7 years

You can apply to the NDIS if your child has a delay in their development.

Your child can access services with NDIS funding before being formally diagnosed.

Carer support

Caring for a person with autism is a lifelong commitment. There are support services available, such as counselling, respite or joining a support group. Carers Gateway can give practical information and useful resources. You can also learn more about carers' support and services in your state or territory, through Carers Australia.

Autism Awareness Australia offers self-care tips, and information on topics, such as signs of autism and getting a diagnosis.

MyTime provides support for parents and carers of children with a disability.

You may also be able to get financial help as a carer. You can find out more on childhood disability and parenting support.

Resources and support

Information on autism

Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) provides information, diagnostic assessment, and interventions for parents of children with ASD. You can call them on 1800 277 328.

These websites have more information about children and autism:

• Amaze
• The Spectrum
• Autism Awareness Australia
• To find out more about specific therapies for autism, visit Raising Children Network.
• AustismCRC has a an online information booklet for parents and carers that outlines what to expect and experience during a clinical assessment and diagnosis of autism.
• Positive Partnerships has information on supporting school-aged autisitc children in many community languages.
• Positive Partnerships has information on supporting young autistic Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples at home and school.
• healthdirect’s autism spectrum disorder (ASD) page.

Parenting support

You may want to join a support group for parents and carers. Most states and territories have an autism association:

• New South Wales — Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
• Northern Territory — Autism NT
• Queensland — Autism Queensland
• South Australia — Autism SA
• Tasmania — Autism Tasmania
• Victoria — Amaze
• Western Australia — Autism Association of Western Australia