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Kids Health Info

Autism

  • Key points

    • Autism affects how people communicate, process information, and interact with the world.
    • There is no scientific evidence that medicines or childhood vaccines cause autism.
    • The causes of autism are still not well understood, but autism often runs in families.
    • Autism is different for each person; their traits can also change based on their age and stage of development.
    • Autistic children have different learning and support needs.
    • If you think your child may be autistic, it is best to speak with their doctor about a referral for a specialist assessment.

    What is autism?

    Autism affects how people communicate, process information, and interact with the world. It is known as a type of neurodevelopmental condition.

    There is no scientific evidence that medicines or childhood vaccines cause autism.

    Every autistic child is different; some have more challenges and higher support needs than others. The traits they show can change as they get older.

    Autism spectrum disorder

    The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V), refers to autism in the context of a diagnosis known as ‘autism spectrum disorder’ (ASD). This manual is a widely used diagnostic tool for mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. However, every autistic person has their own opinions around words used to describe them. Many prefer the terms ‘autism’ and ‘autistic.’ Some prefer person-first language, such as ‘child with autism.’

    This fact sheet uses ‘autism spectrum disorder’ only when referring to the DSM-V criteria for an autism diagnosis, and ‘autistic’ more broadly.

    Signs of autism

    Autistic children tend to find two main areas harder: social communication and restricted repetitive activities or interests.

    • Social communication: Refers to the way people interact with others.
    • Restricted repetitive activities or interests: Refers to people’s behaviours and interests.

    There is no single set of traits shared by all autistic people; everyone has their own strengths and challenges. An autistic person's preferences, behaviours, and differences also tend to change throughout their life.

    Children with the following signs may benefit from an autism assessment. However, not all children with these signs are autistic.

    • Differences in communication and social interaction with others.
      • Younger children may take longer to speak or may not speak using words at all. They may also prefer playing on their own.
      • They may not make eye contact, use hand gestures, point, or use other non-verbal ways to communicate.
      • As they get older, they may use more direct language and have different speech patterns. In some cases, they may find it harder to read other people’s body language or understand words when they are not used literally – for example, they may not pick up when others are joking or using sarcasm.
      • They may be able to communicate their needs and ideas, but struggle to join in back-and-forth conversations.
      • In some cases, they may prefer to follow their own ideas when playing, rather than follow the lead of other children.
    • Specific and repetitive habits.
      • They may have specific habits.
      • For example, repeating an action or body movement, such as rocking back and forth, lining up toys, or saying the same word over and over again.
      • Their attention may focus on something very specific, such as a certain part of a toy.
    • Preference for consistency and routine.
      • They may prefer to follow a routine and find change hard – especially when it is unexpected.
      • For example, they may prefer to take the same route to school each day or eat using the same bowl for every meal.
    • Strong special interest.
      • They may have such a strong interest in something that it impacts their daily life and ability to do other activities, such as play with their peers.
    • Different responses to sensory information.
      • They may respond differently to sounds, textures, pain, or light. This can make it hard for them to be in certain environments and fully participate.
      • For example, if they are sensitive to sounds, they may find it hard to focus in a busy school classroom.

    It is important to look at your child’s traits and development as part of their overall wellbeing.

    While it can help to identify and diagnose autism early, sometimes autism traits are not clear until a child is older. For example, a child may like playing with other children at childcare with support from their educators, but struggle to make friends at school when play is more independent. Some children may also learn strategies to hide or reduce the appearance of their autistic traits. This is often called ‘masking.’

    Supporting autistic children

    See a doctor

    You should take your child to see their regular doctor (general practitioner or ‘GP’) if you think they may be autistic. If your child is young, you could also speak to their Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

    A GP will be able to refer you to a health professional with special training who can assess your child, such as a:

    • Paediatrician
    • Child psychologist
    • Child psychiatrist.

    Autism assessment

    There is no single test for autism. Instead, a doctor or specialist will follow an assessment process that aims to understand a child’s strengths and challenges. Sometimes, one health professional runs the assessment, but often it involves a team of professionals, such as a paediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist, speech pathologist, or occupational therapist.

    The assessment process often takes multiple sessions and may include:

    • Meeting with different health professionals.
    • Speaking with parents and other caregivers.
    • Gathering information from people who know the child in the community, such as their teachers or childcare educators.
    • Watching the child playing and interacting with others.
    • Formal language and cognitive assessments
      • These measure things like problem-solving, memory, and how long a child takes to process information.
    • Considering any other conditions that may be affecting their development.

    Take a neuroaffirming approach

    A neuroaffirming approach is about accepting, including, supporting, and celebrating an autistic child without expecting them to change their identity. It is a positive way to shape how your child sees themselves and their long-term mental health.

    Broadly speaking, a neuroaffirming approach encourages you to:

    • Understand and respect your child’s communication and sensory needs.
    • Support your child to advocate for themselves.
    • Recognise and accept your child’s feelings.
    • Use neuroaffirming language.
      • For example, avoid phrases that imply autism is bad, like ‘suffers from autism.’

    Get support

    Autistic children have different learning and support needs. These needs change as they get older.

    A health professional can suggest different supports; it will be up to you and your child to decide what is suitable. Some common suggestions include:

    • Paediatrician
    • Psychology
    • Speech pathology
    • Occupational therapy
    • Lived experience community and advocacy groups.

    When planning support for your child, aim to:

    • Understand what the diagnosis means for your child.
    • Focus on your child’s strengths, interests, and what they can do.
    • Build skills suitable to your child’s developmental level.
    • Help your child take part in activities to learn and play with others, such as childcare, sports, and school.
      • Some children may need extra support to join in with their peers. For example, smaller groups or visual instructions.
      • If your child wants to play sports and needs support, speak with your local sports club about how they can assist.

    Government funding

    In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to help some autistic people access the services they need. Medicare can also offer money back for some medical and allied health services. Young children can often access funding without a diagnosis, such as through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach or local community health services.

    Common questions about autism

    What causes autism?

    Experts do not know exactly what causes autism. While it often runs in families, there is no clear genetic test for the condition.

    No single event, experience, or parenting style causes autism. There is also no scientific evidence that medicines like paracetamol or childhood vaccines cause autism, either. An autistic child has always been autistic – whether they are assessed at age two or twelve. It may just take time for their autism to become clear.

    Is autism a mental illness?

    Autism is a difference in brain development. It is not a mental illness, and there is no ‘cure.’

    Does an autism assessment cost money?

    An autism assessment will cost money if you go through a private service. Some children may be able to get an autism assessment through the Australian public health system. There is no out-of-pocket cost for this if you have a Medicare card. However, the public system can have long wait times – often more than a year.

    If you do not want to wait, private assessment services often have shorter wait times.

    Speak with your child’s doctor about the best assessment option for their needs.

    When should I talk to my child about their autism?

    Research suggests that children who learn about their autism early have better long-term outcomes. It helps them understand why they may find certain parts of life harder, and supports them to develop a strong sense of identity and community.

    How and when you talk about it, however, depends on your child's age and developmental stage. It is usually best to start with basic information and share more as they get older. Your child’s doctor or a psychologist can help you decide when and how to talk to your child about their diagnosis.

    What is stimming?

    Stimming is short for self-stimulating behaviours. They are repeated physical movements, sounds, or actions that can help calm some people. Some examples include rocking back and forth, smelling objects, or repeatedly touching a certain texture. People who are not autistic sometimes also engage in stimming behaviours.

    What are the differences between autism in boys and girls?

    Both girls and boys can be autistic. Some children have more ‘externalising’ or visible signs of autism, such as repetitive movements, or insistence on routines being the same every time. Others have more ‘internalising’ signs that are less clear to others, such as using eye contact but finding it hard and uncomfortable. Girls may be more likely to have internalising signs. As externalising signs can be easier to identify in younger children, girls may be less likely to get an early autism diagnosis.

    It is important to consider a range of different autism traits in both girls and boys, to make sure all children receive the support they need.

    Is autism a disability?

    In Australia, autism is legally classed as a disability. This status protects autistic people from discrimination and gives them access to support. However, each autistic person will have their own experience and an opinion on whether they identify as having a disability. Some autistic people describe themselves as being disabled by the world around them, instead of having a disability themselves.

    People may consider autism to be a disability because autistic children and adults can face barriers that make it harder for them to fully participate in society in the ways that others can.

    What is neurodiversity?

    Neurodiversity is the idea that there are natural differences in how people’s brains work and how they experience, understand, and interact with the world. A neuroaffirming approach to autism is about accepting, including, supporting, and celebrating children without expecting them to change their identity.

    What other conditions are autistic people more likely to have?

    Some other common developmental diagnoses that can overlap with autism include global developmental delay (in young children), intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), communication and language disorders, and medical and genetic disorders such as Fragile X Syndrome.

    Autistic children may also have challenges with anxiety and mood, movements, behaviour, eating, and sleep.

    Will my child need medicine for autism?

    There is no specific medicine for autism. However, doctors may suggest medicine if your child has other conditions, such as anxiety or ADHD.

    What is the difference between ADHD and autism?

    Autism and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental conditions. This means they result from brain differences and emerge during early childhood. Although ADHD and autism each have their own traits, there is some overlap, and many people have both conditions.

    I am struggling to support my autistic child. Where can I get advice?

    If your child sees a specialist health professional, such as a paediatrician or an occupational therapist, it is a good idea to speak to them for advice about supporting your child. They will also be able to suggest other trusted information sources. However, if your child does not see any specialists, or you need other support, you could reach out to their regular doctor (general practitioner or ‘GP’) or Amaze – an Australian autism advocacy organisation. They operate the national autism helpline, Autism Connect. Carer Gateway also offers advice and support services for carers.

    This podcast is also available in audio format below, and on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    For more information


    Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Psychology department, with input from the Stepped Care, Disability Liaison Unit and Specialist Autism Team We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed July 2026

    Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.


Disclaimer

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.

Updated July 2025

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