Understanding autism

​Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how a child learns and interacts with other people and their surroundings.

No two children with autism are the same. But there are some common signs of autism.

Autistic people have preferences about how autism is talked about. Some people prefer ‘person with autism’. Others prefer ‘autistic person’. We respect everyone's views and use both approaches.

Accessing therapies, interventions and strategies

There are ways you can help your child develop, learn and reach their full potential. These are sometimes called therapies, interventions or strategies.

For example, occupational therapy can help your child with daily living skills or sensory issues. Speech therapy can help with their communication. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get this support through:

• Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) 
• the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Find out more about support for children with additional needs in early childhood.

Therapies work in different ways for different children. Professionals can help you find the right support for your child. Professionals include:

• maternal and child health nurses
• doctors
• therapists
• teachers.

Find out more about therapies on the Amaze and Raising Children Network websites.

Autism and education

Every autistic child and young person has different strengths, interests and abilities.

All children have the right to enrol in their designated neighbourhood mainstream government school. Your child has the same education rights as other students.

If needed, your child's education provider will make reasonable adjustments to support their participation.

Find more information about support for children with autism:

• in early childhood, child care and kindergarten
• at school

Find support and advice about autism

If your child has autism, there are support organisations to help you and your family:

• Amaze – a support organisation for autistic people in Victoria
• ASDetect – if your child is younger than two and a half years old, this free app helps you monitor their social attention and communication skills
• Aspect – a charity providing services for people with autism in Australia
• Association for Children with a Disability – helps families find support and advocacy services
• Autism Awareness Australia – an autism education and awareness charity
• Autism CRC Knowledge Centre – includes research and tools for the autism community
• Autism Family Support Association – helps parents, carers and families of people with autism
• Better Health Channel – provides health and medical information in Victoria
• Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA) – provides information about early childhood intervention services
• I-CAN Network – a social enterprise that provides mentoring for young autistic people
• Positive Partnerships – provides autism workshops, webinars and online learning for parents and schools
• Raising Children Network – provides information and advice for parents in Australia
• Yellow Ladybugs – advocates for the rights of girls and young women with autism.