Where Would You Like to Start?

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I Am Wondering Whether My Child Might Be Autistic
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If you have noticed differences in your child's communication, play, sensory experiences, routines, interests or development, these resources are a useful starting point.

Autism Checklist by Age - Children 1-10 Years
Our Autism Checklist by Age helps parents and caregivers reflect on possible autistic characteristics at different stages of childhood.
It is an educational resource rather than a diagnostic test.

Explore Autism Checklist by Age - Children 1-10 Years

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What To Do If You Think Your Child Might Be Autistic

If you are unsure what to do next, this guide walks through practical steps including:

• recording what you have noticed
• speaking with relevant health professionals
• exploring assessment
• seeking support where appropriate
• understanding that you do not necessarily need to wait for diagnosis before discussing some functional needs

What To Do If You Think Your Child Might Be Autistic

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Early Signs of Autism

Autistic characteristics can appear differently from child to child.
Possible differences may involve:

• communication
• play
• social interaction
• sensory experiences
• routines
• responses to change
• interests
• development

No single behaviour means a child is autistic.

It is the broader pattern of development and experiences that is important.
Explore Early Signs of Autism

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Signs of Autism in Toddlers

​Toddler development varies considerably.

Some parents begin wondering about autism during the toddler years because they notice differences involving:

• communication
• gestures
• play
• response to other people
• sensory experiences
• routines
• interests

Our toddler-specific guide focuses on the early years without suggesting that any one characteristic confirms autism.
Explore Signs of Autism in Toddlers

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Autism Checklist by Age

Autistic characteristics can look different at different developmental stages.

A toddler may show different signs from a six-year-old or a ten-year-old.

Our Autism Checklist by Age helps parents consider patterns across areas such as:

• communication
• social interaction
• play
• sensory experiences
• routines
• interests
• emotional regulation
• everyday participation

The checklist does not diagnose autism.
Explore the Autism Checklist by Age

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What If My Child Does Not Have a Diagnosis Yet?

You do not necessarily need to wait for an autism diagnosis before discussing every area of concern.
​
A child may have functional needs relating to:

• communication
• sensory experiences
• daily routines
• motor skills
• emotional regulation
• participation at school
• everyday activities

Some allied health services can address these needs without the clinician's role being to diagnose autism.

Funding programs may have separate eligibility and evidence requirements.
Explore Autism Early Intervention Without a Diagnosis

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Autism Early Intervention Without a Diagnosis

Families sometimes worry that they cannot do anything until a child has been formally diagnosed.

That is not always the case.

Depending on the child's needs and service being considered, support may focus on identified functional or developmental needs while the family is still exploring diagnosis.

The most appropriate pathway depends on:

• what the child is finding difficult
• their age
• clinician scope
• service availability
• funding arrangements
• whether formal diagnostic clarification is required

Learn About Early Intervention Without a Diagnosis

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Does My Child Need an Autism Diagnosis?

There is no single answer that applies to every family.

Parents may explore diagnosis because they want:

• greater understanding of their child's development
• diagnostic clarification
• information about strengths and support needs
• evidence for particular services or systems
• guidance about appropriate supports

Other families may initially focus on a specific functional concern.

Our dedicated guide explains some of the factors you may want to consider.
Do I Need an Autism Diagnosis for My Child?

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Autism Assessment for Children

A formal autism assessment considers more than one behaviour or checklist result.

Depending on the child's age and circumstances, assessment may consider areas such as:

• developmental history
• communication
• social interaction
• behaviour and interests
• sensory experiences
• functioning
• strengths
• support needs
• other possible explanations for the child's experiences

Belong Health provides Psychology assessments only.

Our Psychology service does not provide ongoing psychological therapy.
Learn About the Autism Assessment Process

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Autism, ADHD or Developmental Delay?

Some developmental differences can overlap.

For example, difficulties involving:

• attention
• executive function
• emotional regulation
• communication
• sensory experiences
• routines

can occur for different reasons.

A checklist cannot reliably determine whether a child is autistic, has ADHD, has another developmental difference, or has more than one condition.

Our comparison resource can help parents understand some of these overlapping areas before seeking professional assessment where appropriate.

Explore Autism vs ADHD vs Developmental Delay

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Autism Support Strategies for Children

Support should be based on the individual child rather than assuming that every autistic child needs the same strategies.

Useful approaches may involve:

• understanding communication preferences
• making expectations clearer
• supporting sensory needs
• using predictable routines
• preparing for change
• adapting environments
• supporting meaningful participation
• recognising strengths
• reducing unnecessary demands

The goal should not be to make a child appear less autistic.
Explore Autism Support Strategies

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Supporting Communication

Autistic children communicate in many different ways.
A child may:

• communicate verbally
• use fewer spoken words
• use AAC
• prefer visual information
• need additional processing time
• communicate differently in different environments
• understand more than they are able to express

Communication support should focus on helping the child communicate effectively rather than forcing one particular communication style.

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Speech Pathology & Autism

Speech Pathology may support children with needs involving:

• speech
• language
• understanding information
• expressive communication
• social communication
• AAC
• mealtime or swallowing needs where relevant

The appropriate goals depend on the individual child.
Explore Paediatric Speech Pathology

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Occupational Therapy & Autism

Occupational Therapy focuses on the activities children need or want to participate in.
Depending on the child's needs, OT may support areas such as:

• daily living
• play
• school participation
• sensory needs
• motor skills
• routines
• emotional regulation
• Assistive Technology
• community participation

Support should be practical, individualised and connected to the child's everyday life.
Explore Paediatric Occupational Therapy

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Sensory Differences

Autistic children may experience sensory information differently.
This can involve:

• sound
• light
• touch
• clothing
• food textures
• smell
• movement
• body awareness
• busy environments

Some children may be particularly sensitive to certain sensory experiences.

Others may actively seek particular types of sensory input.

Many children experience a mixture.

Where clinically appropriate, an Occupational Therapist may explore how sensory experiences affect everyday participation.
Explore Sensory Profile & Sensory Processing Assessments

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Emotional Regulation

Children can experience big emotions for many different reasons.
For an autistic child, emotional regulation may also interact with:

• communication
• sensory overload
• changes in routine
• uncertainty
• fatigue
• demands
• frustration
• difficulty expressing needs

Support should look at what is contributing to distress rather than simply trying to stop an outward behaviour.

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Positive Behaviour Support & Autism

Positive Behaviour Support may be appropriate where behaviours of concern significantly affect:

• safety
• wellbeing
• relationships
• participation
• quality of life

PBS aims to understand why behaviour may be occurring.

This may involve considering:

• communication
• sensory needs
• environment
• health
• routines
• unmet needs
• relationships
• quality of life

Not every autistic child needs Positive Behaviour Support.
Explore Positive Behaviour Support for Autism

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Counselling for Autistic Children & Teens

Autistic children and teenagers may also seek counselling for reasons such as:

• anxiety
• stress
• emotional wellbeing
• friendships
• confidence
• grief
• family changes
• difficult experiences

Belong Health provides Counselling for children and adults aged 7+, depending on clinician suitability and availability.

Counselling is different from autism diagnostic assessment.
Explore Counselling

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Autism at School

School can involve many different demands.

These might include:

• communication
• classroom noise
• transitions
• group work
• playground interactions
• attention
• organisation
• sensory environments
• changes in routine

Support may focus on understanding what makes school participation easier or harder for the individual child.

This can involve collaboration between the family, school and relevant clinicians where appropriate and with consent.

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Autism at Home

Home may be where parents notice:

• difficulty with transitions
• sensory needs
• challenges with personal care
• food or mealtime differences
• strong routines
• fatigue after school
• difficulty shifting between activities
• emotional overwhelm

The goal is not necessarily to eliminate these differences.

Support should focus on understanding what the child needs and making everyday family life more manageable where possible.

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Autism & Everyday Routines

Predictable routines can reduce uncertainty.

Children may benefit from knowing:

• what is happening
• when it is happening
• what will happen afterwards
• whether plans are changing

Useful strategies depend on the child.

These might include:

• visual information
• advance notice
• clear language
• predictable sequences
• transition warnings
• choices

Routines should support the child rather than become a goal in themselves.

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Autism & Play

Play can look different between children.

An autistic child may:

• have strong preferred interests
• repeat particular play themes
• prefer solitary play
• enjoy playing alongside others
• use toys differently from peers
• have detailed knowledge about favourite topics

Different play does not automatically mean play is wrong.

Support should recognise the child's interests and strengths while helping them participate in activities that matter to them.

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Autism & Friendships

Autistic children can want:

• many friends
• a few close friends
• occasional social interaction
• more time alone

There is no correct number of friendships.

Where a child wants support, the focus can be on:

• communication
• understanding situations
• expressing preferences
• navigating misunderstandings
• finding people with shared interests
• setting boundaries

The goal should not be forcing social interaction the child does not want.

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Autism & the NDIS

Belong Health is an NDIS registered provider.

An autism diagnosis does not automatically determine:

• whether a child will access the NDIS
• what supports will be funded
• how much funding will be provided

The NDIS considers individual circumstances, disability-related functional needs and current eligibility and funding requirements.

Depending on the child's circumstances and goals, suitable Belong Health services may include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Registered Music Therapy
• Counselling where appropriate
• functional assessment
• Assistive Technology assessment

Explore the Autism NDIS Guide

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Can My Child Get Support Without NDIS Funding?

Yes.
Suitable Belong Health services can also be accessed privately.

You do not necessarily need to be an NDIS participant to enquire about:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Counselling
• Psychology assessments
• other suitable services

​Availability depends on clinician scope, age, location and capacity.

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Telehealth Autism Support

Some autism-related services can be delivered through telehealth where appropriate.

Depending on the service, telehealth may support:

• parent consultation
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Counselling
• Positive Behaviour Support
• reviews
• strategy development
• selected assessment components

Telehealth may also allow a child or family to participate from a familiar environment.

Suitability depends on the individual service and circumstances.
Explore Telehealth

Child Autism Resources

• Autism Checklist by Age - Children 1-10
  
• Early Signs of Autism
  
• Signs of Autism in Toddlers
  
• What To Do If You Think Your Child Might Be Autistic
  
• Autism Early Intervention Without a Diagnosis
  
• Do I Need an Autism Diagnosis for My Child?
  
• Autism Support Strategies
  
• Autism vs ADHD vs Developmental Delay
  
• Autism Assessment Process
  
• Autism NDIS Guide

Child Autism Resources: Frequently Asked Questions

What are some early signs of autism in children?
Possible autistic characteristics can involve communication, social interaction, play, sensory experiences, routines, interests and responses to change. No single behaviour confirms autism, and children can show very different patterns.

What age can autism be noticed?
Autistic characteristics may be noticed during early childhood, but the age at which they become apparent or are recognised varies between children.

Is there an autism checklist for children?
Yes. Belong Health has an Autism Checklist by Age for children aged 1–10 years. It is an educational resource rather than a diagnostic test.

Can an autism checklist diagnose my child?
No. A checklist can help organise observations, but autism diagnosis requires an appropriate professional assessment.

What should I do if I think my child might be autistic?
You may find it useful to record what you have noticed, speak with relevant health professionals and explore whether assessment or functional support is appropriate.

Does my child need an autism diagnosis before seeing an OT?
Not necessarily. Occupational Therapy can address functional needs affecting everyday activities without the Occupational Therapist's role being to diagnose autism. Funding pathways may have separate requirements.

Does my child need an autism diagnosis before seeing a Speech Pathologist?
Not necessarily. Speech Pathology can assess and support communication or mealtime needs where appropriate without diagnosing autism.

Can my child receive autism support before diagnosis?
Some supports may begin before diagnosis where there is an identified functional or developmental need. Eligibility for particular funding programs is separate.

Does every autistic child need therapy?
No. Autism itself does not mean a child automatically requires therapy. Support should be based on the child's individual needs, goals and circumstances.

What therapy is best for an autistic child?
There is no single therapy that is best for every autistic child. The appropriate support depends on what the child needs help with and their individual strengths, goals, preferences and environment.

Can Occupational Therapy help autistic children?
Yes, where functional goals are appropriate to Occupational Therapy. OT may support daily living, sensory needs, motor skills, school participation, routines, play and other everyday activities.

Can Speech Pathology help autistic children?
Yes, where the child has communication, speech, language, AAC, swallowing or mealtime goals within the Speech Pathologist's scope.

What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support seeks to understand behaviours of concern and the factors contributing to them, with the aim of improving quality of life, participation and safety.

Does every autistic child need Positive Behaviour Support?
No. PBS is appropriate where there are specific behaviour-support needs. It is not a standard requirement for every autistic child.

Does Belong Health provide autism assessments?
Yes. Belong Health provides Psychology assessment services depending on the assessment required, age, clinician scope, location and availability.

Does Belong Health provide ongoing psychology therapy?
No. Belong Health's Psychology service is for assessments only. Counselling is a separate ongoing support service.

Can autism and ADHD occur together?
Yes. A child can be both autistic and have ADHD.

Can autism and developmental delay look similar?
Some developmental characteristics can overlap, which is why assessment considers the broader developmental picture rather than relying on one characteristic.

Can autistic children attend mainstream school?
Many autistic children attend mainstream schools. The appropriate educational setting depends on the individual child and their needs.

Is sensory sensitivity common in autistic children?
Sensory differences are common in autism, but they vary considerably between children.

Is autism caused by parenting?
No. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition and is not caused by parenting style.

Can autism support be provided at home?
Some Belong Health clinicians provide home and community appointments where appropriate. Availability depends on the service, clinician location, travel area and capacity.

Is telehealth available for children?
Telehealth is available for suitable Belong Health services where clinically appropriate.

Does Belong Health work with NDIS participants?
Yes. Belong Health is an NDIS registered provider.

Can private clients access autism-related services?
Yes. Suitable Belong Health services can also be accessed privately.

What if I don't know which service my child needs?
You do not need to decide before contacting us. Tell us your child's age, location, what you are noticing and what you would like help with. Our team can help identify whether an appropriate Belong Health service is available.

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Not Sure Where to Start?

You may know that something is difficult for your child without knowing whether the right next step is:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Counselling
• Positive Behaviour Support
• an autism assessment
• another pathway entirely

​You do not need to decide first.

Tell us:

• your child's age
• where you live
• what you have noticed
• what is difficult at the moment
• what you would like help with
• whether you are looking for assessment, ongoing support or both

Our team can help identify whether Belong Health has an appropriate service.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Enquire With Belong Health

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

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Last reviewed: September 2026

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

A: Alexander Heights, Alfred Cove, Applecross, Applecross North, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, Ashby, Ashfield, Attadale, Atwell, Aubin Grove, Aveley
B: Balcatta, Balga, Ballajura, Banjup, Banksia Grove, Baskerville, Bassendean, Bateman, Bayswater, Beaconsfield, Beckenham, Bedford, Bedfordale, Beechboro, Beeliar, Beldon, Belhus, Bellevue, Belmont, Bennett Springs, Bentley, Bibra Lake, Bicton, Booragoon, Boya, Brabham, Brentwood, Brigadoon, Broadway Nedlands, Brookdale, Bull Creek, Burns Beach, Burswood, Bushmead, Butler
C: Canning Vale, Cannington, Carabooda, Carine, Carlisle, Carramar, Caversham, Champion Lakes, Churchlands, City Beach, Claremont, Clarkson, Cloverdale, Cockburn Central, Como, Connolly, Coogee, Coolbellup, Coolbinia, Cottesloe, Craigie, Crawley, Currambine
D: Daglish, Dalkeith, Darch, Darlington, Dayton, Dianella, Dog Swamp, Doubleview, Duncraig
E: East Cannington, East Fremantle, East Perth, East Victoria Park, Eden Hill, Edgewater, Ellenbrook, Embleton
F: Ferndale, Floreat, Forrestdale, Forrestfield, Fremantle
G: Gidgegannup, Girrawheen, Glen Forrest, Glendalough, Glengarry, Gnangara, Gosnells, Greenmount, Greenwood, Guildford, Gwelup
H: Hamersley, Hamilton Hill, Hammond Park, Harrisdale, Haynes, Hazelmere, Heathridge, Helena Valley, Henderson, Henley Brook, Herdsman, Herne Hill, High Wycombe, Highgate, Hilbert, Hillarys, Hilton, Hocking, Hovea, Huntingdale
I: Iluka, Inglewood, Innaloo, Jandabup, Jandakot, Jane Brook, Jindalee, Jolimont, Joondalup, Joondanna
K: Kallaroo, Karawara, Kardinya, Karragullen, Karrakatta, Karrinyup, Kelmscott, Kensington, Kenwick, Kewdale, Kiara, Kings Park, Kingsley, Kingsway, Kinross, Koondoola, Koongamia
L: Landsdale, Langford, Lathlain, Leederville, Leeming, Lexia, Lockridge, Lynwood
M: Maddington, Madeley, Mahogany Creek, Maida Vale, Malaga, Manning, Marangaroo, Mariginiup, Marmion, Martin, Maylands, Melaleuca, Melville, Menora, Merriwa, Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale, Millendon, Mindarie, Mirrabooka, Morangup, Morley, Mosman Park, Mount Claremont, Mount Hawthorn, Mount Lawley, Mount Nasura, Mount Pleasant, Mount Richon, Mullaloo, Munster, Murdoch, Myaree
N: Nedlands, Neerabup, Nollamara, Noranda, North Beach, North Coogee, North Fremantle, North Lake, North Perth, Northbridge, Nowergup
O: O'connor, Ocean Reef, Orange Grove, Osborne Park
P: Padbury, Palmyra, Parkerville, Parkwood, Pearsall, Peppermint Grove, Perth, Piara Waters, Pinjar, Queens Park, Quinns Rocks
R: Red Hill, Redcliffe, Ridgewood, Riverton, Rivervale, Roleystone, Rossmoyne, Rottnest Island
S: Salter Point, Samson, Sawyers Valley, Scarborough, Seville Grove, Shelley, Shenton Park, Sinagra, Sorrento, South Fremantle, South Guildford, South Lake, South Perth, Southern River, Spearwood, St James, Stirling, Stoneville, Stratton, Subiaco, Subiaco East, Success, Swan View, Swanbourne
T: Tamala Park, Tapping, The Vines, Thornlie, Treeby, Trigg, Tuart Hill
U: Upper Swan
V: Victoria Park
W: Wangara, Wanneroo, Warwick, Waterford, Watermans Bay, Wattle Grove, Wattleup, Welshpool, Wembley, Wembley Downs, West Leederville, West Perth, West Swan, Westfield, Westminster, White Gum Valley, Whiteman, Willagee, Willetton, Wilson, Winthrop, Woodbridge, Woodlands, Woodvale, Wungong
Y: Yangebup, Yokine​