What To Do If You Think Your Child Might Be Autistic
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If you’ve found yourself here, you’re probably starting to notice things about your child that feel a little different — and you’re wondering what it might mean.

This is a very common place for parents to be.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now.
And you don’t need to figure it out alone.

This guide will walk you through what many parents do next, step-by-step.

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What Parents Often Notice First

Before seeking support, many parents describe noticing small differences in how their child is developing, communicating, or interacting.

Some common things parents notice include:

• Not responding consistently to their name
  
• Delayed speech or differences in communication
  
• Preferring to play alone or differently to other children
  
• Strong interests in specific toys or topics
  
• Sensitivity to sounds, textures, or environments
  
• Big emotional reactions or difficulty calming
  

Every child is different, and these signs can appear in many ways.

You can explore this further here:

• Signs of Autism in Toddlers
  
• Early Signs of Autism in Children
  

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What’s Typical vs What Might Need Support?

Children develop at different rates, and variation is completely normal.

However, you might consider exploring further support if:

• Differences are ongoing (not just a phase)
• They are impacting daily life (e.g. communication, play, routines)
• You feel something isn’t quite lining up with your expectations

Trusting your instincts as a parent is important here.

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Step-by-Step: What To Do Next

Step 1: Trust What You’re Noticing

​You don’t need to wait until things are “severe” to explore support.
Many parents say they “had a feeling” early on and acting on that can make a big difference.

​Step 2: Start Noticing Patterns

It can help to write down what you’re seeing.
For example:

• When does your child communicate most?
• What situations are challenging?
• What do they enjoy or focus on?

This doesn’t need to be formal — just simple notes can help guide next steps.

Step 3: Speak With Your GP

Your GP is often the first step in the process.
They can:

• Listen to your concerns
• Provide referrals (e.g. paediatrician, psychologist, therapists)
• Guide you on local pathways in WA

Tip: Bring your notes so you can clearly explain what you’ve been noticing.

Step 4: Consider Assessments

Depending on your child, different professionals may be involved:

• Occupational Therapist (OT) → sensory processing, daily skills, play
• Speech Pathologist (SP) → communication and language
• Psychologist → developmental and behavioural assessments
• Paediatrician → medical and developmental overview

You don’t always need to see all of these at once — starting somewhere is what matters.

Step 5: Start Support Early (You Don’t Need to Wait)

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need a diagnosis before starting support.
In many cases, you can begin therapy based on your child’s needs:

• Building communication skills
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Developing play and social skills
• Helping with routines and daily activities

​Early support can make a meaningful difference, regardless of diagnosis.

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Do You Need an Autism Diagnosis First?

Not always.
A diagnosis can help with:

• Accessing NDIS funding
• School supports
• Understanding your child’s needs in more detail

However, support can often begin before this stage.

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What Support Can Help Your Child?

Depending on your child’s needs, support may include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Psychology support
• Parent coaching and strategies

 Explore our Autism Support Services here
​If you’re looking for autism support services in Perth, Mandurah or the Peel region, our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us an email here

Download the Printable Autism Checklist
It can help to write things down, or use a simple checklist.​

Download the Autism Signs & Symptoms Checklist (Ages 1–10)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of autism?
Early signs can include differences in communication, social interaction, play, and sensory responses. These can vary widely between children.

At what age is autism usually noticed?
Some signs may be noticeable from around 12–24 months, but for others it becomes clearer later in childhood.

Can autism be mild?
Yes. Autism presents differently in every child. Some children may have subtle differences that become more noticeable over time.

How do I know if I should get my child assessed?
If you’re consistently noticing differences or challenges in development, it can be helpful to explore this further with professionals.

Do I need a referral to get support?
Some services require a referral (e.g. paediatrician), while others can be accessed directly.

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You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

If you’re unsure where to start, that’s completely okay.

Our team at Belong Health works with families across Perth and Mandurah to help guide next steps — whether that’s understanding your child’s needs, starting therapy, or navigating assessments.
Book a free 20-minute call with our team
Or contact us to talk through your situation
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us an email here

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​Your Support​ Matters
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Your feedback helps us continue to provide support and information that benefits our community.
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Have a question? or need more information

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