Understanding autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a child learns and interacts with other people and their surroundings.
On this page
No 2 children with autism are the same. But there are some common signs of autism(opens in a new window).
Autistic people have preferences about how autism is talked about. Most people in the autism community told us they prefer identity-first language, and prefer ‘autistic person’. Others prefer ‘person with autism’. 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 needs. Speech therapy can help with their communication.
Your child might be eligible to get assistance for therapies through 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(opens in a new window) 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:
Find support and advice
If your child has autism, there are support organisations to help you and your family:
- Amaze(opens in a new window) – a support organisation for autistic people in Victoria
- ASDetect(opens in a new window) – if your child is younger than two and a half years old, this free app helps you monitor their social attention and communication skills
- ACD: Advocating for Children with Disability – helps families find support and advocacy services
- Autism CRC Knowledge Centre – includes research and tools for the autism community
- I CAN Network – autistic-led 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 – autistic-led organisation that supports autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals and their families
- Education parents & carers
Education & trainingParents & carers
Updated 26 March 2026
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