Navigating the Services

Autism Services Pathfinder

This interactive tool can help you find your way through the services and supports available, both for your child and for your whole family. You can use the tool to find:

  • where to start with autism services
  • which professionals you might need to see
  • when you might need to plan for the future
  • names, addresses, websites and phone numbers.
Before using the Autism Services Pathfinder, you may first want to read more about the services environment and how to choose intervention services. You can also watch our ASD videos to hear parents’ stories about diagnosis, early intervention, starting school and getting support.

To get started, choose a path under the statement below that best reflects the stage you are at now.

I'm worried my child might have autism

Finding out for sure: getting a diagnosis

Families who have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) almost universally agree that the sooner you get a firm diagnosis from a qualified professional, the better. The process of diagnostic assessments, to find out whether your child has ASD, can seem complex and confusing at first. The pathways shown here will help you. They break down, simplify and explain the steps as much as possible. Even if you or your doctor is fairly certain that your child has ASD, your child will usually need to complete diagnostic assessments to confirm the diagnosis. Of course, you might end up finding that your child does not have ASD. Either way, it’s best to know for certain. Then you can start taking steps to treat the developmental delays or symptoms that led to your initial suspicion of ASD.

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While you're waiting: starting intervention

You might have to wait – sometimes a long time – for your child to get a diagnostic assessment. If this is the case, beware of the temptation of doing nothing – of treating the waiting period as time to ‘wait and see’ if things improve. If autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been mentioned as a possible diagnosis for your child’s developmental delay, it’s probably for a good reason and because of significant delays. There are many useful and practical things a family can do to assist their child while they’re waiting for a diagnostic assessment. Even if the diagnosis turns out not to be ASD, any time you spend dealing with the delays will not have been wasted.

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You and your family: help and support

The time before receiving a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often described by families as the worst time of all. It can be a time of deep anxiety, stress and fear of the unknown. Many families sense that there is something wrong with their child but feel that no-one is listening to them. Other families find that relatives or friends have suggested that their child has problems, but they themselves believe everything is fine. Whatever your situation, help and support is available. You need and deserve it, regardless of what your child’s diagnosis reveals.

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My child has an ASD diagnosis, what do I do?

Helping your child: finding early intervention

You will often hear how crucial it is to get good early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and how vital it is to start as soon as possible. Saying it and knowing it is the simple part. Getting started is much harder. There are many early intervention options. It can also be hard to work out what is available and practical for your family. Then you have to understand funding – is the service you’re interested in government-funded, part-funded or completely parent-funded? Don’t worry if you’re confused. Here are some pathways to help you understand what can seem like an early intervention maze.

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Helping your child: child care and early learning

Attending a child care centre or preschool is generally seen as an important part of early learning and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At preschool or child care, they can practise their play, social and language skills with children their own age. Child care choices are best made in collaboration with your early intervention provider. Ideally, the early intervention team and child care workers will work together, so that your child’s developmental goals are addressed in a coordinated way every day.

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Helping your child: going to school

Going to school is a big step for any child, and a huge one for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s also a huge step for families. Navigating any kind of school system can be daunting, especially when the child with ASD is the oldest in the family and school is a new experience for everyone. The school options for children with ASD are varied, so it’s a good idea to learn about them well before your child turns five. You’ll also need to become a skilful negotiator and knowledgeable advocate for your child.

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Government assistance and financial support

Having a child with any sort of disability puts most families under financial pressure. One parent may need to stop work to care for the child. Therapies and resources can be costly. There might also be large medical bills. Federal funding is available to help all young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) access early intervention. Other sources of financial support and assistance are also available.

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You and your family: help and support

A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for your precious child can be devastating. Most families go through very difficult periods, both immediately after diagnosis and in the years following. Living with and caring for a young child with ASD can be demanding and draining for all family members. Different family members will have different journeys through the ASD experience. Although your child’s needs are urgent, everyone in the family needs and deserves help and support.

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