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Possible signs of autism: what to look for and where to get help

Your child communicates, plays or reacts to sound and touch differently from other kids.

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Understanding suspected autism

Many parents worry when they notice their child is developing differently from other children the same age. These feelings are common, and help is available. Many allied health professionals in Australia work with children in this area.

Below are the services that most often help children with suspected autism, and what each one does.

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

An autism assessment usually starts with your GP, who can refer your child to a paediatrician. With a GP referral, Medicare pays a rebate for the paediatrician visit. Ask each assessment provider for the full cost before you book. For therapy, Medicare pays a rebate for some speech therapy and psychology sessions with a GP plan, and the NDIS early childhood approach covers children younger than 6 with a developmental delay, or younger than 9 with a disability. A paediatrician can also refer your child for up to 8 Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist, speech pathologist or OT to help with the diagnosis. After a diagnosis, the paediatrician's treatment plan opens up to 20 more rebated therapy sessions. These Medicare items are for children and young people under 25.

Thriving Kids started in October 2026 for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism. It gives information and two phone lines: the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline (1300 654 789) and a child health nurse line (1800 882 436). From 1 January 2028, children aged 8 and under who apply for NDIS support will be assessed against new criteria. Children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs will no longer be eligible for the NDIS. Thriving Kids will support them.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • Autism assessment fees

    $1,500–$2,500

    The middle half of fees on 42 provider websites, April 2026.

  • Medicare rebate

    $89.50 a session

    Speech pathology or OT under a paediatrician's plan, up to 20 sessions. Psychologist: $101.55.

  • NDIS price limit

    $193.99 an hour

    Speech pathology, 2026–27. Psychology: $252.99.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

What are the possible signs of autism in young children?

The signs of autism fall into two broad areas: difficulty with social interaction and communication, and limited or repeated behaviours and interests. In young children, signs may include not pointing or showing you things, delayed speech, avoiding eye contact, and being upset by changes in routine. Some children react strongly to loud sounds or crowded places. There may be different signs at different ages.

My child has some of these signs. Does that mean autism?

Not always. The Royal Children's Hospital says not all children with these signs are autistic. There is no single test for autism, so a doctor or specialist follows an assessment process to understand your child's strengths and challenges. The national guideline says it is common for an assessment that considers autism not to end in an autism diagnosis.

Can autism go unnoticed when a child is young?

The signs usually start in infancy, but they may not be noticeable until a child is 18 months or older. The national guideline says the behaviours are often present before age 3, but may not be recognised until the school years or later, as social and thinking demands increase. If you think your child has autism, see your doctor or a child health nurse.

Who do I see first if I think my child might be autistic?

Start with your child's GP or a child health nurse. The Royal Children's Hospital says a GP can refer you to a health professional with special training who can assess your child, such as a paediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist.

Should I wait for an assessment before looking for support?

The national autism guideline says accessing support can, and should, happen at any time it is needed. It says the practitioners you work with should refer your family for the support needed as soon as you or they see a need. You can ask for a referral for support at any stage of the assessment process.

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