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Finding it hard to connect with others: what to look for and where to get help

Your child finds it hard to play with others, make friends, or read social cues.

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Understanding social difficulties

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 social difficulties, and what each one does.

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Providers who can help with social difficulties

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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.

Medicare pays a rebate for some psychology sessions when your GP writes a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral first. For OT, your GP writes a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan instead. Some private health extras policies pay part of the cost of psychology and OT.

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.

  • NDIS price limit

    $252.99 an hour

    Psychology, 2026–27. OT: $193.99.

  • Medicare rebate

    $101.55 a session

    Psychologist, up to 10 sessions a year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. OT: $63.40 with a GP plan.

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

My child plays next to other children, not with them. Is that usual for a young child?

Be You says young children are naturally self-focused and often play beside, rather than with, other children. Better Health Channel says three year olds often enjoy being with other children and can now play together more. It lists not interacting with other children or adults through play as a sign that could suggest a developmental problem. If you are worried about your child's development, or it seems to go backwards, it says to seek the advice of a health professional.

How can I help my child make friends?

The NSW Department of Education suggests giving your child plenty of chances for cooperative play with other children. The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network says joining a local playgroup, parent group or preschool activities can give your child more chances to socialise. Be You says children benefit from social time with a supportive, familiar adult nearby at first. Be You also says that teaching children to put themselves in someone else's shoes helps them relate better to others and manage conflict.

Is my child shy, or is it a bigger worry?

Better Health Channel says most children feel shy from time to time, but shyness severely limits the lives of some. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says a child who is anxious a lot, with feelings that cause distress or physical symptoms like stomach aches, may have an anxiety disorder. It lists regularly avoiding everyday situations like school, social events and playing with friends as a sign of anxiety. For severe shyness, Better Health Channel says you may like to consider professional help from a counsellor or psychologist.

What are the social signs of autism in young children, and who do I ask?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says a child may like playing with other children at childcare with support from educators, but struggle to make friends at school when play is more independent. If you think your child may be autistic, it says to take them to their regular doctor (GP), and if your child is young you could also speak to their Maternal and Child Health Nurse. 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.

Who can I talk to if I am worried about how my child gets on with others?

The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network says that if you are concerned about your child's ability to manage their own feelings, or you are not seeing it improve as they get older, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

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