Autism (ASD) in Children & Teens

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world around them. It is described as a spectrum because every autistic child has their own profile of strengths and support needs.

In Australia, autism is reported more often in boys than girls, and is most commonly identified in childhood. Girls are often diagnosed later, as their autistic traits can be less obvious or masked. Early understanding and support can make a meaningful difference to a child's learning, participation, and wellbeing.

This page is about autism in children and teenagers. For information about assessment, see our autism assessment for children & teens. For adults, see Autism (ASD) in Adults.

Autism is no longer divided into separate types such as Asperger's syndrome — since the DSM-5, these are all included in a single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Instead, the level of support a person needs is described for each area:

• Level 1: requiring support.
• Level 2: requiring substantial support.
• Level 3: requiring very substantial support.

Support needs can change over time and in different settings.

Autism is diagnosed based on differences in two areas: social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. Signs vary with age and may include:

• Differences in language development, conversation, eye contact, gestures, or sharing interests with others.
• Difficulty understanding social cues or making and keeping friendships.
• A strong preference for routine, and distress when routines change.
• Intense, focused interests.
• Repetitive movements or speech.
• Sensory differences — heightened or reduced sensitivity to sound, light, texture, taste, or touch.

Signs are often noticed in early childhood, but some children — particularly those who mask their traits — are not identified until school age or adolescence, when social demands increase.

Autism has a strong genetic basis. A large study following around two million children across five countries, including Western Australia, estimated that around 80% of the likelihood of autism is explained by inherited genetic factors.

There is no single cause of autism. Large studies involving millions of children have found no link between vaccines and autism, and autism is not caused by parenting.

Autistic children have strengths as well as challenges. Without the right understanding and support, they may experience:

• Challenges with learning and participation at school.
• Difficulties with friendships and social situations.
• Distress related to change, sensory environments, or communication.
• Co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, sleep difficulties, or intellectual disability.

In Australia, autism is diagnosed in line with the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism, using the DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified clinician, such as a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist, may include:

• A detailed developmental history, gathered with parents or carers.
• Observation of the child, often using standardised diagnostic tools.
• With consent, information from the child's school, childcare, or other people who know them well.
• Consideration of co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, or learning difficulties.

For more about the assessment process, see our autism assessment for children & teens.

Autism is not something that needs to be cured, and there is no medication that treats autism itself. Australia's national guideline for supporting autistic children recommends supports that are guided by the goals of the child and family. These may include:

• Allied health supports, such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology.
• Strategies and adjustments at home, at school, and in the community.
• Parent and carer support and education.
• Medication, where appropriate, for co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or sleep difficulties.
• Information about funding and services, such as the NDIS, where eligible.

Autism care for children and teenagers at Mindscape Psychiatry is provided by Dr Rajesh Harjai, our Consultant Child, Adolescent and Youth Psychiatrist, who has a special interest in autism and has completed formal training in standardised autism diagnostic tools (ADOS-2, MIGDAS-2, ADI-R). Dr Harjai sees young people aged 5 to 20 years via telehealth.

• Family-centred care, working with parents, carers, and — with consent — schools.
• Comprehensive assessment in line with Australia's national guideline.
• Support for co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or anxiety.

A valid GP referral is required.