How to get help for your child with autism in Adelaide

If you’re a parent trying to work out where to start, you’re not alone.
Many families feel overwhelmed when looking for autism support — long waitlists, unfamiliar terms, and uncertainty about what type of help their child actually needs.

The good news is that there are clear options available in Adelaide, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before getting started. This guide walks you through what autism support can look like, where families often begin, and how to take the next step with confidence.

Understanding what autism support means

Autism support isn’t one single service. It’s usually a combination of supports that help children develop skills, confidence, and independence across everyday life.

Support often focuses on:

  • emotional regulation and managing big feelings

  • social skills and peer relationships

  • communication foundations

  • routines, transitions, and independence

  • participation at school, home, and in the community

Not every child needs every support, and the right starting point can look different for each family.

What autism support options are available in Adelaide?

Families in Adelaide commonly access autism support through a mix of the following services.

Developmental Therapy (Developmental Educators)

Developmental Educators support children in real-world environments — at school, at home, and in the community.

This support often focuses on:

  • emotional regulation

  • social skills and confidence

  • routines and everyday life skills

  • independence and participation

Developmental Therapy is flexible and relationship-based, making it a common starting point for families, particularly when support is needed across more than one setting.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational Therapists support children with:

  • fine and gross motor skills

  • sensory processing

  • self-care and functional skills

OT can be very helpful, but waitlists are common, which can delay support if families rely on this option alone.

Speech Therapy

Speech Pathologists support:

  • communication and language development

  • understanding and expressing needs

  • social communication

As with OT, families often experience wait times before speech therapy can begin.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple guide

  • If your child needs help with emotional regulation, routines, or social skills across daily life, Developmental Therapy is often a strong starting point.

  • If your child needs specific motor or sensory support, Occupational Therapy may be appropriate.

  • If your child needs help with speech, language, or communication, Speech Therapy may be recommended.

Many families begin with Developmental Therapy while waiting for allied health supports, so their child can start building skills right away.

You don’t have to wait to start supporting your child

One of the most common misconceptions is that families must wait for OT or Speech Therapy before meaningful support can begin.

In reality:

  • support can often start sooner through developmental therapy

  • early support can reduce stress while families wait for other services

  • children benefit from help in the environments they use every day

Many families choose to begin with Developmental Therapy while they:

  • wait for allied health availability

  • clarify assessments and goals

  • work through NDIS planning and funding

This allows children to build important foundations without unnecessary delays.

Using NDIS funding for autism support

Many autism supports are funded through the NDIS.

Depending on your child’s plan, funding may be used for:

  • developmental therapy

  • support work

  • capacity-building supports

  • school-based sessions

  • reports and progress documentation

If you’re unsure what your plan includes, a provider can usually help explain how funding can be used and what supports may be appropriate for your child.

How Assist Developmental Therapy supports families in Adelaide

Assist Developmental Therapy provides personalised, neuro-affirming autism support for children and families across Adelaide and the Hills, with a strong focus on real-world, everyday skills.

Our team works with children:

  • at school

  • at home

  • in the community

We focus on:

  • emotional regulation and wellbeing

  • social skills and confidence

  • independence and everyday life skills

  • collaboration with families, schools, and other professionals

Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy services are coming soon. In the meantime, our Developmental Educators support foundational skills and help guide next steps if allied health support is required.

You can learn more about our school-based therapy supports here

Not sure where to start? Let’s talk it through.

If you’re feeling unsure about what support your child needs — or you’ve been told to “wait” without clear guidance — a short conversation can often bring clarity.

We’re always happy to talk things through and help you decide the most appropriate next step for your child.

Talk With Our Team