Wondering If Your Child Might Be Autistic?
As a parent in Adelaide, you may have noticed your child is developing differently from their peers. Perhaps their teacher has raised concerns, or you’ve been quietly wondering for months. The question “Is my child autistic?” is one of the most common reasons families contact Neurospa Psychology.
This guide will help you understand what autism looks like at different ages, when to seek an assessment, and what the process involves in Adelaide.
Understanding Autism in 2025
Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder/ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world. It’s not a disease or something that needs to be “fixed” — it’s a different way of being.
Autism presents differently in every child. Some children have obvious signs from infancy, while others — particularly girls and those with high cognitive ability — may not be identified until school age or later.
Signs of Autism by Age
Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years)
- Limited or no eye contact
- Not responding to their name by 12 months
- Not pointing or waving by 12 months
- No single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
- Loss of previously acquired language or social skills
- Unusual repetitive movements (hand flapping, spinning)
- Intense focus on specific objects or parts of objects
- Distress with changes in routine
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- Difficulty playing with other children (prefers to play alone)
- Doesn’t engage in pretend play or imaginative games
- Repeats words or phrases (echolalia)
- Very specific interests or obsessions
- Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
- Sensory sensitivities (covering ears, refusing certain textures/foods)
- Needs things to be “just so” — rigid routines
- Unusual tone of voice or speech patterns
School-Age Children (6-12 years)
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Doesn’t understand social rules (turn-taking, personal space)
- Takes things very literally
- Intense, encyclopaedic knowledge about specific topics
- Meltdowns triggered by sensory overload or unexpected changes
- Difficulty with transitions between activities
- May appear anxious, withdrawn, or “in their own world”
- Academic performance may be uneven (very strong in some areas, struggling in others)
Teenagers (13+ years)
- Social isolation or difficulty maintaining friendships
- Anxiety in social situations
- “Masking” — copying others’ behaviour to fit in (especially girls)
- Burnout from the effort of appearing neurotypical
- Difficulty with executive function (planning, organisation)
- Co-occurring mental health challenges (anxiety, depression)
Autism in Girls: Why It’s Often Missed
Research shows that girls are diagnosed with autism significantly later than boys — often years later. This is because:
- Girls tend to be better at “masking” or camouflaging their differences
- They may have one close friendship (which appears “normal”) rather than no friends
- Their special interests may be more socially acceptable (animals, books, celebrities)
- They may be quieter and more compliant, not fitting the “disruptive” stereotype
- Diagnostic tools were historically developed based on male presentations
At Neurospa Psychology, we use a neuroaffirming approach and are experienced in identifying autism across all presentations, including in girls and women.
When Should You Seek an Assessment?
Consider an autism assessment in Adelaide if:
- Your child’s teacher or childcare worker has raised concerns
- Your child is struggling socially compared to peers
- You’ve noticed sensory sensitivities affecting daily life
- Your child has intense meltdowns that seem disproportionate
- Family members have been diagnosed with autism or ADHD
- Your gut feeling tells you something is different
Early identification doesn’t change who your child is — it helps you understand them better and access the right support.
What Does an Autism Assessment Involve?
At Neurospa Psychology, our comprehensive autism assessments include:
- Parent/caregiver interview — detailed developmental history
- Standardised assessment tools — ADOS-2, ADI-R, or equivalent
- Cognitive assessment — understanding your child’s strengths and challenges
- School observations or teacher questionnaires (where appropriate)
- Comprehensive report — clear diagnosis, strengths profile, and practical recommendations
The process typically takes 3-4 sessions over 2-4 weeks. No GP referral is required to book.
What Happens After an Autism Diagnosis?
A diagnosis opens doors to support:
- NDIS funding — autism is a recognised disability under the NDIS for children under 7 (and older children/adults with functional impact)
- School support — your child may qualify for additional classroom support, adjustments, or funding
- Therapy options — speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology
- Understanding — for you, your child, and their teachers
Learn more about our NDIS psychology services for children with autism.
Book an Autism Assessment in Adelaide
If you’re wondering whether your child might be autistic, we’re here to help. At Neurospa Psychology, we provide warm, neuroaffirming assessments with no waitlist.
Call (08) 5117 3064 or contact us online to book a free initial phone consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can autism be diagnosed?
Autism can be reliably diagnosed from around 2 years of age, though many children aren’t identified until school age. There is no upper age limit — adults can also be assessed.
Will a diagnosis label my child?
A diagnosis is a tool for understanding, not a limitation. It helps your child access support, helps teachers understand their needs, and helps your child understand themselves. Many autistic adults say they wish they’d been diagnosed earlier.
How long does an autism assessment take?
At Neurospa Psychology, the full assessment process typically takes 3-4 sessions over 2-4 weeks, with a comprehensive report provided within 2 weeks of the final session.
Does my child need a referral?
No GP referral is required at Neurospa Psychology. You can self-refer directly by calling (08) 5117 3064.
Related: Learn more about our children’s psychological assessments — available with no waitlist at Neurospa Psychology Adelaide.