Autism

Autism is a lifelong difference in how people communicate, relate to others and experience the world. Autistic people may have focused interests, prefer routine, and find sounds, lights or textures much stronger or weaker than others do. Autism is not caused by parenting or vaccines. Many people, especially women and girls, are first diagnosed as adults. Autism isn’t something to cure: support aims at wellbeing, communication and taking part in life as the person chooses.

Treatment options

Ratings show how strong the research is.

• Moderate evidencePlay-based programs that coach parentsFor young children. A therapist coaches parents to build communication through everyday play (such as JASPER or ESDM). They improve social communication and language.
• Moderate evidenceSpeech pathology and other ways to communicateHelps with understanding and expressing needs. Includes AAC (picture boards, devices or sign), which doesn’t stop speech developing.
• Moderate evidenceTreating other conditionsADHD, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, gut and sleep problems are more common in autistic people, and respond to usual treatments, adapted to the person.
• Moderate evidenceMelatonin for sleep problemsA slow-release form (Slenyto) is approved in Australia for autistic children with ongoing insomnia, after sleep routines have been tried.
• Moderate evidenceMedicines for severe irritability or aggressionRisperidone or aripiprazole can reduce severe distress or aggression in the short term, but cause weight gain and other side effects. Only after looking for causes such as pain, sensory overload or anxiety.
• Limited evidenceIntensive behaviour programs (such as ABA)Some gains in skills, but most studies are low quality. Many autistic adults report harm from compliance-focused programs. Avoid any program that tries to stop harmless behaviours such as stimming, ignores distress, or doesn’t let the child say no.
• Limited evidenceOccupational therapy and sensory supportsHelp with daily living and sensory needs. Sensory integration therapy has mixed results.
• Not recommendedSpecial diets and supplementsGluten-free, casein-free and other diets or supplements don’t help autism, and can cause poor nutrition.
• Not recommendedChelation, hyperbaric oxygen, bleach (MMS or CDS), stem cellsNo benefit, and some have caused serious harm or death.

What you can do

• Learn about autism from autistic people as well as professionals.
• Plan for sensory needs: noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, quiet breaks and warning before changes.
• Ask about Medicare rebates (for under-25s, after a paediatrician or psychiatrist referral), the NDIS, and school or work adjustments.
• For free, independent advice, call Autism Connect on 1300 308 699.

See your GP if

• You’re worried about a child’s development, such as late talking, little eye contact or shared play, or not responding to their name
• You’re an adult who wonders whether you are autistic
• Anxiety, low mood, burnout, sleep, eating or gut problems are affecting you or your child

See a doctor promptly if a child loses words or skills they already had. Call 000 if someone is at immediate risk of harm. Suicidal thoughts are more common in autistic people: call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7).

Evidence and more information

• Autism CRC: National Guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism (2023)
• Autism CRC: National Guideline for supporting autistic children and their families (2022)
• Autism CRC: Evidence for interventions for autistic children
• Healthdirect: Autism

Reviewed October 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP or pharmacist.

maladywise.com/autism/