Autism Support Pathway

This information (the ASD Pathway) has been developed to help parents/carers find support for children with behavioural needs that may or may not be associated with autism.

Whether you are waiting for a formal diagnosis or your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, each of the 7 sections (Attention, Sensory, Language, Social communication / interaction, Eating, Toileting and Sleep pattern) provides a list of behaviours that you may recognise in your child and the different types of support available to help meet your child's needs.

Attention

All children tend to have shorter attention spans and be more easily distracted than adults. Some children have much more trouble focusing and staying on task than others.

Behaviours you may recognise in your child

  • Struggles with looking towards a speaker when their name is called.
  • Struggles with joining a shared activity or looking together at something an adult points to.
  • Struggles staying in one place to engage in play/learning for a short period of time.
  • Insists on their way of doing things / prefers to do activities that they have chosen.
  • Moves between toys and/or activities every few seconds/minutes.
  • Doesn't show interest when others try to interact with them.

If you recognise the above behaviours in your child, support may be available to you and your family.


Support for children under 5

Step 1: Speak with a health visitor, staff at your local children's centre or childcare facility.

Step 2: Find support through our online Care and Support Directory, using the link below.

Search for support for under-5s


Support for children aged 6 to 11-years-old

Step 1: Speak to your school nurse or special educational needs co-ordinator, or contact Children's Integrated Therapy Service (opens new window) for advice.

Step 2: Find support through our online Care and Support Directory, using the link below.

Search for support for 6 to 11-year-olds

Page last updated: 02 Feb 2023