Speech Therapy · Occupational Therapy · Psychology
Autism (Level 1 and Level 2) in children
Edited by Hannah Chamberlain — pending clinician review
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. Level 1 and Level 2 children typically benefit from speech, OT, and psychology support — and most are NDIS-eligible.
Edited by Hannah Chamberlain — pending clinician review
Last updated 10 May 2026
General information with cited sources, not clinical advice. See the Hey Sprout editorial policy for how we write, update and correct pages.
Levels, briefly
The DSM-5 describes three autism severity levels based on how much support a person needs day-to-day.[] Level 1 ("requiring support") describes children who can usually manage most daily life with some scaffolding. Level 2 ("requiring substantial support") describes children with more pronounced communication and behavioural support needs.
Hey Sprout's online model is well-suited to Level 1 and many Level 2 children. Children who need very intensive in-person, multi-disciplinary support (often Level 3) are usually better served by a clinic-based provider — we'll tell you honestly if that fits your child better.
What therapy looks like for autistic children
There's no single "autism therapy." A typical Hey Sprout plan combines:
Speech therapy — for children with language delay, social-communication differences, or alternative-communication needs. The goal isn't to make autistic children sound non-autistic; it's to help them communicate the way they want to be understood.[]
Occupational therapy — for sensory regulation, daily living skills (dressing, eating, sleep), and the routines that make school and home life smoother. Many autistic children have meaningful sensory differences that an OT can directly support.
Psychology — for emotion regulation, anxiety (which co-occurs with autism in roughly half of cases), and helping older children make sense of their own neurotype.
Hey Sprout follows a neurodiversity-affirming approach.[] We do not use therapies aimed at "normalising" autism or eliminating stimming. Our therapists practise evidence-based, autistic-led-informed care.
NDIS funding for autism
A confirmed Level 1 or Level 2 autism diagnosis from a recognised diagnostician (paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or multi-disciplinary team) typically gives access to NDIS funding. Children under 9 enter via the Early Childhood approach;[] children 9 and over are assessed against the standard access criteria.
Therapy is typically funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living and Capacity Building — Early Childhood (under 9). All three Hey Sprout disciplines can be funded under one plan.
What a Hey Sprout session looks like
Sessions are online via secure video, in a setup that respects sensory needs — short blocks for younger or higher-support children, options to step away, and a parent or carer present for younger children or whenever the child wants. We don't measure sessions in compliance; we measure them in what your child gained.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hey Sprout suitable for a Level 3 autistic child?
Children who need very intensive in-person, multi-disciplinary support are usually better served by a clinic-based provider. We'll tell you honestly during intake if our online model isn't the right fit, and where to look instead.
How does NDIS funding work for autism?
Autism Level 2 and Level 3 are on the NDIA's list of conditions likely to meet the disability requirements. For Level 1, you also need evidence that it substantially affects your child's day-to-day functioning. Children under 9 start through the early childhood approach, and from 1 October 2026 the Thriving Kids program also supports some children aged 8 and under with autism and low to moderate support needs. Speech, OT and psychology can all be funded under one plan.
Does Hey Sprout use ABA?
No. Hey Sprout follows a neurodiversity-affirming approach. We do not use therapies aimed at normalising autism or eliminating stimming. Our therapists practise evidence-based, autistic-led-informed care.
My child is non-speaking. Can they still benefit?
Yes. Speech therapy for non-speaking or minimally-speaking autistic children focuses on alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), like communication devices and picture-based systems, alongside any spoken language work that's relevant.
Can we use all three disciplines at once?
Yes — and it's common. Many autistic kids work with more than one discipline, sequenced or in parallel. Your therapists coordinate so you're not repeating your story between sessions.
How Hey Sprout supports this
Related conditions
ADHD in children and adolescents
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in Australian children, affecting roughly 1 in 20.
Depression in children and teenagers
Depression in young people is more than sadness — and it's treatable. Psychology, especially CBT and IPT, helps. If your child is at risk, get help now.
Anxiety in children and adolescents
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in Australian children — and one of the most treatable. Online, NDIS-funded psychology support.
Cerebral palsy — therapy support for children
Cerebral palsy affects movement and posture. Goal-directed OT and speech therapy build independence and communication, online and coordinated with your team.
References
- Australian National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism — Autism CRC, 2023
- Early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018
- DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder severity levels — American Psychiatric Association, 2022
- NDIS Early Childhood approach for children under 9 — National Disability Insurance Scheme, 2024
Not a crisis service. In an emergency call 000 · Lifeline 13 11 14 · Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
