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    Autism, ADHD & ASD Diagnosis & Support for Kids. Wollongong & Illawarra

    Autism, ADHD & ASD Diagnosis & Support for Kids. Wollongong & Illawarra

    Parents Guide Illawarra is keen to raise awareness about Autism, ASD, ADHD and Neurodivergent support and expertise in the Wollongong. Whether you need to know what behavioural differences in children you should be concerned about – or how to get an Autism or ADHD Assessment and diagnosis in Wollongong, we have you covered. Plus ASD & Inclusive Support services across the Illawarra.

    Parents Guide Illawarra interviewed local mum and Neurodiversity Coach and Consultant, Samantha Nuttall, to find out more. Samantha is mum to two Autistic ADHD children and has extensive knowledge of the local assessment, diagnosis and support services.

    What Behaviours and Differences in Children, warrant further investigation for ASD (Autism or ADHD)?

    “Whilst for some children, a Neurodevelopmental difference like Autism or ADHD is obvious, for others it can be harder to pick up. All children are very different. My children have practically identical Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses on paper, but, in reality they experience the world in very different ways” says Samantha. Her own children were both identified as needing assessment for developmental delay under the age of 3 years old by their Preschool Teachers.

    In younger children, Samantha recommends taking Early Childhood Screening processes seriously and following up on any developmental delays such as missing social cues, not making eye contact or waving, language delays, hyperactivity or extreme emotional dysregulation and meltdowns.

    “If you notice that over a period of time your child seems to be thinking and behaving differently to other children, it is worthwhile exploring what is going on by speaking to a professional rather than adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach. Children who receive support at a younger age tend to experience more positive life outcomes overall.” Samantha says.

    In older children, they may be falling behind at school in the classroom and or in the playground, unable to keep up with school work or social interactions and may be at risk of developing poor self-image and mental health.

    Getting an Autism or ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis in Wollongong

    The first stop in any diagnostic process for Autism or ADHD is a referral from your GP. Public and private assessments and diagnosis are possible. However, with wait times of up to two years in the public system, many parents decide to access alternative services to speed up access to funding for services such as that available via the NDIS.

    “For our first child we undertook each assessment via Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy privately and separately over a period of time, which was less money in one go but was a much less efficient process” Samantha says.

    “For our second child, we went straight to a multidisciplinary team and had all the assessments undertaken at once to give us a full understanding of what was happening. This reduced our anxiety as parents and meant we were able to put the right support in place much more quickly” she reports.

    Whilst it can be more expensive than doing one type of assessment at a time, Samantha recommends a multidisciplinary approach for Autism Spectrum Disorders, if possible. This is due to the breadth of information this approach provides in addition to the fact that most diagnoses, particularly of Autistic children, will include more than one condition. Families in the Illawarra are lucky to have access to several specialist teams who assess and diagnose children including:

    Marsden Health

    Marsden Health, based in Corrimal, are a team of skilled psychologists, clinicians, and mental health professionals who are dedicated to your individual and family’s well-being. Whether they’re working with children, teens, adults, or families, they offer personalised care designed to meet you where you are. When it comes to kids and teens, they offer the following support:

    • Kids Clinic: Offer compassionate, expert care for children and families, providing assessments and therapy for emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. Whether it’s anxiety, emotional regulation, attention difficulties, or learning struggles, we work with both children and parents to foster understanding, resilience, and positive change.
    • Autism and ADHD Professionals: Their team specialises in working with neurodivergent individuals, embracing innovative, evidence-based approaches to therapy and care. We are committed to providing tailored support that nurtures strengths, builds confidence, and empowers individuals with Autism or ADHD to thrive.

    Additional services available in the Wollongong/Illawarra area:

    Building Blocks Psychology – Autism, ADHD, Learning Assessment & Diagnosis 

    Building Blocks Psychology is a neuroaffirming psychology practice located in the Sutherland Shire, just a short drive from the Illawarra. They specialise in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, providing comprehensive psychological assessments and therapeutic support for neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, and learning differences, as well as broader mental health challenges. Their team (pictured above is Clinical Psychologist / Founder, Rhianna Wynters) are passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where young individuals can thrive.

    They currently have short wait times for assessments for those aged 25 and under (from preschool age), exploring areas such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning differences (including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia), giftedness, intellectual disability, and global developmental delay. Their assessments are evidence-based, practical, and suitable for supporting applications for school accommodations or NDIS access. Flexible options are available, including telehealth and single-session formats to assist families travelling from the Illawarra.

    To learn more or book an appointment, call 0406 943 344, email hello@buildingblockspsychology.com.au or follow the link here

    After an ASD Diagnosis – What’s Next?

    Illawarra Support for ASD Parents & Families:

    As a parent, immediately after diagnosis of your child, particularly if the diagnosis is the first in your family, you may experience some feelings of anxiety. It is important to speak to a mental health professional and ensure you have support in place for yourself so you are able to be the best support for your family member. “As a working parent with additional caring responsibilities, it can be stressful to juggle all the different elements of life but there are several ways to access support” says Samantha.

    KidsWish Free Disability Support Programs – Illawarra & Shellharbour

    KidsWish supports children up to 17 with an illness, disability, or ASD diagnosis, and their families, by offering free, inclusive programs and activities across the Illawarra and Shellharbour.

    From sports, music, and dance to drama, social groups, and sibling support, every child can have fun, build confidence, and connect with like-minded peers in a safe, welcoming environment. Programs are hosted at KidsWish House, Flinders, a fully accessible community hub, with some sessions at local schools and community spaces.

    KidsWish is dedicated to creating positive social, emotional, and active experiences, helping children, siblings, and families thrive and fostering an inclusive community for all. Learn more here.

    ASPIRE – An Illawarra Private School for Wollongong Children with Autism & Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability

    Cedars Christian College is proud to offer ASPIRE, a specialised school for students with an intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), just 10 minutes south of Wollongong.

    ASPIRE is designed to provide maximum support for neuro-diverse students while maintaining strong integration with the broader Cedars school community. Currently catering to students in Years 3–8 (with Year 8 launching in 2026), ASPIRE features small class sizes (no more than 10 students), individualised learning plans, sensory and emotional regulation breaks, and classroom/playground accommodations. Each student benefits from targeted academic and emotional support, along with access to evidence-based literacy and numeracy programs – all within a caring, inclusive environment.

    For more information or to enquire, visit aspire.nsw.edu.au call (02) 4258 0400 or email info@aspire.nsw.edu.au

    Parening & Family Support for Teenagers with Neurodivergent Needs

    Parenting teenagers is tough – especially when those years come with intense emotions, changing boundaries, or neurodivergent needs like ADHD or Autism. Many parents find themselves overwhelmed and unsure how to respond when typical strategies don’t seem to work. That’s where Chris Hudson, founder of Understanding Teenagers, steps in. With over 25 years’ experience and a Masters in Education, Chris helps families move beyond the diagnosis to truly understand their teen’s behaviours, build connection, and respond with confidence and compassion.

    Get *25% off any Parenting Teens coaching session or package with Understanding Teenagers – exclusive to Parents Guide Illawarra – learn more here now.

    Whether your teen is highly sensitive, withdrawn, constantly pushing boundaries, or navigating life with neurodivergence, Chris offers practical, research-informed strategies to reduce conflict, set realistic expectations, and strengthen your relationship. His non-judgmental, tailored approach empowers parents to support their teen’s development while still holding healthy boundaries. You’re not alone – book your FREE intro call or learn more today.

    Children’s Speech Pathology & Therapy Illawarra – Feeding Happy Kids & Talking Happy Kids

    Talking Happy Kids is a specialised speech pathology clinic that focuses on providing communication services for children, particularly those aged 0-7 years, who are neurodivergent (ASD, ADHD) or have been diagnosed with other complex neurodevelopmental differences. This includes children undergoing diagnostic assessment as well.

    Their team has grown – and that means more appointments now available for children’s speech pathology and feeding therapy in the Illawarra. If your child is experiencing communication, speech clarity, or mealtime challenges, their compassionate and experienced therapists are here to help. They support kids in expressing themselves, understanding others, improving speech and literacy, and building a positive relationship with food.

    Contact them today at 0434 383 401 or visit here to learn more – and discover how they’re helping local families grow in confidence and connection.

    Other support options for ASD/Autism/Disability Kids & Families:

    • Contact Carers NSW to find out about available support for you as a Carer.
    • Speak with your GP about completing an application for Carers Payment and Carers pension if eligible.
    • Seek out the support of other parents who have been through the same situation
    • If you work, seek out information about your workplace on your rights as a Carer e.g flexible working.
    • Consider if you would benefit from your own support in the form of mental health support via a psychologist or if Coaching would be helpful.
    • Focused Foundations offer support and programs for parents of ADHD children, and ADHD adults

    ADHD and ASD Therapy & Support Services in Illawarra and Wollongong

    Autistic and/or ADHD children and their families often require support from different Allied Health professionals including Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists. Remember, therapy should be about enabling you and your child to thrive as their neurodivergent selves so ensure you seek out ‘neuro-affirming’ therapists.

    A List of Wollongong & Illawarra organisations who offer support for ASD Families:

    Many allied health services will have waitlists so, just like when you are looking for daycare, you may need to register with a few providers to secure a spot. It is recommended that you register with providers whilst also seeking funding support from the NDIS. Click to find out more about accessing NDIS funding

    Parents Guide Illawarra would like to thank Samantha Nuttall – The Neurodivergent Coach, for generously sharing her expertise! Sam is an experienced Coach working with ADHD, Autistic and other Neurodivergent Adults and parents of Neurodivergent families to support them to thrive in the workplace and beyond. Book a complimentary consultation here or find out more at www.theneurodivergentcoach.org

    Discover more Disability Support information for Illawarra families here.

    Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!

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