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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 for local families about 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.

    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:

    After an ASD Diagnosis – What’s Next?

    Illawarra Support for ASD Parents:

    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.

    ASD/Autism/Disability School Holiday Programs & Activities:

    Youth Valley Supports: Inclusive Activities & Support for Neurodiverse Youth

    At Valley Youth Supports, they offer personalised 1:1 and small group support for young people aged 8–24 who are experiencing burnout, social disengagement, or simply looking to build meaningful friendships in a supportive, inclusive environment. Their passion lies in empowering neurodiverse youth—including those with PDA profiles, ASD, ADHD, ODD, OCD, and LGBTQ+ identities—to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace a life filled with confidence, joy, and connection. Get in touch with their incredible team now here.

    • Group Activity Programs – “Get Them Out”: Perfect for those seeking a safe and nurturing space to socialise, grow, and have fun through pressure-free group activities.
    • Individualised 1:1 Support & 24/7 Care: Their flexible, around-the-clock services include in-home overnight support, weekday and weekend assistance, age-based group activities, and vibrant school holiday programs. They focus on everything from mental health and hygiene to social skills, fitness, mentorship, and independence.

    Teenagers with Neurodivergent Needs

    Parenting teenagers is tough – especially when the teen years come with big emotions, shifting boundaries, or neurodivergent needs.

    Chris Hudson, founder of Understanding Teenagers, helps parents navigate this complex season with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether your teen is neurodivergent, highly sensitive, withdrawn, or pushing every button you’ve got – you’re not alone.

    With over 25 years’ experience, including a Masters in Education, Chris’ approach is non-judgmental, research-informed, and tailored to your unique family – especially if you’re parenting a neurodivergent teen or navigating more complex behaviours. Book your intro call / learn more here.

    Circus Monoxide Classes & Workshops

    If you’re looking for kids classes where fun, fitness, creativity and joy is unleashed, then welcome to Circus Monoxide in Fairy Meadow! This beautiful Illawarra Circus School welcomes pre-schoolers, school aged, teens and adults to learn the exhilarating world of circus skills, aerials, performing arts, tumbling, trapeze, and more.

    The Circus Monoxide team, teachers and culture help each student develop, thrive and feel a sense of belonging. They know that learning and self-expression is easier and freer in a place of no judgement. ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder including ADHD) children tend to thrive at Circus Monoxide. Everyone is welcome, just as they are. Click here to learn more about this incredible circus school.

    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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