Autism Spectrum Disorder Support in Perth

Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that can affect communication, social interaction, sensory processing, play skills, learning, and movement. Every autistic child has a unique profile of strengths, needs, and support preferences. 

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide family-centred, neurodiversity-affirming allied health support to help children participate more comfortably and confidently at home, childcare/school, and in the community.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by differences in:

• Social communication and interaction (e.g., back-and-forth interaction, reading social cues, building friendships)

• Restricted or repetitive behaviours/interests (e.g., routines, focused interests, sensory seeking/avoidance)

Autistic children may also experience differences in sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor coordination, sleep, feeding, and daily living skills. Support is most helpful when it is individualised, goal-based, and aligned with the child’s environment and family priorities.

Common Support Areas for Autistic Children

A child may benefit from allied health support when differences are impacting participation, learning, wellbeing, or independence. Common focus areas include:

Communication and Language

• Late talking or different language development

• Social communication (play skills, turn-taking, conversational skills)

• Understanding questions/instructions

• Gestalt language processing support (when relevant)
  
  

Sensory Processing and Regulation

• Sensory seeking or sensory sensitivity (sound, touch, movement, lights, textures)

• Distress with grooming, clothing, noise, or busy spaces

• Supporting regulation strategies across home and school
  
  

Motor Skills and Movement

• Balance, coordination, strength, endurance

• Gross motor skills (running, jumping, climbing)

• Body awareness, motor planning, and participation in sport/play
  
  

Daily Living and Independence

• Dressing, toileting routines, hygiene, mealtimes

• Fine motor skills (pencil grip, scissors, feeding utensils)

• School participation skills (organisation, transitions)
  
  

How Palms Can Help

We do not offer “one-size-fits-all” programs. We provide assessment + practical therapy that supports the child’s functional goals and family priorities.

Speech Pathology Support for Autism

What speech therapy may support

Our Speech Pathologists can assist with:

• Functional communication (spoken language, AAC, visuals, key-word supports)

• Understanding language (instructions, concepts, classroom language)

• Expressive language (vocabulary, sentence building, storytelling)

• Social communication (peer interaction, conversation, play-based communication)

• Communication breakdown repair strategies and self-advocacy
  
  

AAC and communication supports (when helpful)

Some children benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (e.g., picture supports, communication books, apps/devices). AAC can support communication and reduce frustration, and may be used short-term or long-term depending on the child’s needs.

Occupational Therapy Support for Autism

What OT may support

Our Occupational Therapists can assist with:

• Sensory processing and regulation strategies

• Emotional regulation and coping tools

• Fine motor skills (hand strength, grasp, handwriting foundations)

• Daily living skills (dressing, toileting routines, feeding independence)

• School participation (attention supports, transitions, classroom tools)

• Home and school environment strategies (with consent)
  
  

Sensory support in a structured way

When appropriate, OT may use a structured sensory approach to:

• Identify sensory preferences and triggers

• Build an individualised “sensory diet” (practical routines and tools)

• Support participation in meaningful tasks (not just sensory activities in isolation)
  
  

Physiotherapy Support for Autism

What physiotherapy may support

Our Physiotherapists can assist with:

• Gross motor development (strength, balance, coordination)

• Motor planning and body awareness

• Posture and movement efficiency

• Physical activity participation (confidence with sport, playground skills)

• Endurance and fitness foundations for daily life

Physio goals are always functional—supporting what matters to the child (e.g., keeping up with peers, managing stairs, riding a bike, joining in at sport).

Exercise Physiology Support for Autism

Building fitness, confidence and participation

Our Exercise Physiologists can support children and teens with:

• Individualised, graded exercise programs

• Strength, cardiovascular fitness and physical confidence

• Building routines that are realistic and enjoyable

• Supporting participation in community physical activity

This can be particularly helpful when children have reduced activity tolerance, low confidence with movement, or need support establishing sustainable exercise habits.

Our Sensory Room and Kids Therapy Gym

Sensory Room

Our sensory room can be used (when clinically appropriate) to:

• Explore sensory preferences safely

• Support regulation strategies

• Practise functional participation skills (attention, transitions, tolerance of sensory input)
  
  

Kids Therapy Gym

Our kids gym allows therapists to work on:

• Gross motor skills (climbing, jumping, balance, coordination)

• Core strength and movement confidence

• Play-based therapy goals within an engaging environment
  
  

Early Intervention and Family-Centred Support

Early support can be helpful for building communication, play, regulation, daily living skills, and participation. That said, support is valuable at any age, and goals should be realistic, functional, and aligned with the child and family.

We prioritise:

• Practical strategies you can use at home

• Collaboration with educators and support teams (with consent)

• Consistent goal review and measurable progress tracking where appropriate
  
  

NDIS and Funding Support

We support self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants (and private clients). Therapy recommendations aim to inform support needs and planning, noting that NDIS funding decisions are made by the NDIA.

Book Autism Support in Perth (Malaga & Noranda)

If you’re looking for allied health support for an autistic child in Perth (Malaga or Noranda), our team can help with assessment and a practical plan to support communication, independence, movement, and everyday participation.

Contact Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health to book an appointment or discuss the most suitable service for your child.

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Autism Awareness Australia
Provides a wide range of resources for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, including educational materials and support services.

Amaze
Offers evidence-based resources for autistic individuals, families, professionals, and educators, aiming to create an autism-inclusive Australia.

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Delivers services such as assessments, early intervention, and educational programs tailored to individuals on the autism spectrum.

Reframing Autism
Focuses on providing educational articles and resources designed for autistic individuals, their families, and supporters.

Autism Connect
A free, national autism helpline offering independent and expert information via phone, email, and webchat.

Autism: What Next?
A comprehensive resource designed to help individuals and families navigate the journey following an autism diagnosis.

The Spectrum
Provides resources and support services for autistic adults, including information on social groups and workshops.

Autism Association of Western Australia
Offers a variety of resources, including the Autism Heroes Education Pack and information on the Autism in Cricket program.

The National Autism Association (https://nationalautismassociation.org/)

Autism Speaks (https://www.autismspeaks.org/)

These links will take you directly to the pages where you can find valuable resources and support for autism in Australia.