Is Autism a Mental Disorder?

Is autism a mental disorder or a developmental difference?

Words such as disorder, illness, condition and difference are often used loosely. It helps to look at how Australian sources describe autism.

• Natural variation: Raising Children Network describes autism as “a natural variation in the way the brain develops and the way it processes information” (Raising Children Network).
• Neurodivergence: Raising Children Network uses this term for autism, and also describes ADHD as a type of neurodivergence.
• Mental health conditions: conditions such as anxiety or depression are separate from autism, and an autistic person can have one as well.
• Both can be true: because a person can be autistic and also have a mental health condition, it helps to ask your clinician how they are looking at each one.

Our guide to autism and neurodiversity explains the wider idea in more detail.

Is autism considered a mental illness or a psychiatric disorder?

Psychiatrists and psychologists may be among the professionals involved in assessing autism. Who assesses autism does not change how Raising Children Network describes it.

Many autistic adults prefer “autistic person” to “person with autism”, and you will see both used in Australia. If you are unsure, ask the person which they prefer.

Is autism a neurological disorder? Autism and the brain

Raising Children Network’s description of autism is about how the brain develops and processes information. That is why you may hear words such as neurological or neurodevelopmental.

• Is ASD a neurological disorder? You may hear this phrase, and clinicians use different terms. Ask your clinician what the words in a report mean.
• Wording: some families and autistic people prefer words such as “difference” or “neurodivergence”; use the words the person is comfortable with.
• Strengths and needs: every autistic person is different, so a good plan looks at the person’s own strengths and interests as well as their support needs.
• Questions for appointments: ask what a term means, how it affects support and what the next steps are.

To go deeper, read our guide to the autism brain and the typical brain and what is known about what causes autism.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Autism and mental health: what can happen alongside autism

Autism is not usually described as a mental illness, yet mental health still matters. Autistic people can experience anxiety, depression or other conditions, and the right support depends on the whole picture.

• Anxiety and low mood: if you notice signs of anxiety or low mood, talk to a GP or psychologist.
• Co-occurring conditions: the Australian ADHD Guideline found children and adolescents with autism have a significantly higher risk of ADHD (AADPA).
• Assessment questions: the Australian ADHD Guideline has a section on co-occurring conditions and differential diagnosis; ask your clinician how they consider other conditions.
• Everyday support: talk with the person and their care team about what helps them feel settled, such as routines or sensory needs.

If you are worried about someone’s mental health, talk to a GP. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, and call 000 if someone is in immediate danger.

Is autism a chronic illness or an autoimmune disease?

Raising Children Network describes autism as a natural variation, not an illness. Your GP or specialist can talk through any separate health conditions.

• Chronic illness: autism is described as neurodivergence rather than an illness; if a person also has a long-term health condition, their GP can explain how it is managed.
• Autism and autoimmune disease: if you have questions about whether the two are linked, your GP or specialist is the right person to discuss any health concerns for your family.
• Is autism a disease? Raising Children Network describes autism as a natural variation in brain development, which is different from describing it as a disease.
• Disability and illness are different ideas: our guide on whether autism is a disability explains how autism relates to disability.

How autism is assessed in Australia

A proper assessment by a qualified health professional is needed to know whether someone is autistic. Services and waiting times vary by area.

1. 1Write down what you have noticed. Keep simple notes about communication, sensory reactions, routines and daily difficulties to bring to your appointment.
2. 2Book a GP appointment. Ask your GP to talk through your concerns and explain who assesses autism in your area.
3. 3Attend the assessment. Ask the clinician what the assessment involves and who else, such as family members, may be asked to take part.
4. 4Ask what the report means. Request a written report and ask the clinician to explain the findings, strengths and support needs.
5. 5Look at supports. Use the report to talk with your GP, school or workplace and, if you meet the access requirements, the NDIS.

NDIS and support for autistic people

If you meet the NDIS access requirements, a plan can fund supports that help with daily life. Our guide to autism funding explains how this works in practice.

• Support at home: support workers can help with routines, meals and personal care at a pace that suits the person.
• Community access: a worker can go with a participant to shops, sport or social activities.
• Respite: short breaks can give families time to rest while the autistic person is supported.
• Helpline: Autism Connect is free, delivered by Amaze and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (Amaze).

When to talk to a GP or specialist

You do not need certainty before asking for help. These are good reasons to book an appointment.

• You or your child have differences in communication, sensory reactions or routines that affect school, work or relationships, and you want to understand why.
• An autistic person has become more anxious, withdrawn or low than usual, or has stopped doing things they normally enjoy.
• Sleep, eating or behaviour has changed suddenly, and you want to check for pain, stress or another health concern.
• You want a formal assessment to support requests for school adjustments, workplace changes or NDIS access.
• You feel unsure which professional to see, and want to talk it through with Autism Connect before you book.

Call 000 in an emergency. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If you or someone in your family is autistic and you are looking for practical help, we can talk about what support might fit. TQN Care provides support workers for personal care, community access, respite and help around the home. See our TQN Care NDIS services, or send a referral and we will call you back to talk it through.