Raising Children Network’s autism definition describes autism as a natural variation in the way the brain develops and processes information. It is a type of neurodivergence, and the diagnostic criteria look at social communication, repetitive behaviour, special interests and sensory differences.
This guide is for autistic people, families, carers and support workers. It covers the autism definition, what ASD means, levels, how to tell if you might be autistic, how autism differs from other conditions and what support exists.
Raising Children Network describes autism as “a natural variation in the way the brain develops and the way it processes information” and a type of neurodivergence (Raising Children Network). Each person experiences it differently.
ASD stands for autism spectrum disorder, and yes, ASD and autism mean the same thing in a clinical setting.
Autism is described in more than one way, depending on who is asking and why. The table below sets out the main ways the autism definition is used in Australia.
The spectrum of autism is described using the DSM-5-TR. The criteria cover two areas: differences in social communication skills, and repetitive behaviour, intense or special interests, and sensory sensitivities or differences (Raising Children Network).
An autism diagnosis may also include a support level, from Level 1 to Level 3. People often shorten these to ASD 1, ASD 2 and ASD 3.
Read level 3 autism to learn more about Level 3 and daily life.
Our guide to types of autism explains older labels such as Asperger’s and the profile known as PDA.
For all three levels together, see different levels of 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.
Make a referral →Only a qualified professional can assess autism. Reflection can still help you decide whether to ask for an assessment.
When you are ready, how to get an autism diagnosis in Australia explains the steps, and the question of what next after a diagnosis is covered below.
A diagnosis is a starting point. It can bring relief and also many questions.
The ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (released 11 October 2024) reports these figures (ABS).
These guides explain what is understood about the causes of autism:
Autism sits alongside other conditions in many people’s lives. Knowing the differences helps you ask for the right assessment.
Some autistic people see autism as a difference, and others see it as a disability. The NDIS may fund supports for autistic people who meet its access requirements.
If you meet the NDIS access requirements, the NDIS may fund supports that help with everyday life.
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.
Make a referral →Understanding the autism definition is the first step; practical support follows. TQN Care’s NDIS services include support workers who help with routines, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). We value listening to each person’s preferences. Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
ASD stands for autism spectrum disorder, the current diagnostic term for autism. Many people simply say autism or autistic, and it is fine to ask which wording someone prefers.
Raising Children Network describes autism as a natural variation in how the brain develops and processes information. The diagnostic criteria look at social communication, repetitive behaviour, special interests and sensory differences. Each autistic person has their own strengths and needs.
They are shorthand for Level 2 and Level 3, the support levels that can be part of an autism diagnosis. Ask the clinician who made the diagnosis to explain what the level means for you, and see our guide to different levels of autism.
You cannot tell from a checklist. Reflect on communication, routines, interests and sensory experiences, then talk to your GP about a referral. Only a qualified professional can assess autism.
Yes. ASD is the diagnostic abbreviation for autism spectrum disorder, which is the clinical name for autism. The two terms refer to the same diagnosis, and in everyday conversation people often just say autism.
ASD means autism spectrum disorder. Raising Children Network explains that the DSM-5-TR criteria cover two areas: differences in social communication skills, and repetitive behaviour, intense or special interests, and sensory sensitivities or differences. Only a qualified clinician can make the diagnosis.
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