Neurodivergent children have brains that process information, communicate or interact with the world differently from what's considered typical, as with autism, ADHD or dyslexia. Every neurodivergent child is different, so the most helpful support builds on their strengths, respects how they communicate, and brings home, school and health professionals together.
Prepared by Trevor Keen Founder and Physiotherapist · Published 16 December 2025 · Updated 27 October 2026 |
Raising a neurodivergent child can bring its share of challenges, and it's also deeply rewarding. Because neurodiversity is broad, every child's needs are different. This guide covers what neurodivergent means, the most common conditions, how to support your child's development and wellbeing, and where to find help in South Australia.
At a glance
| ✓ | "Neurodivergent" describes people whose brains work differently from what's considered typical. It comes from the neurodiversity movement, which sees these differences as natural variations. |
| ✓ | Common examples include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and Tourette syndrome, and many children have more than one. |
| ✓ | Two children with the same diagnosis can have very different strengths, communication styles and support needs. |
| ✓ | Support helps most when it respects your child's preferences and autonomy, and when parents, teachers and therapists work together. |
| ✓ | Through the NDIS early childhood approach, children younger than 9 can get support without a diagnosis. |
In this guide
"Neurodivergent" describes people whose brains process information, communicate or interact with the world in ways that differ from established neurological or social "norms". The term comes from the neurodiversity movement, which sees these differences as natural variations in how human brains work.
Those "norms" grew out of older cultural ideas about what counts as typical. Talking about neurodivergence makes the point that a brain that works differently isn't broken, it's a variation.
Neurodivergent is also an identity and community term. As your child grows, notice how they prefer to describe themselves and their neurodivergence, and follow their lead.
Wondering whether your child is neurodivergent?
Our neurodevelopmental assessments can help you understand how your child thinks, learns and experiences the world, and what support would help.
Book or referCall 08 8166 4700A wide range of conditions sit under the neurodivergent umbrella. The most common include:
This isn't a complete list. Many children have more than one of these, as they often overlap. Autism and ADHD together is common, and some people in neurodivergent communities call this AuDHD.
Many neurodivergent people also question the word "disorder" in these names, because a key idea of the neurodiversity movement is to see them as variations rather than disorders.
Two autistic children can have very different experiences: one may have high support needs and another low support needs. Two children with the same diagnosis can have completely different communication styles, sensory needs, interests and support requirements.
Their environment, personality, any co-occurring conditions and their own experiences all shape how they learn and take part. That's why individual support matters: it respects your child's preferences, autonomy and strengths rather than applying one approach to everyone.
Good support comes from compassion, understanding and working together. It's less about focusing on differences and more about building on your child's strengths and how they experience the world.
Working with your child's teachers, psychologists, occupational therapists and other health professionals helps your child get consistent support through the day. This matters most for children with high support needs.
Share what you know: your child's strengths, what helps them (such as low lighting or quiet spaces) and what's hard (such as loud places or too much sensory input). Stay in regular contact with your child's therapists, so goals can change as your child grows.
For GPs and referrers
For teachers, GPs and support coordinators
If you're supporting a child who may be neurodivergent, or a family looking for an assessment or therapy, you can refer to CHSA. Our team works with schools and other professionals so support is consistent across settings.
Through the NDIS early childhood approach, children younger than 6 with developmental concerns, or younger than 9 with disability, can get help from an early childhood partner, and a diagnosis isn't needed for this. Early connections can link your family with community and mainstream services and other families, and help you apply for the NDIS if that's right for your child. For older children, NDIS funding for supports such as therapy or equipment depends on meeting the NDIS eligibility requirements.
Support in the early years can help children build communication, social and everyday skills, and learn to work with their minds rather than feeling they have to mask who they are.
It's also worth looking into local services, community programs and state-based resources that sit alongside NDIS-funded supports.
At CHSA, we offer psychology, neurodevelopmental assessments, paediatric occupational therapy and positive behaviour support, shaped around each child's goals and needs.
At every step, we consider your child's preferred way of communicating, their sensory needs and their strengths, and we work with you, your family, educators and other professionals so your child is supported across every setting.
It describes people whose brains process information, communicate or interact with the world differently from what's considered typical. It includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other neurodevelopmental differences.
No. Autism is one kind of neurodivergence. Neurodivergent is a broader term that also covers ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome and more.
Not always. Children younger than 9 can get help through the NDIS early childhood approach without a diagnosis, and you can see a psychologist or occupational therapist privately without one. An assessment can help you understand your child's needs and may be needed for some funding.
AuDHD is a term some people in neurodivergent communities use for someone who is both autistic and has ADHD. The two often occur together.
Support for neurodivergent children and families in Adelaide
Psychology, assessments, occupational therapy and behaviour support under one roof, shaped around your child's strengths and needs.
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Prepared by
Trevor Keen Founder, Conscious Healthcare SA · Physiotherapist (AHPRA PHY0002063374) · Master of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Psychological Studies, Flinders University |
Trevor is a physiotherapist whose lived experience of disability led him to found CHSA, bringing psychology, assessments, occupational therapy, behaviour support and dietetics under one roof in Adelaide. He has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Flinders University, is now studying psychology at honours level, and helps write our guides alongside the clinicians who deliver each service.
Sources
This guide is general information, not advice about your situation. Speak with your GP or one of our team about what's right for you.