AQ has an interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists and psychologists qualified to conduct a wide range of allied health and diagnostic assessments (including autism & ADHD) for all ages. Clients seeking an autism diagnosis, allied health assessment, or other bespoke assessment are encouraged to consult with a general practitioner (GP), paediatrician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist to obtain an appropriate referral.

Depending on your needs and preferences, these services are available at a range of AQ centres across Queensland and statewide online via telepractice (some exceptions). These services are also available face-to-face within the community (travel fees apply).

Autism Queensland recognises that language is personal and respects every autistic person’s right to determine how they wish to be described.

Where an individual’s preference is not known, AQ generally uses identity-first language, such as ‘autistic person’, across its resources and communications. Where a different preference is expressed, AQ and its staff aim to use the person’s preferred terminology. Some previously published materials may contain different language and will be updated through ongoing reviews.

In diagnostic, clinical and formal contexts, AQ may use ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)’, consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) and Australia’s National Guideline for diagnosing autism.

Occupational therapy facilitates the development, improvement or maintenance of skills. Occupational therapists provide alternative ways of performing a task; or modifies the environment to enable an individual to participate in their everyday life activities.

AQ’s occupational therapists can work together with individuals of all ages to support independence and help them reach their potential.

Areas we can assist with include:

• Daily living such as self-care activities (e.g., dressing, toileting, eating, grooming etc.)
• Household and community access (e.g. using public transport, money handling, shopping, food preparation and other household tasks etc)
• Work, employment or volunteer opportunities
• Understanding and managing sensory processing
• Emotional regulation, stress management and calming techniques
• Play skills and leisure
• Social participation (e.g., forming friendships and relationships, interacting with others such as classmates or work colleagues)
• Motor skills such as gross motor and coordination
• School-based skills (e.g., attention, organisation, handwriting/ typing, cutting, numeracy/literacy)
• Positive behaviour support.

When helping very young children, our occupational therapists work with the child and their parents, individually, and as part of a transdisciplinary team in early childhood intervention group programs.

Speech pathologists play a key role in helping individuals who have difficulties with communication. They can also assist those people who have difficulty with mealtimes, including sensitivities to foods and drinks, or safely swallowing food and drink.

Communication and social interaction challenges are an integral part of the autism diagnosis and many autistic people  can benefit greatly from further developing their skills in these areas.

For young children, speech pathology (also referred to as speech therapy) is recommended as early as possible to achieve maximum results. Older children and adults, including those who have not previously accessed intervention, can also benefit greatly.

AQ’s speech pathologists deliver assessment and therapy for all ages, in the clinic, at home, and in the community. Some of the skill areas in which they can provide assistance include:

• Language (using and understanding language)
• Speech (the articulation of spoken words)
• Social Interaction (skills needed to communicate successfully with others)
• Mealtime (mealtime strategies, fussy eaters and restricted diets, safety in swallowing)
• Literacy (spelling and reading)
• Play Skills
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems.

When helping very young children, our speech pathologists work with the child and their parents, individually, and as a member of a multidisciplinary team in early childhood intervention group programs.

Older children may receive support from a speech pathologist to support academic and social communication development. Adults accessing a speech pathologist can work together to improve participation in life activities at home, work, and in the community.

Please note: Psychology services are currently available face-to-face only at AQ Sunnybank Hills and AQ Gold Coast, or otherwise statewide via Telepractice (waitlists for other AQ centres are currently closed). 

• If this is an emergency please call 000.
• You can also contact the ​Mental health access line on 1300 64 2255 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636;
• To find a psychologist, please refer to the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc and/or the Australian Psychological Society search finder.

AQ’s psychologists support autistic individuals and their families in many ways including:

• Psychometric assessments – cognitive assessments, learning disorders, emotional and social difficulties, behavioural difficulties
• Increasing individuals’ understanding and ability to manage their emotions
• Supporting individuals and families in positive behaviour support for intense and/or challenging behaviours
• Support with developing social connections.
• Difficulties with relationships
• Conflict resolution
• Mental health disorders such as anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD through the model of CBT (Cognitive behaviour therapy) and other interventions
• Transitioning through different life stages
• School refusal
• Trauma/attachment
• Emotional regulation (e.g. anxiety, anger management issues)
• Family issues and parenting support.
• Problems adjusting to life changes
• Emotional regulation, stress management and calming techniques.

Our experienced consultants provide individualised, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming support to help participants of all ages build skills, confidence, and capacity to achieve their goals, strengthen social and community participation, and develop greater independence and inclusion.

Our consultants will:

• Apply evidence-informed strategies to develop personalised goals.
• Collaborate to identify and overcome barriers to inclusion.
• Build capacity and create opportunities to exercise choice and control.
• Work closely with the professionals supporting you or your child to ensure a coordinated approach.
• Share inclusive strategies that support social and community participation, engagement, and meaningful connections.
• Build functional capacity through increased independence, self-advocacy, and skill development.
• Support the development of practical skills for participation across home, education, employment, recreation, and community settings.
• Explore supports, strategies, and resources to assist with successful transitions and future participation opportunities.

Statewide delivery (short or long term): Available at select AQ centres across Queensland (service availability may vary), within the community, at an education setting, or statewide via Telepractice. Waitlists and fees apply, NDIS funding may be used (if applicable).

Supports to ensure a smooth and successful transition for your child’s next educational step. Suitable for students transitioning to Prep, primary school, high school, or beyond. We will support families and schools to work together to understand your child’s individual support needs (e.g. communication, social participation, behaviour) and create a more inclusive environment.

Sessions may include:

• Planning meetings and preparing for readiness and check-ins etc.
• Collaborative partnerships, individualised transition plans and strategies and provision of resources.
• Supported visits to schools/centres of your child’s education setting and the provision of in-school support (approval from your child’s school is required).
• Helping students and young adults transitioning out of school into work/university.

Sessions are available at AQ centres, your child’s school, early childhood centre, vocational service, or home etc. Fees apply, NDIS funding may be used if applicable.

Big changes can feel hard to figure out alone

Starting something new can sometimes make you feel uncertain, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. AQ’s fully-funded Owning My Future program helps autistic young people aged 9–25 and their families plan for what’s next. During important life changes, we provide practical, personalised guidance to help you move forward with confidence. 

We work with you step-by-step to build confidence, strengthen independence, and connect you with the right supports so you can own your future. 

Owning My Future is a fully funded program available at no cost to participants.

We support young people and families through moments like: 

• Receiving a new diagnosis (the questions, the uncertainty, the “what next?”)  

• Starting, changing, or transitioning between primary, secondary, or tertiary education  

• Exploring study or career pathways  

• Getting a first job  

• Moving out of home or becoming more independent  

• Changes in relationships, supports, or living situations  

• Getting married or having children  

• Any time life feels uncertain due to a significant life change and you’re left asking, “what do I do next?”  

How we can help you or your family:

Together, we’ll: 

• Set goals that matter to you and your family  

• Create a personalised plan or roadmap that makes sense for you  

• Identify strengths and areas where you’d like more support  

• Build confidence and decision-making skills  

• Connect you with services, supports, and opportunities that align with your goals  

• Develop lifelong tools for future changes  

 Who can access Owning My Future?

• Young autistic people aged 9–25 years and their families.

• Autistic individuals and families navigating a significant life change.

• Young autistic people who may not have access to transition planning through other supports such as NDIS or therapy services.

 Important details:

• Each participant receives a tailored support package based on individual needs  

• We can help guide you toward additional supports if needed  

• This is not an ongoing service or a replacement for therapy supports, availability is limited, with funding to run until December 2027 

 Ready to take the next step in owning your future?

AQ’s practitioners can provide all Individual Supports and Therapy services through videoconferencing or phone calls. This can be particularly useful for people who not live locally to one of our six centres, but also those who are unable to attend in person and prefer to receive therapy online. Please note therapy is delivered in real time, and may also involve the use of pre-recorded videos, images, and online resources.

Research into Telepractice shows this method of therapy can be just as effective as many face-to-face services. In fact, some approaches have resulted in better outcomes than when used in face to face formats.

Learn more about AQ Telepractice here.