Autism, Developmental Delay and the Hidden Costs of Our Diagnosis System

Autism diagnoses are rising. Developmental delay has almost disappeared from the conversation. But is this really about children’s needs... or about the way our systems are built?

In Australia, the introduction of the NDIS has been a major driver of this trend. By tying long-term funding and therapy access to formal diagnoses, the scheme made autism one of the most common gateways for families to secure support.

Understandably, parents want the best for their children. But the unintended consequence has been a sharp rise in autism diagnoses - sometimes applied where another explanation may have been more accurate, such as prematurity, a communication disorder, or sensory processing challenges. Diagnosis has become a form of currency, rather than a pursuit of clinical clarity.

The problem with autism becoming the default explanation is that other important factors are too easily missed:

• Premature birth and early medical complications that affect motor development, regulation, and attention.

• Specific communication or language disorders that can look like autism but require very different interventions.

• Underlying genetic conditions that may explain developmental delays but remain undiagnosed.

• Sensory integration and motor coordination challenges that influence play, learning, and social interaction.

  
  

Once labelled, a child's real needs risk being overlooked. Supports are delivered under the assumption that “this is just ASD,” while the true underlying causes and the interventions that could make the biggest difference are left unaddressed.

On the other hand, we must also acknowledge that the increase in ASD diagnosis is not just because of funding, but also because childhood itself has changed - and these changes also fuel the rise in developmental delays.

Changes such as:

• Less risk in play. Climbing, running, and challenging playground activities have been reduced in the name of safety. Yet these “healthy risks” are how children build strength, coordination, problem-solving, and resilience.

• More sedentary lifestyles. iPads, screens, and structured indoor activities dominate, meaning children move less. But movement is fundamental for brain and body development, regulation, and milestone achievement.

• Reduced social practice. With fewer opportunities for unstructured play with peers, children have fewer chances to develop social communication, negotiation, and flexibility.

  
  

These shifts lead to difficulties with regulation, resilience, and social communication - difficulties that can be mistaken for autism when, in reality, they reflect broader lifestyle and developmental changes.

Autism is real and important, but it should not eclipse the wider developmental picture. As occupational therapists, educators and allied health professionals, we have to ask our selves: Are we shaping systems that truly meet children’s needs, or are we shaping children to fit systems built around labels?

Our responsibility is to look beyond labels and ensure thorough assessment of underlying causes, to advocate for universal early supports that don’t depend on diagnosis and to reintroduce opportunities for movement, safe risk, and unstructured play so children can develop the resilience and skills they need.

At In Sync Kids OT, this is exactly where our expertise lies. Through in-depth assessments, we take the time to understand whether challenges are part of age-typical growth or whether extra support is needed. By uncovering the real factors influencing your child’s development, we can guide families toward the right interventions early on. If you’re seeking clarity for your child’s needs, reach out to our team, we are here to help.

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