At an early intervention center on the Gold Coast, children with autism are developing their social and motor skills through play. Many parents arrive at Robyn Hawkins's center shortly after their child receives an autism diagnosis. Hawkins, a behavior support practitioner and developmental educator, became passionate about her work after facing challenges in finding guidance for raising her autistic son, who is now in his 30s.

"They're tasked with doing all the research to find out what therapies are available and then working out what one will suit their child best," Hawkins said. She noted that many parents feel overwhelmed, trying to balance their child's needs with family and work responsibilities.

The Australian government plans to launch the Thriving Kids program next year, aimed at supporting children with "mild to moderate" developmental delays and autism. However, the specifics of the program are still under development. Autism spectrum disorder affects communication, motor skills, sensory awareness, and social interactions. Early intervention is crucial, as it helps children develop skills through therapies such as speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy, along with social skills training.

Between 2018 and 2022, the number of diagnosed autistic individuals in Australia increased by over 40%. This surge in diagnoses has raised concerns among advocates and medical professionals about the proliferation of unproven therapies. Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia, warned that many services exploit vulnerable parents by promoting quick fixes for their children's challenges.

"They're preying on vulnerable people with their pseudo-scientific treatments," Rogerson said, urging parents to be cautious when researching therapies online. One controversial treatment gaining attention is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves placing patients in a pressurized chamber to breathe in oxygen. Some clinics on the Gold Coast claim this therapy can alleviate autism symptoms, but the Australian government’s Raising Children website states there is no evidence supporting this claim.

Nick Yim, president of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, echoed this sentiment, stating that there is no scientific backing for hyperbaric oxygen therapy's effectiveness in treating autism. "These pseudo-science or non-evidenced treatments are entering the population and may be giving false hope, delayed diagnosis, and potentially mistreatment," Yim said. He expressed concern that parents might delay evidence-based early intervention therapies in favor of unproven treatments like oxygen therapy.

One Gold Coast clinic promoting hyperbaric therapy claims it can enhance oxygen levels in cells, which purportedly aids healing and reduces inflammation. However, it does not specifically claim to treat autism. While oxygen therapy is not covered by NDIS funding, participants can access funding for other services through a related business, InspiringChoices4Kids.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency emphasized that all health claims must be evidence-based and that non-compliant advertising could lead to significant penalties. The Therapeutic Goods Administration stated it could take action against misleading advertisements, including issuing warnings or pursuing legal action.

At Hawkins's early intervention center, educators focus on socialization and helping autistic children develop essential skills. "Parents often discover their child is much more capable than they originally thought and are able to participate in family life more," Hawkins said. She encourages parents to remember that each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. "Every parent wants to do the best for their child," she added.