Where can you find help in Germany if your child is diagnosed with autism?

Parents and children often go to their pediatrician or family doctor first. The doctor regularly checks how the child is developing and whether they have any other health problems. They can also refer the child to other specialists – for example, if special testing has to be done.

Adults usually go to their family doctor (Hausarzt) first. In some regions, and depending on their age, children and teenagers might go to a family doctor as well. If necessary, family doctors can refer their patients to other specialists.

It is also possible to go straight to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist for children and teenagers.

Doctors who have specialized in pediatric psychiatry and psychotherapy (Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie) can diagnose and treat autism in children and teenagers. They either have their own practice or work in hospitals, clinics, psychiatric outpatient units, or social pediatric centers (sozialpädiatrisches Zentrum or SPZ). They can provide psychotherapy treatment and prescribe medication.

Specialists in pediatric psychotherapy (Kinder- und Jugendlichen Psychotherapie) mainly diagnose and treat related conditions that children and teenagers with autism have. These may include things like eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or depression. Some psychotherapy practices also offer treatment for autism.

Early intervention centers (Frühförderstelle / Frühförderzentrum) support children with autism and their parents until they start school. Various specialists work together there, including occupational therapists, speech therapists, movement therapists, psychologists, and special education teachers. They foster the child’s development and help their parents to cope with the challenges.

Autism centers (Autismus-Zentrum) offer treatment, help, and support for people with autism. The people who work there include psychotherapists, special education teachers, and occupational therapists. In some areas, they might be called autism therapy centers (Autismus-Therapie-Zentrum) or autism outpatient centers (Autismus-Ambulanz) instead.

Social pediatric centers (SPZ) help children and teenagers to live with their illness or disability. Autism can also be diagnosed there. The staff at social pediatric centers may include pediatricians, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Some social pediatric centers offer treatment for autism, and others don’t.

As the name suggests, the aim of speech therapy (Logopädie) is to treat speech problems. This may include learning to speak, or to speak more clearly. The child can also practice looking at other people during a conversation and recognize what certain facial expressions mean.

Occupational therapy (Ergotherapie) can help people to process sensory input, carry out tasks, and become more independent. It includes things like practicing everyday activities such as getting dressed or preparing food. It may also involve exercises to improve your perception, concentration, and memory.

In Germany, you can apply for integration assistance (Eingliederungshilfe) at your youth welfare office (Jugendamt) or social welfare office (Sozialamt). This assistance aims to help people with autism participate in life. It covers the costs of things like autism therapy, early intervention, learning support at school, and assistance for families – like family support services (Familienunterstützender Dienst) or a family social worker (Erziehungsbeistand).

Different authorities are responsible for different types of disability. The youth welfare office (Jugendamt) is responsible for mental disabilities (usually with average intelligence). The social welfare office (Sozialamt) is generally responsible for intellectual and physical disabilities (usually with below-average intelligence). Youth and social welfare offices must provide information about which authority is responsible.

You can apply for a severely disabled person’s ID card (Schwerbehindertenausweis) from the social security authority (Versorgungsamt) – or sometimes from the social welfare office (Sozialamt) or social affairs office (Amt für Soziales). The authority then determines the level of disability. You will be given the ID card if your degree of disability is 50 or more. The aim is to compensate for certain difficulties related to autism – for example, with the help of reduced entrance fees, discounts on "Hilfsmittel" medical aids, and more tax relief. If you have a degree of disability between 30 and 50, you may still be able to receive this extra help by applying to get equal status with severely disabled people (Gleichstellungsantrag).

In Germany, the costs of medical treatment are covered by public (statutory) and private health insurances. If you have public health insurance, the payment for most of these treatments will automatically be settled when you present your insurance card. But some things (like medical aids) aren't automatically covered. Then you have to contact your public health insurer and request coverage. Long-term care insurers (Pflegekassen) are part of public health insurers and cover the costs of nursing care services. They are the right people to contact if a child needs nursing care.

Home-based family assistance (sozialpädagogische Familienhilfe) helps families in daily life by offering advice about everyday problems and parenting, for example. A specially trained social worker (Sozialpädagoge) comes to your home for this purpose. Together, you then do things like plan and set rules for a day or a week. The aim is for families to cope well on their own.

Family support services (Familienunterstützender Dienst) help people with disabilities and their families in everyday life. They come to your home and accompany you during your free time, help you to take care of the child, or drive the child to school.

Family social workers (Erziehungsbeistand) assist older children and teenagers who have a greater need for support in daily life. They are mainly there to help the young person cope with development problems and become more independent.

Parents’ associations (Elterngruppe) and support groups (Selbsthilfegruppe) offer help for people with autism and their families. Parents’ initiatives (Elterninitiative) for autism are mainly places for parents to meet up, talk about their situation and their children, and share experiences. They are found in a lot of towns and communities, and many also have national networks. Some groups offer advice about formal matters (like applying for a severely disabled person’s ID card) or campaign politically for affected people. There are also support groups that are organized by people with autism.

You can find support groups in Germany here:

• For regional groups, go to the Federal Autism Association’s website: www.autismus.de.
• The Aspies e. V. association provides contact details of support groups.
• You can also ask your pediatrician, family doctor or an autism center about support groups in your area.
• You can search online by entering “Selbsthilfe Autismus” (autism support groups) and the name of your nearest town or your region.