One of the most difficult periods for parents of Children with autism is the time during and after the initial diagnosis of autism. Because many professionals in Africa are still largely unaware of the long-term potential of children with autism, or effective training methods, parents are commonly given an overly pessimistic and discouraging view of their childs' future. In some cases, the opposite occurs: parents are erroneously told that their child will "outgrow" the current problems, and no special intervention is required. Neither of these extremes is true, and a realistic and positive approach is extremely helpful. Autism Africa offers several types of clinical services, which are particularly geared toward all parents, including those who only visit the centre only on a monthly basis.
All programmes start with an initial assessment of the child. Based on the child’s behaviors, learning patterns, training and the teaching methods best suited to him / her, a plan is made keeping in mind the child’s current needs as well as the parents immediate concerns.

Diagnostic Assessments
Diagnostic assessments as well as a differential diagnosis is made following a detailed observation of the child and interview with the family.

Home Programme
Programmes for Home Management are scheduled and plans designed by the parent and a therapist together. Tailored to each family’s individual needs, they provide structure for daily routines and activities that the family carries out with the child at home. The plan is implemented at home and the family returns for a follow up at the center at predetermined time. The program also gives families an opportunity to discuss solutions to issues.

The Centre-based Programme
Families often visit us and receive an intensive session of observation, counseling, work sessions with the child, feedback and discussion. Where families so require, IEPs and functional assessments are also carried out. Because the characteristics and behaviors of children with autism vary so widely, the individualized nature of these programs is particularly crucial, and parents are encouraged to stay in touch with us to make modifications and implement additional skills. Families from throughout Africa and abroad have received this service.

Occupational and Sensory Assessment
This program is planned and conducted on an individual basis to address difficulties related to sensory integration. The input is provided by an Occupational Therapist after a detailed assessment of the needs of each child.

Functional Assessments
Autism is hallmarked by an uneven skill profile. Functional assessments provide detail report of the current level of performance of the child in various skill areas. A functional Assessment is done through a series of direct work sessions with the child, observation and discussion with the family. Individualized Education Programs can be prepared on the basis of Functional Analysis.

Family Counselling
Family counselling soon after discovery that a child  has autism can greatly broaden the parents' options on how to most benefit their child, and can improve their ability to make positive, long term decisions by providing an opportunity to sort out factual information from misinformation. Counselling is also provided to family members for dealing with issues related to the pressures and stress of parenting a child with autism, parenting the sibling of a child with autism, living in a nuclear or joint family, second child issues, or any other concerns families may have. Appropriate coping strategies can be discussed and developed with inputs from psychologists and medical professionals. Parents also receive referrals to schools and services elsewhere.