Public Autism Services in Hong Kong: A Parent’s Guide

As a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), I understand how overwhelming navigating the public autism services in Hong Kong can feel. While Hong Kong’s public healthcare system offers exceptional autism support, the process may seem daunting, especially for non-Cantonese speakers.

Private autism services in Hong Kong provide faster access to consultations, therapies, and medications but are often costly and unsustainable for many families. In contrast, the public healthcare system offers affordable autism care for eligible families, including access to the Child Assessment Centre (CAC). Although wait times for services are longer, the cost savings and comprehensive resources often make the effort worthwhile.

Why Choose Public Healthcare Services for Autism in Hong Kong?

For Hong Kong residents, public healthcare is a lifeline for families seeking autism support at a fraction of private care costs. Available services include psychological, psychiatric, speech, occupational, and physiotherapy, as well as regular follow-ups with specialists and affordable medications.

These services provide significant savings, allowing families to allocate resources towards additional therapies or educational support if needed. For children aged 12 or under, the Child Assessment Centre (CAC) is the primary gateway to accessing Hong Kong’s public autism services. While the process may seem complex, this guide can help simplify it and provide parents with greater confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Public Autism Support in Hong Kong

To access public healthcare services, your child must hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) or be a Hong Kong resident if he/she are under the age of 11.

The first step is to obtain a referral letter describing your child’s developmental concerns. This letter must be issued within six months of your application and can be obtained from either a registered medical practitioner or an educational or clinical psychologist.

Once you have the referral, you’ll need to schedule a First Assessment appointment at your local Child Assessment Centre (CAC). CACs are assigned based on your residential catchment area, so it’s essential to apply to the correct centre. Appointments are made in person or by phone—faxed referrals are not accepted. Current wait times for the first appointment range from six to twelve months.

During this initial assessment, a nurse will meet with you to discuss your child’s developmental concerns and collect important background information. The first appointment costs HK$135, with follow-ups priced at HK$80. While waiting for the developmental assessment, families may also attend parent empowerment workshops or training sessions to help prepare for the next steps.

For more details on the required documents for CAC registration, visit the official DHCAS website or refer to the First Assessment Checklist.

What Happens During a Developmental Assessment?

After the initial assessment, your child will likely undergo a developmental evaluation by a multidisciplinary team. This evaluation is comprehensive, addressing your child’s motor skills, self-care abilities, speech and communication, social interactions, emotional regulation, and sensory functions such as hearing and vision.

The goal is to create a tailored care plan that addresses all aspects of your child’s development. This personalized approach ensures that both the child’s and the family’s needs are met. 

Click here for more detailed information on the developmental assessment.

What Comes After the Developmental Assessment?

Once the developmental assessment is complete, follow-up care and referrals are typically divided into three main areas:

Specialist Medical Services

Your child may be referred to specialist medical services for further evaluation and treatment. These services may include ophthalmology, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), child and adolescent mental health support, or therapy departments such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or speech therapy.

Education and Training

For preschoolers, referrals may be made to Pre-school Rehabilitation Services under the Social Welfare Department. These services include Early Education and Training Centres, On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services, Integrated Programmes in Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centres, or Special Child Care Centres.

For school-aged children, referrals may involve Integrated Education or Special Education programmes under the Education Bureau, depending on their unique needs.

Family Support Services

If family challenges are identified, referrals may be made to Integrated Family Service Centres or other social services for additional support and follow-up. These resources aim to help families adapt and thrive during their autism journey.

Affordable Autism Services: Public vs. Private Care in Hong Kong

If you can afford private medical care, it’s a privilege, as public services for children with ASD often involve long waits and rigid follow-up schedules. However, if you’re eligible for Child Assessment Centre (CAC) services, the government is ready to help—patience with intake and processing times is key.

Government psychiatrist appointments, including medications, can cost up to ten times less than private care. While the wait can be frustrating, the government works hard to support the autism community in Hong Kong.