About autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with differences in communication, social interaction and sensory processing. Professionals can carry out assessments and offer support adapted to each person and family, focused on wellbeing, autonomy and the environment rather than on “fixing” the person.
Occupational therapists help people gain or recover independence in daily activities after an illness, injury or developmental difficulty: self-care, school, work and leisure. They often work with children with autism or sensory needs and with older adults.
Getting mental health care in Denmark
Public health system · Regional public health insurance (sygesikring) – psykologbehandling med henvisning
People in specified referral groups can get psychologist treatment with a referral from their own GP or the out-of-hours doctor, and can choose freely among private psychologists who have an agreement with the regions. The region pays 60 percent of the fee and the patient pays 40 percent; certain young adults with depression or anxiety pay nothing.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Danish Patient Safety Authority (Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed); previously Psykolognævnet. Since 1 January 2026 psychologists are authorised health professionals under the Patient Safety Authority, which took over authorisation and supervision from Psykolognævnet. Check that the psychologist appears in the authorisation register. Search the official register
- Danish Patient Safety Authority (Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed). Doctors, including psychiatrists, must hold a Danish authorisation, which can be checked in the authorisation register. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Only authorised private psychologists with an agreement with the regions can offer the subsidised scheme; without an agreement, or without a qualifying referral, the client pays the full fee.
Urgent help in Denmark
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 70 201 201 · Livslinien
- 39 25 25 25 · Psykiatrifondens rådgivning
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: lovguiden.dk, lovguiden.dk, regioner.dk, autregweb.stps.dk
Signs to look out for
Autism is a lifelong difference in how a person communicates, relates and processes the world, not an illness. Signs that may prompt an assessment include differences in social communication, such as eye contact, conversation or understanding unspoken rules; strong, focused interests; a need for routine; and sensory sensitivities to noise, light or textures. In girls and adults these signs are often less obvious.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Assessment is usually carried out by specialised teams or professionals such as clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists or paediatricians. Support focuses on the person’s needs and strengths: speech therapy for communication, occupational therapy for sensory and daily-living needs, educational support, and parent-mediated programmes. Psychologists can help with anxiety, emotional regulation and social situations, using approaches adapted to autistic people.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help if an autistic child or adult is at risk of harming themselves or others, goes missing, has a sudden loss of skills, stops eating or drinking, or expresses thoughts of suicide, which can be under-recognised in autistic people. In any situation of risk to life, contact your local emergency services and explain the person’s needs so responders can adapt.
What you can do in the meantime
Predictable routines, visual schedules and advance notice of changes can reduce stress. Pay attention to sensory needs, such as quiet spaces or headphones, and respect the need for recovery time after social activity. Learn about autism from reliable sources, including autistic voices. Connect with family associations or peer groups, and be cautious with programmes that promise to cure autism.
What does a occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people take part in the everyday activities that matter to them, from washing and dressing to studying, working, socialising or managing a home. Day to day they assess how a physical, mental health, developmental or cognitive condition affects daily life, then work on skills, routines, adaptations and equipment. They see children, adults and older people, often within multidisciplinary teams.
When to see a occupational therapist
Consider an occupational therapist when daily tasks have become difficult after an illness, injury or stroke, when a mental health condition makes routines and work hard to sustain, when a child has sensory, motor or self-care difficulties, or when an older person needs support to stay independent at home. For emotional therapy itself, a psychologist is usually the main professional.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Denmark cover psychological care?
People in specified referral groups can get psychologist treatment with a referral from their own GP or the out-of-hours doctor, and can choose freely among private psychologists who have an agreement with the regions. The region pays 60 percent of the fee and the patient pays 40 percent; certain young adults with depression or anxiety pay nothing.
How do I check that a occupational therapist is licensed in Denmark?
Danish Patient Safety Authority (Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed); previously Psykolognævnet: Since 1 January 2026 psychologists are authorised health professionals under the Patient Safety Authority, which took over authorisation and supervision from Psykolognævnet. Check that the psychologist appears in the authorisation register.