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.
Speech and language therapists assess and treat difficulties with language, speech, voice, swallowing and communication in children and adults.
Getting mental health care in Greenland
Public health system · Greenland's public health service
Health care in Greenland is publicly run, and new treatment options mean more residents are offered free therapeutic treatment. Recruiting psychologists is difficult, so Greenlandic-speaking psychologists living outside Greenland also provide online sessions.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Psykolognævnet (Danish Board of Psychologists). Greenland has not had its own authorisation scheme for psychologists, and a psychologists bill was debated by the Greenland parliament in 2025. Many psychologists working in Greenland hold Danish authorisation; ask whether the psychologist is authorised.
Online therapy in Greenland
Online sessions with psychologists based outside Greenland are used to support the public service.
Urgent help in Greenland
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Alarmcentral (112)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ina.gl, inatsisartut.gl, inatsisartut.gl
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 speech therapist do?
A speech therapist assesses and treats difficulties with communication, language, speech, voice, fluency and swallowing. Day to day they might help a toddler say their first words, a child with stuttering or reading-related language problems, an adult recovering language after a stroke, a teacher with voice strain, or an older person with swallowing difficulties. They also guide families, teachers and carers.
When to see a speech therapist
Consider a speech therapist if a child’s speech or language seems delayed or hard to understand, if there is stuttering, persistent hoarseness or voice loss, difficulty finding words after a neurological event, or coughing and choking when eating. Sudden loss of speech or swallowing needs urgent medical attention first. For learning difficulties beyond language, an educational psychologist may also help.
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 Greenland cover psychological care?
Health care in Greenland is publicly run, and new treatment options mean more residents are offered free therapeutic treatment. Recruiting psychologists is difficult, so Greenlandic-speaking psychologists living outside Greenland also provide online sessions.
How do I check that a speech therapist is licensed in Greenland?
Psykolognævnet (Danish Board of Psychologists): Greenland has not had its own authorisation scheme for psychologists, and a psychologists bill was debated by the Greenland parliament in 2025. Many psychologists working in Greenland hold Danish authorisation; ask whether the psychologist is authorised.
Can I have online therapy in Greenland?
Online sessions with psychologists based outside Greenland are used to support the public service.