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 Iceland
Public health system · Primary health centres (heilsugæsla) and Sjúkratryggingar Íslands (Icelandic Health Insurance)
Primary health centres offer psychological services, and adults can get subsidised sessions with a psychologist contracted to Icelandic Health Insurance with a referral from a health centre (up to 12 sessions; children up to 10). Psychiatric care is provided at Landspítali and by private psychiatrists. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Directorate of Health (Embætti landlæknis). Psychologist is a licensed health profession: using the title and practising requires a licence from the Directorate of Health. Search the official register
- Directorate of Health (Embætti landlæknis). Psychiatrists need a medical licence and a specialist licence in psychiatry from the Directorate of Health.
Insurance and coverage
Icelandic Health Insurance subsidises sessions only with contracted psychologists and with a valid referral (from a health centre for adults; a health centre or diagnostic team for children), up to 12 sessions for adults and 10 for children.
Urgent help in Iceland
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 1717 · Hjálparsími Rauða krossins 1717
- 1799 · Píeta – hjálparsími
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: island.is, island.is, island.is
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 Iceland cover psychological care?
Primary health centres offer psychological services, and adults can get subsidised sessions with a psychologist contracted to Icelandic Health Insurance with a referral from a health centre (up to 12 sessions; children up to 10). Psychiatric care is provided at Landspítali and by private psychiatrists.
How do I check that a speech therapist is licensed in Iceland?
Directorate of Health (Embætti landlæknis): Psychologist is a licensed health profession: using the title and practising requires a licence from the Directorate of Health.