More than 10,000 participants have registered for a new, free online six-week course beginning in April, which has been designed by Swinburne University to provide practical help to families with a child on the autism spectrum.

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition affecting about 1 per cent of children who typically have preoccupations, aversions, obsessions and difficulties with social interaction. But, despite the disorder's frequency and the challenges it poses to parents, carers and teachers, much online information is about diagnosis and emotional support rather than practical help.

Open to help: Swinburne's online course is designed to help parents with children on the autism spectrum better understand their needs.

Now, a team at Swinburne University has stepped in to move away from "the theory of autism" to provide a free, practical online six-week course designed to give parents and carers strategies to help their child - and the family.

Lecturer in education Emma Donaldson, one of the course's designers, said it was clear "the autism community is in dire need of practical advice and support".