Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments In Western Australia

T (08) 9489 8900
F (08) 9489 8999
R 1800 636 427
E autismwa@autism.org.au
Locked Bag 2 SUBIACO WA 6904
215 Stubbs Terrace Shenton Park 6008
www.autism.org.au
ABN 54 354 917 843
Fact Sheet
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments In Western Australia
What is Autism?
The term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is used to describe a group of closely related disorders, which all belong to the same
diagnostic category and share the same core symptoms. These disorders include Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive
Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Autism is a complex, life-long developmental disability which is
neurobiological in origin.
Who is involved in Autism Assessments?
In Western Australia, an experienced multidisciplinary team is required to carry out an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder for
individuals:
Children (up to 12 yrs)
• Paediatrician
• Speech Pathologist
• Clinical Psychologist
Adolescents (12-17yrs)
• Clinical Psychologist
• Paediatrician/Psychiatrist
• Speech Pathologist (if required)
Adults (18 and over)
• Clinical Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Speech Pathologist (if required)
Where to get a diagnosis
Your first step is to make an appointment with your GP, who will then make the appropriate referrals. Assessments can be conducted
through the public health system or privately (wait times can vary)
Disability Services Commission (08) 9426 9200
Public Health System
Referral
Make an appontment
with your GP
State Child Development Centre (08) 9426 9444
Private Health System
Referral
Individual Appointments with Private Clinicians
More information at www.waadf.org.au
Once assessments have been completed, the professionals involved communicate their fi ndings with other members of their
assessment team and reach a joint decision regarding the most appropriate diagnosis.
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www.autism.org.au
T (08) 9489 8900
F (08) 9489 8999
R 1800 636 427
E autismwa@autism.org.au
Locked Bag 2 SUBIACO WA 6904
215 Stubbs Terrace Shenton Park 6008
www.autism.org.au
ABN 54 354 917 843
Fact Sheet
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments In Western Australia
What is the cost of a diagnosis?
Diagnostic assessment conducted through the public health system is currently provided at no cost to families. The cost of
private assessment(s) will depend on the fees set by individual private practitioners. Families/individuals that choose to pursue
private assessment may be able to recover some costs through Medicare rebates. A rebates fact sheet is available from the Autism
Association of Western Australia and via the Medicare website www.medicare.gov.au
What happens after the diagnosis?
When the diagnostic assessment has been completed and has been made, the assessment team will contact the family and/or
individual to discuss their fi ndings. Recommendations for interventions and support will be made relevant to the diagnosis of
an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other diagnosis that may be made. Th e assessment team will discuss their fi ndings, explain the
reasons for the diagnosis and may make recommendations for interventions and support.
If applicable the diagnostic reports can be forwarded to the DSC. A decision will be made as to whether or not the person meets the
DSC criteria to be eligible for services. DSC will advise families which services they may be able to access. DSC can be contacted on
(08) 9426 9200.
Families of children under the age of 6 should contact the Autism Advisor Program to find out about the Helping Children with
Autism Package, an initiative of the Federal Government. Th is package includes a funding component to support eligible families in
accessing additional early intervention services.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VISIT
www.autism.org.au
Or call (08) 9489 8900 | Free Call 1800 636 427 (Regional Callers Only)
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www.autism.org.au