We understand that navigating the process of autism assessments for your child in Perth, Western Australia can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to provide you with clear, compassionate, and actionable information to help you feel confident and informed. Below is a guide to the assessment process, what to expect, and how we support families like yours.
What is an Autism Assessment?
An autism diagnostic assessment is a thorough process designed to determine whether your child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition). This process helps identify your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and needs, ensuring they receive the right support at home, in school, and in the community.
Purpose of the Autism Assessment
The assessment aims to:
- Confirm whether your child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism.
- Understand your child’s developmental profile, including their strengths and areas needing support.
- Provide tailored recommendations to help your child thrive in daily life.
- Facilitate access to funding or educational supports, such as NDIS or school-based programs.
It’s important to note that not all children assessed will receive an autism diagnosis. Our assessments are thorough, unbiased, and evidence-based.
Who Conducts the Autism Assessments?
In Western Australia, an autism assessment diagnosis can be made by two professionals, with either of these pathways:
Option 1)
A speech pathologist and a clinical psychologist (a clinical psychologist is required if a paediatrician is not involved to support eligibility at school).
or
Option 2)
A paediatrician and a psychologist/clinical psychologist.
or
Option 3)
A paediatrician and a speech pathologist.
This two-professional pathway ensures autism assessments are thorough while making it easier for families to access support through NDIS and schools.
Our autism assessments are conducted by:
- Internal Speech Pathologist: Expert in communication, language, and social interaction; with a minimum of 10 years experience and a post graduate certificate in autism diagnostics.
- Internal Clinical Psychologist: Specialist in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development, with a minimum of 10 years experience with diagnoses of neurological developmental conditions and a post graduate certificate in autism diagnostics.
- External psychologists and paediatricians: Specialists in early childhood medical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development.
We offer two types of autism assessments:
- Speech Pathology-Only Autism Assessments: This is sought when an individual has already accessed an assessment through an external paediatrician or psychologist.
- Joint Autism Assessments: A collaborative approach combining speech pathology and clinical psychology expertise for a comprehensive evaluation, all on the one day.
Why Choose a Multidisciplinary Approach?
Autism can present differently in every child, and some features may be subtle, especially in young children or girls. A joint autism assessment with a speech pathologist and a psychologist provides a deeper understanding of your child’s communication, social, and emotional development.
For children under 7, this collaborative approach is considered the gold standard, helping ensure that all aspects of your child’s development are thoroughly evaluated.
The Autism Assessment Process
Our assessments follow best-practice guidelines and typically involve:
1. Pre-Assessment Phone call:Â
- Ascertain whether enough information warrants an autism diagnosis.
- Ascertain whether a standard speech pathology/second opinion assessment is required first.
- Deposit processed to confirm your autism assessment date and time
2. Pre-Assessment Preparation
- Gathering background information through questionnaires and school/daycare reports.
- Reviewing any relevant reports or assessments from other professionals.
3. In-Person Assessment
On the day, if you’ve booked a joint assessment, both the speech pathologist and clinical psychologist will work with your child. When you arrive, we observe how your child enters the room and interacts. Then, one assessor will take your child for structured play-based testing (ADOS or MIGDAS), while the other interviews you about your child’s development and behaviors. Later, the assessors swap to ensure both spend time with your child and gather a full picture. For younger children, parents stay present during the session. For older, more independent children, parents will be required to step out during formal sections of the assessment.
- Observations using tools such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule).
- Parent interviews to gather a developmental history.
- Standardized assessments of communication and cognitive skills (if needed).
4. Post-Assessment
- A detailed report summarizing findings, recommendations, and strategies.
- (only if required, 10% of cases require this) School visit or phone call with current teacher.
- An optional feedback phone call to explain the results and next steps.
Preparing for Your Assessment
- Complete and return any pre-assessment forms at least three days before your appointment.
- Send through any relevant reports from educators, therapists, or medical professionals.
- Let us know about any specific concerns or preferences for the session.
- Should I prepare my child for the assessment? My child finds new people and places extremely challenging.
- If your child has difficulty on the day, please don’t worry. It’s common, and the observations made during challenging moments are often the most helpful.
- You don’t need to overly prepare your child for their autism assessment. The goal is to observe how they naturally adapt to new people and an unfamiliar environment. While it’s okay to mention the appointment in a casual way, avoid detailed explanations or social stories that could change their natural responses.
How much does an Autism Assessment cost?
- Speech Pathology-Only Autism Assessment: Starting from $1,300.
- Joint Speech Pathology and Clinical Psychology Autism Assessment: Starting from $2,400.
Rebates may be available through:
- Medicare: For assessments referred by a GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist under specific item codes.
- Private Health Insurance: Depending on your level of coverage.
Please note that rebates vary and are subject to eligibility criteria. We encourage you to check with your provider beforehand.
More information about rebates can be found in our information document at time of booking an autism assessment with us.
Visit our autism assessments page for more frequently asked questions!
