Autism Assessment
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that requires specialist training and comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment processes to enhance diagnostic accuracy and validity.
Complete Multidisciplinary ASD Assessment
ASD assessment at Millstream Paediatrics includes a full multidisciplinary assessment with a paediatrician, clinical psychologist and a speech pathologist.
- Age 2-11 years includes a speech pathologist, clinical psychologist & paediatrician assessment
- Age 12-18 years includes a clinical psychologist & paediatrician assessment
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD a developmental disability marked by neurological differences, difficulties in social interactions and atypical behaviours that are restrictive and/or repetitive.
Understanding that early diagnosis and intervention significantly impact outcomes is crucial for parents, caregivers, and individuals interested in autism diagnosis and intervention.
- Autism symptoms and behaviours develop from infancy to early childhood.
- Autism is largely a genetic condition, meaning that there is a greater likelihood of autism when a family history of confirmed autism exists.
- Other factors may increase the risk of autism such as gender, parent age at birth, genetic conditions, birthing complications and very low birth weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, you can self-refer for autism assessment, although a GP or Paediatrician referral is preferred.
Children under 12 years:
Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist
Psychologist ASD assessor
Speech Pathologist ASD assessor
Children aged 12 – 18 years:
Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist
Psychologist ASD assessor
ASD speech pathology assessment is not required, although may be engaged when complexity is present
Adults:
A Psychiatrist is recommended.
A Clinical Psychologist, Educational & Developmental Psychologist or Neuropsychologist can assess as a single diagnostic clinician.
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) National Assessment Guidelines were updated in 2023.
Under the updated guidelines, a Clinical Psychologist, Educational & Developmental Psychologist or Neurodevelopmental Psychologist can conduct a Lead Practitioner Diagnostic Evaluation in collaboration with a medical practitioner.
Medicare Rebates may apply under the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) Package when a Paediatrican refers a child under the age of 13 years. This is only applicable for select assessments completed directly with the individual.
Medicare rebates do not apply for GP referrals. Check with your Private Health Care provider for rebates.
Under HCWA funding, a referring psychiatrist or paediatrician will usethe following Medicare Item Codes:
- Paediatrician item codes 135.
Pre-Assessment:
- Initial parent-only consult, 60 – 90 minutes. This appointment is a consult designed to openly discuss concerns, symptoms and behaviours without your child present. By the end of the appointment, an assessment plan will be recommended.
- There is no obligation to proceed with an assessment after this time.
Assessment Process:
- 16 – 20 hours in total.
- School or Daycare Visit for child observations.
- Teacher or Educator/s Interview.
- Parent Clinical Interview (ADI-R).
- Child autism assessment.
- Child cognitive assessment.
- Specialist Liaison.
- Educational/Specialist report review.
- Differential diagnostic considerations.
- Multidisciplinary liaison.
- Comprehensive report preparation.
- NB: school observations do not occur for adolescents in consideration of privacy and respect. School Psychologist assistance may be engaged for school context information.
Post-Assessment Process:
- Feedback Appointment
Fees depend on the nature, duration and complexity of the assessment. Fees are discussed in the initial pre-assessment appointment. For more information, phone (08) 9468 4920.
Yes. Millstream works collaboratively with Paediatrician partners. If you do not have a paediatrician and there is a resulting confirmed diagnosis, we will refer you to our multidisciplinary paediatrician. No wait times apply.
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