Autism Assessments
Our experienced speech pathologists and psychologists provide the gold standard in autism assessments.
Please note
We are not accepting referrals for autism assessments at this time.
To find other accredited autism assessment services, use the Public Autism Assessment Register on the WA Autism Diagnosticians Forum website.
Getting an Autism diagnosis
An autism assessment helps determine if an individual meets the criteria for autism and provides information about their presentation and support needs.
At Therapy Focus, we provide the gold standard in autism assessments for children aged 15 years and under.
- Use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 (ADOS -2) to provide a decision based on the DSM-5-TR criteria
- Comprehensive parent interview, functional assessment and cognitive assessment (if required)
- Assessment of language, play, communication and social skills
- Consultation with key people in the child’s life
- A diagnostic report detailing the impact of the diagnosis on functioning, which will support conversations with NDIS Planners
- A feedback session with parents to discuss results in detail and provide support for the next steps
Diagnosis to therapy in 10 steps
Step 1.
Speak to your GP about a referral for an autism assessment. This can be done prior to seeing a paediatrician.
Step 2.
Contact Therapy Focus on 1300 135 373 to book an autism assessment.
Step 3.
Our assessors will complete an assessment in line with the National Guidelines for Autism Assessment and Diagnosis.
Step 4.
We will provide you with a diagnostic assessment report and feedback about the findings.
Step 5.
If your child receives an autism diagnosis, it will need to be confirmed by a paediatrician within a two-year period.
Step 6.
Take the diagnostic report to the paediatrician for confirmation of diagnosis.
Step 7.
Use the diagnostic report to access Government funding through the NDIS and book a planning meeting.
Step 8.
Attend the planning meeting to have an NDIS Plan created for your child.
Step 9.
Contact Therapy Focus to provide details of your child’s NDIS Plan.
Step 10.
Sign a Service Agreement with us to start receiving therapy services.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you have a referral from a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist, and your child is 15 years of age or younger.
We are able to provide speech pathologist or psychologist assessments. We will need to provide you with a quote for this service as pricing may vary
We are unable to recommend specific paediatricians. You can go to the Western Australian Autism Diagnosticians’ Forum (WAADF) website to find information about paediatricians who can refer your child for an assessment.
Please contact our friendly customer liaison officers to discuss prices as they vary according to age. This cost covers a speech pathologist assessment, psychologist assessment, clinical interview, comprehensive report and feedback. Please refer to our current pricing on our website or contact our offices on 1800 135 373.
If your child is referred by a private paediatrician you will be eligible for Medicare rebates. Please note that we are unable to provide codes for your private health fund. It is up to your provider as to the rebate you may receive.
Unfortunately, Government paediatrician referrals are not eligible for Medicare rebates and GP referrals are subject to eligibility by Medicare.
We understand the assessment cost can be a strain on the family. You may contact our accounts department to organise a payment plan. Please note, you will not receive a copy of the diagnostic report until you have paid your account in full.
It is now time to link in with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to arrange your child’s funding. You will need to complete an NDIS access form or, if your child is under 7 years, use the NDIS website to find your nearest NDIS partner.
Once you are connected with the NDIS you will be asked to attend a planning meeting. This is where you can advocate for the type of support you require for your child (such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, continence, dietetics, and support workers).
Once you receive your plan, you are able to access services. The NDIS is all about choice, giving you control over where and how you want services.
To access services from Therapy Focus please complete the application form on our website and attach your NDIS plan. You will then be placed on a waitlist for services.
Yes, we are able to assess your child to Australian standards without a referral from a paediatrician. You will need to book an appointment with a paediatrician for confirmation of the Australian diagnosis within two years of the assessment. During this time funding can be accessed through the NDIS.
Yes, we will assess a child from a psychiatry referral, however you will still need to have the assessment signed off by a paediatrician.
As part of the assessment process we send the classroom teacher our comprehensive preassessment questionnaire. This helps the assessors plan and individualise the assessment.