Autism Assessments
Our experienced speech pathologists and psychologists provide the gold standard in autism assessments.
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability. No two autistic people are the same, however almost all autistic people will experience some form of difficulty with social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities.
Strengths and support analysis
An autism assessment helps determine if an individual meets the criteria for autism and provides information about their strengths and support needs in different environments.
Therapy Focus can provide assessments for children over three years of age and young people under 18. Assessments are completed by our multidisciplinary team, including Speech Pathologists and Psychologists, over the course of a morning at one of our Perth metropolitan locations. In some cases, observation in other environments may be required.
What the assessment involves
- Play-based assessment of social communication using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 (ADOS -2)
- Comprehensive parent/caregiver interview
- Assessment of functioning
- Language assessment by a speech pathologist, if required
- Cognitive assessment by a registered psychologist, if required
- Consultation with key people in the child’s life such as daycare, school or other caregivers
- A comprehensive report of assessment findings determining if the criteria for a diagnosis of autism has been met or not
- A Summary of Functioning and Statement of Support Needs, whether the criteria for a diagnosis of autism has been met or not
- A feedback session with families to discuss results in detail and provide support for the next steps.
Diagnosis to therapy
Step 1.
Speak to your General Practitioner (GP) about a referral to a paediatrician.
Step 2.
Based on the findings of an initial assessment, the paediatrician may provide a referral for a multidisciplinary team autism assessment.
Step 3.
Complete an application for autism assessment online, or call 1300 135 373 to request forms to be sent though the mail.
Step 4.
Our assessors will complete an assessment in line with the National Guidelines for Autism Assessment and Diagnosis.
Step 5.
We will provide you with an assessment report and feedback about the findings.
Step 6.
Take this assessment report to the paediatrician for confirmation of diagnosis within 2 years of assessment.
Step 7.
If diagnosed, your child may be eligible for government funding. Please contact the NDIA to discuss your eligibility.
Step 8.
If funded, contact Therapy Focus to provide details of your child’s NDIS Plan.
Step 9.
Sign a Service Agreement with us to start receiving therapy services.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you have a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, and your child is under 18 years of age. You will also need to be able to attend a face-to-face assessment.
Therapy Focus can provide partial assessment by a speech pathologist, inclusive of language assessment, play-based assessment via the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, liaison with other health professionals involved and a report of findings. The cost for this service is $2,310.
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.
The cost for an autism assessment is $4,000 inclusive of a speech pathologist assessment, psychologist assessment, clinical interview, comprehensive report and feedback session.
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 families. Please contact our Accounts Department on 1300 135 373 if you would like to organise a payment plan. Please note we are unable to provide the outcome of the assessment until your account is paid in full.
If the multidisciplinary team assessment conducted at Therapy Focus determines your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis of autism, you must have the diagnosis confirmed by your paediatrician within two years.
A diagnosis of autism may mean your child is eligible for government funding via the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It’s now time to contact the National Disability Insurance Agency to apply. In order to apply, you will need your child’s formal assessment reports.
For children younger than 9, early childhood partners deliver a nationally consistent early childhood approach. To find an early childhood partner in your area, call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and they will support you through the application process. For individuals over the age of 9, you can call that same number, or visit the NDIS website to download and complete their Access Request Form.
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 supports you require for your child, such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, continence, dietetics, support workers etc. Your child’s autism assessment report will include an Assessment of Functioning and a Statement of Support Needs to help guide this conversation.
Once you receive your NDIS plan you are able to access services. The NDIS is all about giving you choice and control over where and how you wish to access 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.
As part of the assessment process, we send the classroom teacher or childcare educator our comprehensive pre-assessment questionnaire. This helps the assessors plan and individualise the assessment.
Apply for an Assessment
To apply for an autism assessment, complete a short form via the link below.
For more information, contact our friendly team on 1300 135 373.