Diagnosis
A diagnosis provides Autistic individuals an understanding of their strengths and difficulties and the support they need in achieving their goals and a good quality of life.
About Autism
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), otherwise known as Autism, is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to others. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. The word ‘spectrum’ is used because Autism can impact individuals in different ways.
A diagnosis of Autism can assist others to understand the person’s support needs in education, making friends, participating in activities, finding employment, living independently, and in achieving a good quality of life.
What is the purpose of an Autism Assessment?
Our assessment will review whether the person meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and may also identify other developmental conditions.
Contact us about our specialist Diagnostic service today.
Subsidised Cost of Assessment
The Autism Association heavily subsidises the cost of an assessment. The completed assessment including the report, case conference and post-diagnostic assistance is $1,700 per assessment. There is a Medicare Rebate of approximately $452, making the net cost approximately $1,250 per assessment.
Diagnostic Clinic for Autism
The Autism Diagnostic Clinic has an experienced multidisciplinary staff including specialist Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologists, Speech Pathologists. We adhere to international best-practice standards for ASD assessments and align with the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia.
Our comprehensive assessments include a detailed diagnostic report and post-diagnostic support to help those diagnosed, access relevant services and improve their quality of life.
We have two multidisciplinary clinics, one from 2-7 years old and one from 8-18 years old. The Autism Association does not currently have appointments for adults over 18 years of age. However, we have a fact sheet which includes information on how to access diagnostic assessments outside of the Association.
Financial Hardship
Where a family is experiencing financial hardship e.g. in receipt of government pension, Health Care Card or receiving unemployment assistance, please contact our clinic at diagnosis@autism.org.au or (08) 9489 8900 so we can discuss further minimisation of cost.
Autism Diagnostic Clinic for Children 2 to 7 years old
Our Specialist Autism Diagnostic Clinic provides multidisciplinary assessments for children between the ages of 2 to 7 who may have Autism. An early Autism diagnosis provides parents with insight into how their child experiences the world and what we need to do to support them to reach their potential. All assessments are completed in a single day with our specialist multidisciplinary assessment team of Psychologists and Speech Pathologists who each have extensive experience in the field of Autism.
Step 2: Assessment
The multidisciplinary assessment will involve:
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In person clinical assessment and observations of the child; and
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A clinical interview with parents/caregivers.
Step 1: Referral from a Paediatrician
To start the process of an Autism assessment, we need a referral from your Paediatrician.
The referral should be forwarded to diagnosis@autism.org.au.
As part of this process, we will gather information about your child and ask families to complete some forms and provide other relevant information from your child’s school, day care or other relevant health professionals involved in their care.
All referrals will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the clinical team, and some may be advised of an alternative pathway more suited to the individual’s needs
Step 3: What happens after the assessment?
Families will be provided with feedback in a case conference approximately 2 weeks after the initial appointment. This will include a comprehensive report with details of the assessment and tailored recommendations included.
If your child is diagnosed with Autism, we will assist you to link in with services and supports that are available for Autistic children. We will also provide you with an information pack containing information and resources about Autism and supports and services.
Autism Diagnostic Clinic for 8 to 18 years old
Our Specialist Autism Diagnostic Clinic provides multidisciplinary assessments for children between the ages of 8 and 18 who may have Autism to support them to reach their potential in life.
The Diagnostic Clinic provides multidisciplinary assessments for children between the ages of 8 and 18. The assessment team consists of a Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologists and Speech Pathologists, each of whom have extensive experience in the field of Autism.
Step 2: Assessment
The multidisciplinary assessment will involve:
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The specialist Consultant Psychiatrist meeting with the young person and their family to review the clinical history and any concerns; and
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In person clinical assessment and observation of the young person.
Step 1: Referral from a GP or Medical Professional
We need a referral from your Paediatrician, General Practitioner or other medical specialist.
Referrals should be addressed to:
Dr. Kelly McKenna-Kerr
Consultant Psychiatrist
215 Stubbs Terrace Shenton Park WA 6008
The referral should be forwarded to the email diagnosis@autism.org.au.
As part of this process, we will gather information about the young person and ask families to complete some forms and provide other relevant information from their school, day care or other relevant health professionals involved in their care.
All referrals will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the clinical team, and some may be advised of an alternative pathway more suited to the individual’s needs.
Step 3: What happens after the assessment?
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A case conference is arranged to provide feedback to those involved.
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A comprehensive report is provided detailing the results and offering recommendations.
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Post Diagnostic Support includes assisting the young person who has an autism diagnosis with important supports.
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Additional information on community resources will be provided.
Step 4: Referrals
Please send referrals for our Autism diagnosis Clinic for 8–18-year-olds to:
Dr. Kelly McKenna-Kerr
Consultant Psychiatrist
215 Stubbs Terrace Shenton Park WA 6008
The referral should be forwarded to the email diagnosis@autism.org.au.
Autism Association of WA
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