Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition. To diagnose autism a specialist assessment is required.
Autism is referred to as a 'spectrum' because it presents differently for each person, with varying levels of support needed.
Children with autism present with differences in social communication and interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities including sensory sensitivity or focus. These present differently at different ages.
This may include:
- social communication and interaction: differences in understanding social cues and engaging in social interactions. These differences may affect how conversations and relationships develop.
- behaviour: repetitive behaviours, such as repeating certain movements or phrases, or following strict routines.
- interests: a deep focus on specific interests or hobbies, and may excel in certain areas like patterns, numbers, or particular subjects.
- sensory sensitivities: sensitivity to the environment, for example, may be easily upset by certain sounds or bright lights and/or seeks out sensations, for example, may flutter fingers to the side of their eyes to watch the light flicker.
Every individual with autism has their own unique strengths, challenges, and needs.
To access the Child Development Service, a referral will first need to be accepted.
The information provided on the referral form along with any supporting documents (e.g. private health practitioner reports, school reports, medical reports) will help us determine a service plan (including an assessment pathway and team member(s) your child may see) that best meets the needs of your child.
Children with significant developmental concerns across multiple developmental areas may be offered a neurodevelopmental assessment (e.g. autism).
For more information on the services we offer, visit our services: assessment and support.
What does an autism assessment with the Child Development Service involve?
In the Child Development Service, we use a team approach. All clinicians involved are trained and experienced in assessing for autism and other developmental disorders.
One of our paediatricians (doctors) will always be part of the team and will provide the medical evaluation.
The paediatrician will work with at least one other clinician (a clinical psychologist or speech pathologist), who does other parts of the assessment.
Clinical nurse specialists will also be involved in supporting the assessment process, and social workers may be involved as needed.
The assessment process includes:
- watching or talking to your child. The team may use a test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
- talking to you (or other people who care for your child) to gather information to address the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder
- a medical assessment, including your child's physical health, and a developmental or cognitive (thinking) assessment if needed
- assessing your child's language if needed
- getting information about how your child participates in other places such as school or childcare
- getting information from previous assessment or treatment reports if relevant
- collecting information about how your child functions in everyday life, often using the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System tool (ABAS-III).
After the assessment, we will provide a detailed report that you can share with your child's school, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or others involved in supporting your child.
You may choose to go to another service for your child's autism assessment.
Options include:
- private assessment: you can pay for an autism assessment in the private sector
- Department of Communities: assess children of all ages, you will need a referral from a paediatrician. Assessments are completed by psychologists and/or speech pathologists, who work with your child’s referring paediatrician. Discuss with your child's paediatrician for further information.
Private services
Private services can vary in what they offer, as well as who is involved in the assessment process.
To help you choose the right provider for your child, consider asking each service these questions:
- what does the autism assessment include, and who will assess my child?
- will the assessment include all parts required to provide a diagnosis?
- if my child is diagnosed with autism, will the assessment, the clinicians' qualifications and the final report meet all NDIS and school requirements for funding? It is a good idea to discuss school-based support with your child’s school before booking an assessment.
If you want a private assessment, talk to your family doctor to find out if you can get a Medicare rebate.
For further information and services available see our Autism assessments: choosing to use private services flyer.
The Early Childhood Approach (under 9 years)
The Early Childhood Approach (ECA) is funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for children under 6 years who have a developmental delay or concern, and children under 9 years who have a disability.
Wanslea is the early childhood partner that delivers the ECA in Perth.
If your child is under 6 years and you have significant concerns about their development, you may wish to consider applying for their services.
A diagnosis is not required to access the ECA if your child is under 6 years.
Visit the Wanslea website to learn more about the ECA and to access a referral form.
For further information or support with completing the referral form, discuss with your general practitioner (GP) or other health professional.
NDIS (over 9 years)
The NDIS supports children 9 years and older with permanent disability to access necessary services and supports.
For children over 9 years, the NDIS will connect you with a Local Area Coordinator (e.g. another organisation) dependent on where you live in the metropolitan area.