Autism Assessment
It can be extremely overwhelming to begin down the pathway of wading through unknown territory of autism assessments. This information will hopefully help those who are beginning this journey.
What you need:
- Assessment from a Speech Therapist
- Assessment by a Clinical Psychologist, and
- A letter from your paediatrician stating that they agree with the diagnosis.
Process - Private Therapists
- Go to GP and get a care plan. This will allow you to claim the sessions with the speech pathologist and clinical pathologist, from Medicare. The rebate is minimal but…
- The costs increase your Medicare safety net, thus you will probably end up getting around 85% rebates on all Medicare claims until the following January.
- Hint, go to Paediatrician last to hopefully get a larger rebate.
- It does not matter if you see the Speech Therapist or the Psychologist first.
- The first part of the assessment should be a good indicator if you need to continue with the next few.
Government
If you really can’t afford to go private, you can apply to the Child Development Centre. This can be a 12 month to 2 year waiting period but it is free.
Things to Consider
Just keep in mind the earlier you get a diagnosis, the earlier you get funding, the earlier you can begin intervention.
Locating Private Therapists
- Ask your GP
- Look for a Developmental Paediatrician
- Go to the PAPSWA (WA only) websites for a list of Speech Therapists
- Join Facebook’s groups and ask for recommendations.
Jennifer Ee
Literacy Specialist
