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Getting a Diagnosis in Australia

Getting a diagnosis in Australia


Getting a diagnosis in Australia can sometimes be a lengthy process, so if you have concerns about your child, start as soon as possible.


🌞 There is an app called ASDetect. It is video-based, so you can watch videos of children with autism. It has a series of questions to answer. It will give you a likelihood of autism and is a great tool to bring up with your GP and treating professionals. Sometimes it’s hard to remember everything. This can be a useful tool. [https://asdetect.org](https://asdetect.org/?fbclid=IwAR20a0WcmudW5pLWfwzZnCiyG5QW-P8GgMhSntCv4XmuloL9oxZqgXQ1uA4)


🌞 Firstly, visit your GP and get a referral to a pediatrician either public (usually over a year wait) or private which can be quicker but it's around $450 with about $220 back from Medicare (in QLD at least) it’s probably similar in other states. Also, get your child’s hearing and eyesight tested, as the pediatrician will want these issues ruled out. Also, ask your GP for a referral to a speech psychologist, and for OT you can get some free visits through Medicare. Contact your local early intervention partner for NDIS to get funding for therapies. You do not need a diagnosis under the age of 7 to access funding. Going on to get a diagnosis will ensure your funding isn’t cut when your child ages out of early intervention.


🌞 Your local community health nurse can also refer you to the hospital child development program. They can do all the investigations to gather the information for the pediatrician, but again it’s usually a lengthy wait. Generally, the pediatrician will want multiple reports from treating professionals, so a report from your speech, occupational therapist, and the main one from your psychologist. Alternatively, sometimes they will want the ADOS performed on your child. It just depends on the pediatrician.

Generally, if you have comprehensive reports from the above professionals, the pediatrician is happy to diagnose. The report from the psychologist will look at how your child is in two different settings, so at home and at daycare/kindy/school, etc. Your child’s teachers will be asked to complete a report as well. If your child is not attending a different setting, they will most likely observe your child over several visits. This can vary, depending on how long they need to gather information.


🌞 After you get the diagnosis, update your early intervention partner so they can add it to your information for NDIS. Usually, the pediatrician will give you a letter to confirm this to pass along. Update everyone involved in your child’s care so everyone has the right information to best support your child. Including a letter from your pediatrician for your school daycare or kindy so they can access support and funding for your child where applicable.


🌞 You can get some payments from the government. Carers Payment is income tested, so it will depend on income if you qualify. Carers allowance has an income limit. With a lump sum of $1600 at tax time, until your child is 16, your child will also receive a health care card.


🌞 We have added links to some helpful websites at the bottom of this post.


🧡 Remember after diagnosis it takes some time for you to process. It’s okay to feel sad or relieved. All feelings are valid. It can be a hard time. Your child is still the amazing child they were before, and you will all get through this. And now, they are assured of getting the support they need to thrive.







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