Autism Diagnosis in Western Australia
A diagnosis provides individuals with Autism access to the support they need to overcome difficulties in education, employment, independent living, and in achieving a good quality of life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), otherwise known as Autism, is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. The word ‘spectrum’ is used because, while other people with Autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.
Western Australian standards recommend that an experienced multidisciplinary team carry out an assessment for ASD for individuals. The individual’s age determines which professionals are recommended in the assessment:
| Children (up to 12 years) | Adolescents (13-17 years) | Adults (18 years and over) |
|
|
|
The requirements to see a team of professionals for the assessment depends on your intention to apply for government funded supports if a diagnosis is made. This should be discussed at the time when you book appointments with the diagnosticians, who can guide you as to which professionals need to be involved in the assessment. Once assessments have been completed, the professionals involved communicate their findings with other members of the assessment team and reach a joint decision regarding the most appropriate diagnosis for the individual.
Click here to find out more about the diagnostic process
