Understanding Autism Diagnosis: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Key Points

• Having a clear understanding of how autism is diagnosed is vital as this helps you identify the next steps you need to take toward addressing this condition.
• In Australia, autism can be assessed by a multidisciplinary team or a single health professional based on a national guideline to ensure a reliable and consistent diagnosis process.  
• The various steps involved in the diagnosis process are focused on assessing a child’s behaviour, social interactions, communication skills, daily functions, and developmental delays.
• While waiting for an official diagnosis from health professionals, you have the option to access early intervention support for your child, such as connecting with an NDIS Early Childhood Partner. 

Summary

For many families, having a child with autism can be quite challenging. Fortunately, having a clear understanding of how this condition is assessed and diagnosed can help parents and caregivers identify the vital resources that can support them and their child in their situation. This enables them to access support programs and services offered by the NDIS that cater to their child’s unique needs and condition.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Who Can Diagnose Autism?
3. Understanding the Diagnosis Process
4. Where to Get an Autism Diagnosis
5. The Professionals Involved
6. What to Do While You Wait
7. Want Further Assistance?

With a clear understanding of the diagnosis process, you’ll be better equipped to take the next steps. This guide is designed to simplify what you need to know and help support you along the way.

Who Can Diagnose Autism?

In Australia, autism assessments follow a national guideline introduced in 2018, with updates added in 2023 to reflect the latest research and practices. This ensures a consistent and reliable process for families across the country. Assessments may be made by either:

A Multidisciplinary Team

The assessment may be done by a multidisciplinary team, which often includes a paediatrician or child psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a speech pathologist. Other specialists may be involved if needed, especially in more complex cases.

A Single Health Professional

Sometimes, a single health professional can provide a diagnosis, particularly when the signs of autism are clear. However, a team-based approach is often recommended for children with less obvious symptoms or additional medical conditions.

Understanding the Diagnosis Process

First, health professionals assess how your child functions in areas like learning, communication, daily living, and social relationships.

They’ll ask questions about your child’s development and behaviour to get a full picture of their strengths and support needs.

Next, a doctor will look for any medical reasons behind developmental delays through a physical examination and other tests.

Thirdly, if no medical explanation is found, the final step is an in-depth diagnostic assessment.
This typically includes interviews with you and your child and observing your child for signs of autism.

Where to Get an Autism Diagnosis

If you think your child may have autism, a great place to start is with your GP. They can help you figure out what services are available in your area and provide referrals to the right specialists.

Several government-funded services are available in Australia and are a good option if you’re looking for free assessments. However, these services are in high demand, so you might face a waiting period of several months.

Some require a referral from a paediatrician, while others accept referrals directly from your GP.

If timing is a concern and you can afford it, private health professionals and clinics offer faster assessments, though these come with costs.

Medicare rebates can help offset some of the expenses, especially for those under 25.

These rebates cover assessments by a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist and up to four sessions with allied health professionals like psychologists, speech pathologists, or occupational therapists.

It’s also worth checking if your private health insurance covers any part of the assessment.

For families in rural or remote areas, accessing diagnostic services might seem more challenging, but technology has made things easier. Telehealth services allow you to consult specialists online from home. Programs like Royal Far West in NSW even offer residential multidisciplinary assessments for families living in regional areas

Local autism associations are also excellent resources for finding nearby options or specialised programs tailored to your situation.

The Professionals Involved

During the assessment process, your child might meet with a range of health professionals. Paediatricians, including developmental specialists, focus on children’s health and behaviour.

Child psychiatrists bring expertise in mental health for kids and teens, while psychologists assess emotional and behavioural concerns.

Speech pathologists are often involved, especially if communication or language challenges are present, and occupational therapists can help identify any sensory, physical, or cognitive difficulties.

Social workers may also provide support, helping families navigate challenges with practical advice and emotional guidance.

What to Do While You Wait

Waiting for an autism assessment can feel stressful, but it’s important to know that support is available even before a formal diagnosis.

The NDIS offers an Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) program for children under six with developmental delays, as well as for children under nine with disabilities.

Through this program, you can connect with an NDIS Early Childhood Partner who will take the time to understand your child’s needs so you can access much-needed support for autism.

They can point you toward helpful resources in your community, provide short-term early intervention if appropriate, and help you access NDIS funding if that’s required.

While the process of getting a diagnosis may take time, there’s no shortage of professionals, programs and services ready to assist you and your child.

Want Further Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs help accessing early intervention support and funding for autism, then make sure to reach out to AIIM Choices. We can serve as your personal guide in navigating through the NDIS application process.

Through our tailored Application Assistance service, we’ll help you become part of this government-funded insurance program, allowing you to access life-changing autism level 1 NDIS support.

Also, we are a trusted plan management provider that operates in Wodonga, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Perth.

Through our experienced and reliable Plan Managers, we’ll oversee the daily administration of your plan, which includes settling your invoices from service providers, monitoring your funding, and making sure that the supports you’re getting are aligned with your goals.

Contact AIIM Choices today to learn how we can help you create a better life through our Application Assistance and Plan Management services.