Autism Assessment Clinic
The clinic provides multi-disciplinary autism assessments to children and teenagers aged 3 years to 15 years and 11 months.
You will be supported by a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals (i.e., a Speech Pathologist, Psychologist and/or an Occupational Therapist) working within a neurodiversity- affirming model of care
What the assessment process will look like:
The assessment process usually involves 2-3 appointments over three weeks, depending on the individual’s needs
We need to know all about your child so will be gathering lots of information.
This information will come from you and with your consent, from other professionals who know your child (e.g. kinder/classroom teacher and/or other professionals involved). We will also complete formalized assessments
At the completion of the assessment process, a clinician will talk you through the results and some information regarding next steps. A comprehensive written report will be sent to you and your Pediatrician.
How to prepare for the appointment
- Please have results of a hearing assessment completed within the last 12 months (which can be arranged within DPV Health if not already completed)
- We encourage a carer to attend the assessment, for emotional support.
- Be prepared to talk about your child’s behaviour and development, especially their strengths and challenges. This will help you answer questions during the assessment.
- Consider bringing any relevant documents relating to your child – their Maternal Child Health Book and reports from other professionals.
Understanding the Assessment
Who can use this service (eligibility)
- Assessments offered for children and teenagers aged 3 years – 15 years and 11 months
- Paediatrician referral required within the last 12 months stating that it is for diagnosis of a complex neuro developmental disorder such as autism
- No previous autism assessment completed (within the last 12 months)
- A limited number of government funded assessments are available for families facing hardship. Access to these assessments will be determined on an individual basis
Fees
Medicare-subsidised assessment clinic
Your child may be eligible for Medicare rebates when accessing this clinic. Medicare rebates may differ depending on individual situations. Please always contact Medicare and/or check your family’s Medicare information online for the latest information regarding the rebate amount you will receive.
DPV Health cannot guarantee rebate amounts provided by Medicare. Medicare rebates are provided separately to DPV Health. Once the threshold is met, this will significantly reduce the overall out-of-pocket.
Please check with Medicare to understand if you have met or are near to meeting the threshold
Government-funded assessment clinic
There are a limited number of government-funded assessments available for families facing hardship.
A referral to this clinic does not guarantee that your child will be accepted onto this waitlist. Your child’s referral will be screened when it is received and the outcome provided to the referrer and family
Referral forms
Cancellations
All cancellations less than 24 hours prior to an appointment will incur a $50 fee that will be charged at your next appointment
Please note:
- The referral from the Paediatrician needs to state that it is for diagnosis of a complex neuro developmental disorder such as ASD, for client to receive the rebate.
- The eligibility will be determined by our intake team once the referral is received
Service Locations:
DPV Health Early Childhood Development Services – Broadmeadows
How to make an appointment
Email intake@dpvhealth.org.au
OR
Call 1300 234 263 and select option 5
Book now & let us help you!
Call us on 1300 234 263 and select option 4, all other health services. DPV Health has extensive experience with national accreditation which meets all required standards to deliver evidence-based outcomes.
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
Children and teenagers who are unable to access a funded or partially funded assessment.
The wait time will vary depending on when the referral is received and availability of appointment times.
The assessments are conducted at 1 Sorrento Street, Broadmeadows. Please note DPV health has two sites in Broadmeadows so please check before coming that you are going to the correct site.
Yes, any child can access this clinic.
Your Paediatrician (public or private) can refer you to the clinic- please go to the referral forms to download a copy for them to complete on your behalf if they feel an assessment is warranted.
Please note: referral from a Paediatrician for the Medicare-subsidized clinic are valid for three months only.
We have a team of trained autism assessment clinicians which includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists and psychologists. Please note we cannot guarantee a psychologist will be involved in the assessment process. Please discuss this with us prior to the assessment if this is a requirement for you.
Yes, the Paediatrician will make the final decision regarding a diagnosis. They will also provide the continuity of care as required.
No, you do not need to live within a certain catchment area to access the clinic
Please notify the intake team within 48 hours of the appointment. If we are not notified, you may need to pay a $50 last-minute cancellation fee.
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