Getting an Assessment

Why get an Assessment:

Many people live their lives knowing they are different from those around them, without knowing why.  If you are content with the status quo, you may feel there is no need for a diagnosis to confirm your suspicions.  However, for some people, especially children, there may be advantages to putting a name to the differences they experience.  A formal diagnosis may lead to additional practical support at school, increased understanding of areas of difficulty, and financial assistance with therapies and treatments.  If you’re unsure whether you want your child or yourself to be ‘labelled’, you may want to read first-hand accounts from individuals who have been there, done that.  Try Look Me in The Eye by John Elder Robinson, Freaks Geeks and Asperger Syndrome by Luke Jackson, or Asperger Sydnrome, the Universe and Everything by Kenneth Hall.  All of these titles are available from our library.  See also our Fact Sheet ‘Sharing the Diagnosis’

Once you decide you want a professional diagnosis there are two paths you can take: government funded, or private assessment.  

Autism Victoria’s website provides a detailed description of the assessment process for children, and the different pathways for adults.  We have included some excerpts from their site here:

Government Funded Assessment Teams:

You can get in touch with a government-funded team that specialises in the assessment and diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).  Parents can telephone these teams directly but may need a referral from their GP or Paediatrician.  Contact the team closest to where you live.  Click here to see the full list for Victoria

Private Providers:

The other (more costly) option is to seek assessment by a private professional provider.  We can direct parents or adults seeking a diagnosis to professionals who have a special interest and/or experience in dealing with and diagnosing Asperger Syndrome.  Anyone can make an appointment to see a psychologist.  We recommend a preliminary conversation/email with the professional explaining your situation and need.  This will assist you in determining their level of experience.  This is very important as AS is a relatively unknown disorder.
Over the years ASSN Vic has compiled lists of various professionals working in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders.  View the Professional Directory.

Helping Children with Autism

We are currently developing material in this area and will to update this page soon. Information on this subject can also be found at The Helping Children with Autism website

Other Professional Assessment Help

There are some professional associations whose websites allow visitors to locate a professional close to them.  
The Australian Psychological Society
Find a Psychologist at www.psychology.org.au
Psychologists who are members of this professional association (over 2,300 Australia-wide) have listed their services at the website.  
Speech Pathology Australia
Occupational Therapy Australia
Practitioner Directory of Occupational Therapists providing services for Autism Spectrum Disorder

There is more information on services like the those above in our Professional Directory menu on this site.