Autism assessment for children in Australia: process and cost

An autism assessment for a child in Australia usually starts with your GP, child and family health nurse or paediatrician. It ends with a diagnostic evaluation, usually by a multidisciplinary team or, sometimes, by a single paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist with autism expertise.^[] Public assessments cost nothing but often have long waiting lists. Private assessments can be expensive and may also have a wait, and Medicare covers only part of the cost.^[]

What the national guideline recommends

The National Guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism, published by Autism CRC in 2018 and updated in 2023, is widely used across Australia.^[] It recommends two parts.^[]

A comprehensive needs assessment. This looks at your child's strengths and skills in daily living, communication and thinking, and at their everyday environment. A GP, paediatrician, psychologist, speech pathologist or occupational therapist can do this part. It also includes a medical evaluation, usually by a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist, to check whether something medical explains what you're seeing.^[]

A diagnostic evaluation. If the needs assessment suggests autism, a diagnostic evaluation checks whether autism is the best explanation for your child's characteristics. Clinicians may see you and your child several times, ask you detailed questions and review earlier reports.^[]

There are two ways to do the diagnostic evaluation:

• A lead practitioner evaluation, used when signs are clear and another explanation is very unlikely. A paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist with autism expertise leads it and draws on information from others.^[][]
• A consensus team evaluation, used when signs are less clear or could have another cause, such as an intellectual or learning disability. A team from different professions makes the decision together.^[]

Clinicians use the DSM-5-TR criteria, and many also use tools such as the ADOS-2 (an observation-based assessment) or structured parent interviews such as the ADI-R.^[]

The steps, from first worry to report

1. Write down what you've noticed. Note specific examples, your child's age when you first saw them and how long they've been happening.^[]
2. See your GP, child and family health nurse or paediatrician. Bring your notes and anything your child's early learning centre, kindy or school has raised.^[]
3. Get a referral. For Medicare to cover the paediatrician's assessment, your child needs a referral, usually from the GP.^[]
4. Go to the assessment appointments. These may include a paediatrician review plus sessions with a psychologist, speech pathologist or OT.
5. Get the feedback and report. The clinician explains the outcome. If your child is diagnosed, a paediatrician or psychiatrist can write a treatment and management plan that sets out recommended supports.^[]

For a very young child, especially one under 18 months, clinicians may decide to watch development for a few more months before diagnosing. They may ask you to keep records in the meantime.^[]

Public or private assessment

The table summarises Raising Children Network's guidance.^[] Before you choose, ask each service:

• How long is the wait for a first appointment, and for the final result?
• How many sessions will you need with us and our child?
• What can we claim back from Medicare?
• Can you estimate the total out-of-pocket cost?
• Does the written report cost extra?^[]

Medicare items for autism assessment

Medicare has specific items for children and young people under 25.

• Paediatrician assessment and plan (item 135). A paediatrician does a comprehensive assessment, makes the diagnosis and writes a treatment and management plan. The appointment lasts at least 45 minutes and the item can be claimed once per lifetime. A psychiatrist has an equivalent item.^[]
• Allied health assessments (items 82000, 82005 and 82010). A paediatrician or psychiatrist can refer your child to a psychologist, speech pathologist or OT to help with the diagnosis. Medicare covers up to 8 of these services per lifetime, shared across professions. The same 8 can also be used after diagnosis to help with the treatment plan, so any used for the assessment reduce what's left. Each lasts at least 50 minutes, and up to 4 can be on the same day.^[]

A psychologist with autism expertise can lead a diagnostic evaluation.^[] But the Medicare allied health assessment items need a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, so check the referral pathway before you book a private psychologist.^[] Medicare-funded therapy after a diagnosis has its own items and limits.

What it might cost

Costs vary between providers and regions. As one indicative example, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) lists $2,475 for an autism assessment with a full report and $1,650 for an assessment with a summary letter only, in its fee guide effective 1 July 2026. Aspect notes that Medicare rebates need a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, and that the NDIS does not cover diagnostic assessments.^[] Treat these figures as a rough guide only, and ask every service for a written quote.

What to prepare

• Notes on what you've seen, with dates and your child's age at the time.^[]
• Comments from educators or teachers.^[]
• Your referral letter and any earlier reports, such as hearing tests or speech assessments.
• A list of the questions you want answered.
• A way to prepare your child. Depending on their age, explain who they'll meet and what they'll do, or use pictures or a social story.^[]

Our milestones guide can help you describe where your child is now compared with typical development.

While you wait

You don't need a diagnosis to start getting help. For families of children aged 8 and under, Raising Children Network points to the Thriving Kids national phoneline on 1800 882 436 (7 days, 7 am to midnight) and the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline on 1300 654 789 (weekdays, 8 am to 7 pm).^[] The NDIS early childhood approach can connect children younger than 9 with supports even if they aren't eligible for the NDIS.^[] NDIS access and eligibility rules don't change until 1 January 2028. From then, Thriving Kids is meant to support children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, while children with higher support needs stay eligible for the NDIS. If your child is already on the NDIS, check with the NDIA what applies to them.^[]

Support that starts early tends to help more, which is why early intervention is worth looking into while you wait. If your child is diagnosed, our autism condition page explains how speech, OT and psychology support usually fit together.

Next steps

After a diagnosis, read NDIS for autistic children.

Book a GP appointment, take your notes, and ask for a referral to a paediatrician. Ask your GP about public assessment services in your area, even if you're also looking at private options. If something doesn't sit right after the assessment, seek a second opinion. Hey Sprout doesn't do diagnostic assessments, but if you'd like to talk through therapy options in the meantime, you can send us an enquiry.