The Increasing Need for Autism Assessments in Australia
You may be reading this article because you’re curious about autism assessments in Perth for yourself, your child, or a loved one. In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of early diagnosis of autism, the impact a delayed diagnosis can have, and where you can find comprehensive autism assessments in Perth.
Let’s start by briefly explaining what autism is. Autism is a developmental condition which means a person has unique differences in their brain’s structure and function. All autistic people communicate and interact with the world in their own way. As we like to say, no two autistic people are alike!
The Rising Prevalence of Autism in Australia
People are being diagnosed with Autism in Australia now more than ever. Autistic participants accessing the NDIS rose by 6% between 2017 and 2023.
Why are we seeing increased Autism diagnosis rates?
The answer is, we’re getting better at identifying autism earlier on in childhood, and at picking up on more subtle autistic traits. Greater awareness around autism and autistic traits has also led to an increase in adults and parents of autistic children seeking autism assessments for themselves.
Challenges in Current Autism Assessment Processes
Education and awareness around autism have empowered more people to access autism assessments in Australia. The autism assessment process is not without its challenges, though. An increasing demand and limited diagnostic services are fuelling the long waiting times to access autism assessments. For families living outside of metropolitan Perth, accessing diagnostic assessment providers can be even trickier.
Impact of Delayed Diagnoses
Early diagnosis of autism is important. It enables the child, and their family, to access the right supports earlier, leading to more positive outcomes and empowering children to live their lives to the fullest. Receiving a formal diagnosis is another step in the journey of understanding someone better, whether that someone is you, your child or a loved one!
It also helps you gather valuable insights into their strengths and the support requirements they need across various settings, like school, work and home.
A delayed diagnosis can increase parental stress and means important services may not be provided early on. Not to mention the financial impact of a delayed assessment and diagnosis, like paying out of pocket for supports and services you, or your child, might need. With an autism diagnosis, you can apply to the NDIS for funding of any services that will support you to achieve your goals.
Community and Education Sector Involvement
Greater awareness and education around autism and autistic traits means more families are noticing traits in their young children and seeking autism assessment and diagnostic services. This means more support is being provided in a timely manner, which promotes positive developmental gains and helps parents to better understand and interact with their children.
We’ve seen how important awareness and education have been for adults too, with the number of adults seeking an autism assessment increasing. A diagnosis means better access to the right supports to empower adults to participate in life the way they want to. Some adults have described how a diagnosis has helped them to connect with the autistic community and better understand some of their past experiences.
Superyou Autism Assessments
We understand the challenges many people face in accessing autism assessments in Perth. That’s why we launched AUthentic Autism Assessments, to provide a neuroaffirming autism assessment that prioritises each client’s individual strengths and differences, and to ease the stress commonly associated with the process.
Our highly experienced autism assessment team offers in-person and telehealth assessments, so no matter where you are in Australia, we’ll be here to support you on your journey. To find out more, click here!