Autism Association 2022 Annual Report

Diagnostic Clinics

For children and young people with Autism, access to diagnosis is the first step in receiving the assistance they need to achieve their full potential and overcome challenges in education, employment, independent living and social participation. This year we completed approximately 400 diagnostic assessments in both the Youth and Children’s Diagnostic Clinics. Children’s Diagnostic Clinic Our specialist Children’s Autism Diagnostic Clinic provides multidisciplinary assessments for children aged 2 to12 years. The team includes a Consultant Paediatrician, Psychologist, and Speech Pathologist. This year, with the support of the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, we have been able to support vulnerable families and children who may otherwise be on long waitlists for assessment and are unable to afford assessment to access timely intervention. Youth Diagnostic Clinic Since its establishment, the Autism Association’s specialist Youth Autism Diagnostic Clinic has seen great success and is a highly regarded specialist diagnostic service. Referrals for ‘late’ diagnosis are usually the result of diagnosis being missed early or long wait times for children’s diagnostic services. Comprehensive assessment results in improved outcomes for young people by gaining access to the support they need. The specialist assessment team includes a Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Speech Pathologist, and Occupational Therapist. Following diagnosis, each individual is supported to access the support services they need.

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