Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) referrals
Who can refer?
Referrals for ASD assessments must be made by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist.
Who do we assess?
Children and young people up to 17 years of age (inclusive) with sufficient ASD features to warrant a diagnostic assessment.
What to include in your referral
- A detailed referral letter including evidence and your clinical observations related to:
- social communication and interaction difficulties
- evidence of restricted or repetitive behaviours, interests or activities
- potential differential diagnoses.
- Relevant developmental and family history.
- Relevant supporting documentation including:
- Medical reports
- Allied health reports (e.g. speech pathology, psychology, occupational therapy)
- Educational information
- Any previous developmental or cognitive assessments.
The more complete the referral, the smoother the triage process and the clearer the pathway forward.
Intellectual Disability (ID) referrals
Who can refer?
Referrals are welcomed from a range of professionals, preferably those involved in the person’s care (e.g. GP, paediatrician, psychologist, allied health).
Who do we assess?
Children, young people and adults where there is a clear clinical rationale for ID assessment.
What to include in your referral
- Evidence of intellectual and adaptive functioning difficulties
- Information demonstrating onset during the developmental period (before 18 years)
- A developmental history, including key milestones
- Any previous cognitive or intellectual assessments (required)
- Relevant medical, paediatric, genetic, or mental health reports (e.g. paediatrician, genetic services, psychiatry)
- Allied health reports (e.g. psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy)
- Educational records (e.g. school reports, school psychology reports, NAPLAN results, Individual Education Plans)
- Functional assessment information or other details about how the individual manages in everyday life.
How to refer
Please send the following to the Neurodevelopmental Disability Assessment Services Team at Communities: email assessment@communities.wa.gov.au.
- Referral letter
- Supporting documentation
- Signed consent form
Referrals can only be reviewed once consent has been provided.
Helpful tips for referrers
- Ensure the child/family/individual wants the assessment and is ready to engage in the process.
- Include your direct clinical observations – they are valuable.
- Attach all relevant documentation and reports upfront to avoid delays.
- Encourage families to continue accessing existing supports while they wait, supporting them to stay connected with services that are helpful to them.
What happens next
- Your referral is reviewed by senior NDAS clinicians to determine its appropriateness
- We may contact you for clarification or additional information
- If accepted, the individual will go onto our assessment waitlist and both you and the individual will be informed in writing.
- If not accepted, both you and the individual will be informed in writing.
Current estimated wait times for ASD assessment
- Preschool children (age 0-5 years): approximately 14 months*
- School-aged children (age 6-17 years): approximately 22 months*
Current estimated wait time for ID assessment
Current estimated wait time for ID assessment is approximately 6-9 months*
*Please note that wait times are estimates, are subject to change, and should be used a guide only.
