
There are a small number of developmental paediatricians and child and adolescent psychiatrists in Perth and an OVERWHELMING demand for appointments. Most have closed their books. It’s dire.
If you are in that situation, I am so sorry. I understand how stressful this process is – diagnosis offers answers and a pathway to support.
I started compiling lists of paediatricians and allied health therapists WITH availability back in 2021 to try and make it easier for stressed families to find the help they need. I thought it would be a temporary stop gap measure until things settled down … but here we [still] are. I hope you can find the help you and your children need here, Pia XXX
Your GP is the key person who can help you navigate the medical system and access support.
Check with your GP about your concerns and who the most appropriate professional is to diagnose and support your child.
Not all conditions require diagnosis by a paediatrician. If your child is under 6 years you do not need a formal diagnosis to apply for the NDIS early childhood approach. Autism diagnosis also does not mandate a paediatrician.
Discuss with your GP any concerns you have for your child, including any sleep, diet or mental health concerns and whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Chronic Diseases Management Plan would be of benefit in helping provide access to relevant allied health services, such as occupational therapy or psychology supports.
The WA government provides a free (government funded) Child Development Service (CDS) that includes developmental paediatrician services.
Families can find information about referral to this service at CAHS | Child and Adolescent Health Service – Referral information or by contacting CDS directly on 1300 551 827.
You may choose to go privately to see a paediatrician, however please be aware that there is a severe shortage in the private sector and waittimes can be longer than those currently provided by the CDS.
Private paediatricians require a GP referral to be sent through before they can add you to their waitlist. They use the information on the referral to triage (prioritise) the referral based on urgency of need.
If you are referring through the government funded Child Development Service please check their referral advice here.
If you are electing to go privately, each paediatrician has slightly different requirements so it’s best to check their website ahead of visiting your GP so that you can provide what they need. For example, some paediatricians will require that you and / or child’s teacher to complete specific questionnaires ahead of their initial appointment.
Some things that can be helpful to accompany the referral include:
1. A recent school report
2. A letter from the teacher that summarises their observations / concerns
3. NAPLAN results (if applicable)
4. Your own letter summarising what it is like at home with examples of how it impacts your child and family.
There are a small number of developmental paediatricians in Perth and a huge demand for appointments.
Most are at capacity and have closed their books. It’s dire. If you are in that situation, I am so sorry. I understand how stressful this process is – you just want your child to be happy. A diagnosis offers answers and a pathway to treatment and support.
I can’t sugar coat it – families are going to be waiting
anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to see a
paediatrician and get a formal diagnosis.
You do not need a referral to see an allied health practitioner such as a psychologist, play therapist, speech pathologist or occupational therapist.
If you are concerned about a speech delay, a hearing test and review by a speech pathologist are recommended.
If your child is under 6 years of age, you do not need a formal diagnosis to apply for the National Disability Insurance Agency’s Early Childhood
Approach.
If not already in place, it may be helpful for a family to liaise with their child’s teacher to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for their child and discuss whether involvement of the school psychologist would be appropriate.
You can request a letter stating that you are on a waitlist to see a paediatrician / psychiatrist and provide this to your school to support interim accommodations or an application for an Individual
Disability Allocation (IDA).
Families seeking information about ADHD may find online resources such as the following useful:
Resources – ADHD WA Educators – ADHD WA,
Kids Health Information : ADHD – ways to help children at school and home (rch.org.au), https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au and
https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ADHD-Factsheet-How-is-ADHD-treated.pdf.
Yes, including by telehealth. Scripts prescribed interstate registered paediatricians, psychiatrists and neurologists can be dispensed in WA if they were prescribed after 13 December 2023. Check the Department of Health website for more updates on stimulant prescriptions.
I share the latest updates on private paediatrician availability here. Things change very quickly so check back often for updates. Inclusion in this directory is not an endorsement of any practitioners and families should review the advice below on finding the right fit for your family.
Listings and updates for Western Australian-based developmental and behavioural paediatricians are provided at no cost as there is huge demand from families looking for your services. If you have an update you would like to include please contact Pia here.
Paediatrician
Claremont
Books open for ages 10 to 24 years
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ❌ Developmental concerns? ❌
✅ Eating disorders
Notes: Books reopened 1 April 2025 (and not an April Fool’s joke, I promise!) for ADHD and/or eating disorders for young people aged 10 to 24 years. Located within The Swan Clinic.
Updated: 1/4/2025
Multiple paediatricians
Virtual clinic (Queensland)
Books open
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ❌ Developmental concerns? ✅
Notes: Telehealth clinic where I’ve received glowing feedback from parents and GPs on the quality and efficiency of the service for non-complex ADHD diagnosis and medication titration. Fast, affordable and easy to book an appointment. Long list of exclusions for appointments so please read their website as they see non-complex attention and behaviour cases.
Check their website regularly as appointment availability is updated there. There are periods where no appointments are listed and it says “more appointments available soon”. Don’t despair – just check regularly.
Changes to stimulant prescription requirements in WA mean that telehealth paediatricians and psychiatrists are now a viable alternative.
Allergy & Immunology
Also now providing online allergy and immunology appointments.
Last updated: 1/4/25
Paediatrician
Riverton
Books open
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ✅ Developmental concerns? ✅
Notes: Secure Video Assessment – Conducted by Vishal Maharaj, Psychologist, providing in-depth behavioural insights from the comfort of your home. In-Clinic Consultation – A final diagnostic review with Dr Chaandini, Paediatrician, ensuring a comprehensive and expert-confirmed diagnosis.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments from 2 years of age with psychologist – 4 to 6 week wait time, then 2 to 3 months to see Dr Chaandini
• ADHD Assessments – 4 to 6 months with psychologist, then around 10 months to see Dr Chaandini
• Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessments – 2 to 4 weeks
• Griffith Assessments with Dr Chaandini – currently booking into June / July 2025
Updated: 1/4/25
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Subiaco
Books open
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ❌ Developmental concerns? ❌
✅Mood ✅ Anxiety ✅ Emerging personality traits
Notes: ADHD assessments now available for 16 years and over with an ADHD assessment by a psychologist from the Clear Health Psychology team. (Note this was updated from 12 years)
Updated: 1/4/25
Developmental Paediatricians
Cockburn
Open their waitlist once perth month – see dates below
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ✅ Developmental concerns? ✅
✅OCD ✅ PTSD ✅ ODD ✅ Adolescent anxiety and depression ✅ Medication and script management
Notes: 2-19 years for behavioural assessment
Waitlist opening form dates 2025:
4 April 2025
5 May 2025
6 June 2025
4 July 2025
1 August 2025
5 September 2025
3 October 2025
3 November 2025
1 December 2025
Last updated: 1/4/25
Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician
Nedlands
Books closed: waitlist via website for appointments from April onwards
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ✅
Notes: speaks Urdu and Hindi (in addition to English);
A heartfelt thank you to all the families who have already booked—we’re so grateful to be part of your child’s journey. For those still waiting, our bookings are currently closed, but we’ll be opening new appointments from 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱.
Keep an eye on our socials for updates, and we look forward to welcoming more wonderful families soon!
The cost of a new consultation can vary based on the complexity of the referral and the number of sessions required. For example, most uncomplicated ADHD assessments require a minimum of 2 to 3 sessions at an approximate cost of $2000 – $3000 with a summary report provided.
Last updated: 19/2/25
Psychiatrist
Telepsychiatry (Perth based)
Books open
Adult ADHD ✅ Child ADHD (from 10 years) ✅ Adult Autism ✅ Child Autism ✅ Adult Trauma ✅ Child anxiety ✅ Adult anxiety ✅ Mood disorders and depression ✅ Childhood trauma ✅ PTSD
Notes: new Perth-based telepsychiatry service for children from 10 years of age and adults.
Last updated: 17/2/25
Paediatricians
Murdoch
Books open
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ❌
Notes: ADHD referrals only.
Last updated: 5/2/25
Books for telehealth appointments from February 2025 – open to country WA families only.
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ✅ Developmental concerns? ✅
Notes: Country WA families (non-Perth or Mandurah based) can request telehealth appointments with Dr Andrew Savery. Dr Savery is currently working through many referrals from metro-families and this waitlist remains closed for now.
Last updated: 29/1/25
Paediatric Respiratory Medicine Physician
Nedlands and Murdoch
Books open to children 17 and under
ADHD? ❌ Autism? ❌ Developmental concerns? ❌
✅Asthma and preschool wheeze ✅ Chronic cough and bronchitis ✅ Dyspnoea / shortness of breath ✅ Chronic lung disease of prematurity ✅Complex paediatric respiratory disorders
Notes: ✅Diagnostic respiratory testing available for children 6 years and over
Updated: 29/1/25
Consultant Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatrist
Virtual (Queensland)
Books open for 2 – 100 year olds
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ✅ Developmental concerns? ❌
Notes: ✅ Anxiety ✅ Depression ✅ School refusal ✅ PTSD ✅ OCD
Updated: 30/1/25
Paediatricians and Psychiatrists (multiple)
Virtual (Melbourne)
Books open for 2 – 100 year olds
ADHD? ✅ Autism? ✅ Developmental concerns? ❌
Notes: full ADHD assessment package is $3,000, covering three appointments – a clinical assessment, specialist consultation and a psychoeducation/therapy session
Updated: 11/10/24
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Currambine
Books open up to 16 years
ADHD ❌ Autism? ❌
✅ Anxiety disorders ✅ Mood disorders ✅ Trauma-related issues ✅ School related or peer relationship difficulties, including school avoidance
Updated: 11/10/24
There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Here are a few things I wish everyone knew as it can save you time, money and stress.
The NDIS access team has confirmed that a Level 2 or Level 3 autism diagnosis by a psychologist with endorsement in:
and experienced in autism assessments is sufficient evidence of a “List A” condition. List A conditions are conditions that are likely to meet the disability requirements for access to the NDIS and includes Autism with a “severity of Level 2 (Requiring substantial support) or Level 3 (Requiring very substantial support)”.
The NDIS only requires consensus of the diagnosis by a paediatrician or psychiatrist IF the report by the psychologist states that an opinion or conferral of the diagnosis is required. Then, the NDIS will expect that report at some point in the future to confim diagnosis. But it doesn’t stop you from applying for access to the NDIS.
Some things to be aware of:
If your child is under 6 years they don’t require a formal diagnosis to access NDIS (see below for more information)
If your child is at a public school in Western Australia, the WA Department of Education requires that an autism diagnosis by a lead clinician must be confirmed by a practitioner from another specialty but it does not have to be a paediatrician. (See more below on specific DoE requirements)
ADHD frequently co-occurs with autism. Paediatricians, psychiatrists and neurologists are the only specialists currently authorised in WA to initiate prescription of stimulant medications. So you may need to still see a doctor if you are interested in trialling stimulant medications.
Psychology endorsements are confusing … for a single clinician diagnosis for the NDIS, they are looking for someone with full practice endorsement in one of the three areas listed above: Clinical Psychology, Educational and Developmental Psychology and Neuropsychology.
This does not currently include: Clinical Psychology Registrars, Neuropsychology Registrars, Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrars or Registered Psychologists.
There is a lot of debate about this in the psychology community … I don’t make the rules but you should be aware of them as there are families who aren’t who then discover this and find they need to spend thousands more dollars and months waiting to apply for access.
Updated 30 January 2025
To apply for ongoing Individual Disability Allocation funding for a student with autism, students can be assessed for autism using a Lead Clinician Pathway or a Consensus Team Pathway.
Option A: Lead Clinician Pathway
Autism assessment by either a:
paediatrician / psychiatrist / neurologist
OR
a psychologist with practice endorsement in clinical psychology, educational or developmental psychology or neuropsychology.
The Lead Clinician’s diagnosis must be confirmed by at least one diganostician from a different discipline.
This can be a:
Psychiatrist / Paediatrician or Neurologist
OR
psychologist with general registration (not applicable if the Lead Clinician is a psychologist as they must be from a different discipline)
OR
a speech pathologist
OR
an occupational therapist who has experience assessing autism.
Option B: Consensus Team Pathway
If a consensus team pathway is taken, the ASD assessment is conducted by either a:
At least one additional diagnostician from a different discipline is selected to join the diagnostic team.
The decision is based on their skills and expertise and can be:
Updated 16 April 2024.
Not every practitioner will be the right fit for every family, and that’s OK.
Also, just because someone has a negative experience with a practitioner doesn’t mean that you will.
But I hear far too many stories of families having traumatic appointments where their expectations do not align with the practitioner they see.
Please be aware that inclusion in this directory is not an endorsement of any practitioners.
I recommend families do their own research to ensure the doctor or practitioner they select is one that will suit their family.
Here are some things I suggest to make the best choice and reduce the risk of an unpleasant experience:
Check the Register of Practitioners to confirm they are allowed to practice and – importantly – if they have a type of registration or conditions that limit what they can do.
This information is also published on the list. You do need to be savvy enough to understand the terms used that can indicate a concern has been raised and found to be valid.
For example “condition” as AHPRA states: “A National Board or an adjudication body can impose a condition on the registration of a practitioner or student, or on an endorsement of registration. A condition aims to restrict a practitioner’s practice in some way, to protect the public.” You can read the full glossary here.
There are concerns about the use of vexatious claims through AHPRA – especially where parents may be separated and not agree on a diagnosis.
I really feel for the doctors and practitioners who are trying to help and feeling like they are fighting on so many fronts.
However, this is just one of the ways that we have available to provide some level of transparency of concerns that have been found to be valid in what is usually a very hard area to get information.
Not all professionals will recognise PDA presentations. Some are more experienced with complex presentations. Some with high masking individuals or internalised presentations.
Some paediatricians will see children for ADHD but not autism.
Some will only see autism and not ADHD.
Some will only see medical referrals for things like failure to thrive.
Please make sure you know that the paediatrician you are seeing can assist with what you are expecting.
Do not wait to see a paediatrician only to find that they are not a developmental paediatrician and can’t perform the assessment you were expecting.
Or, to get an appointment with someone who could make the experience really uncomfortable for you all.
On the flipside, if you know who you are going to see and what they are like – this can be OK, but you need to know what to expect so it’s not a surprise when you get there.
I take these with a pinch of salt as not all of them appear genuine. But if you see a practitioner has common themes of complaints from multiple sources, then this may be a red flag.
Also, if they have just set up a new practice it is worth checking any Google reviews from their most recent practice or place of employment.
Be wary of practitioners with loads of glowing 5 star testimonials on their website that aren’t from Google (which can’t be edited by the practitioner).
AHPRA has very strict conditions on testimonials that medical practitioners can use. If you see a bunch of reviews praising the practitioner and their treatment then it is likely they are not following the guidelines.
Closed Facebook groups are great for getting feedback from parents. Any negative experience must be requested to be private messaged so that the admins of the group don’t face any potential legal repercussions.
A good way is to ask something like: “We are considering seeing XYZ for my 5 year old daughter for possible autism / ADHD. She’s very good at masking and possible PDA. Does anyone have any concerns about this doctor? Please PM any negative feedback as per group rules”.
In recognition of long wait times to see paediatricians and psychiatrists, the WA Department of Education has extended the initial allocation of interim funding for students undertaking an autim assessment from six to 12 months for private assessments and 12 to 18 months for public assessments.
You can apply for this to be extended by showing evidence that you are still on the waiting list – which will likely be necessary if you are waiting for a public assessment with wait times of 3.5 to 4 years.
Updated 30 Jaunary 2025
The Early Childhood Approach (ECA) helps children younger than 6 with developmental delay or children younger than 9 with disability and their families to access the right support when they need it.
Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis to get support through the early childhood approach where there are concerns about their development.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact Wanslea on 1300 969 645 or email ndis@wanslea.org.au
The NDIS is currently kicking a record number of children off the program who have been accessing support for developmental delay or disabilities that the NDIA do not recognise as permanent impairments. (Even though they are.)
If your child has turned 7 and you are accessing the Early Childhood Approach for developmental delay please be aware that you will be contacted by the NDIA for a reassessment of eligibility.
What will happen:
2. The NDIA representative will then tell you that your child’s eligibility will be reassessed.
3. You’ll receive a letter confirming the reassessment and told what is required. The letter will be pretty general and not very helpful.
4. You will be given 90 days to produce evidence that you meet eligibility requirements for the NDIS. [It was 28 days until the beginning of February when the NDIA appear to have realised that their legislation requires it to be 90 days and then made a big announcement that they’ve listened to feedback and have increased it.]
5. You will be asked to email evidence to the NDIA.
6. The NDIA will consider the evidence and then contact you with an outcome.
Ninety days is not a lot of time. So it’s good to be prepared and have used or allocated funding towards securing the evidence of permanent disability and functional impact.
A Functional Capacity Assessment completed by an Occupational Therapist can be very helpful. These reports take a considerable amount of time and dollars. Expect at least $2,000 and 10 hours of work by an Occupational Therapist.
Should you need someone to complete a Functional Capacity Assessment you can contact providers with availability below.
Waiting for an autism assessment? The NDIA will not take this into account even if you provide evidence that you are on a waitlist for a public assessment, which can take 3.5 to 4 years. Their response is that if you receive a Level 2 or 3 autism diagnosis in the future you can reapply for access. Which is nuts as it’s taking a long time for new families who are applying for access to get set up … so that could be a long time without supports. But the NDIS don’t want to continue supports in the interim just in case your child doesn’t meet the criteria when assessed. 🤯🤯🤯
It’s ridiculous I know and we are failing families who can’t afford a private assessment. If this is you, please write to your Federal Member of Parliament.
I’m also creating a list of organisations that can help answer questions about eligibility reassessments and what you can do if you need to prepare for an assessment or appeal a decision.
As a first step, I would recommend joining Kiind (formerly Kalparrin) – it’s free! – and you can access one-on-one support from a peer navigator -also free! – along with connection to other families and information, tools and resources that will help you a LOT!
Western Australians can now use interstate telehealth services and have scripts for stimulant medications filled here after the Schedule 8 Stimulant Prescribing Code was amended in mid-December 2023.
Perth Kids Hub is your online guide to Perth’s *amazing* paediatric therapists, specialists, educators and schools who support kids & teens who learn, think or are developing differently.
Perth Kids Hub is created in Boorloo (Perth) on the land of the Whadjuk Noongar people. I acknowledge the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. I pay my respects to all Aboriginal peoples; Elders past, present and emerging.
Disclaimer: Information on Perth Kids Hub is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified health professional for concerns about a child’s health or development.