Finding a paediatrician in Perth right now is one of the hardest parts of advocating for your child. The waits are long, the availability is scarce, and by the time you get an appointment you really, really need it to be with the right person.
But not all paediatricians offer the same services or have experience with the same conditions. A little homework before you book can save you months on the wrong waitlist.
Here’s what to check.
The shortage is real, and it's worth understanding
There are currently 10,659 primary school aged students waiting to see a paediatrician through the WA government-provided Metro Child Development Service.
Expected wait time? Close to four years.
Private paediatricians and psychiatrists are in equally high demand. Most have closed their books or have long lists of exclusions about who they will and won’t see.
For most families, the reality is “take what you can get” rather than “find the best fit.” That’s frustrating, and it’s worth saying plainly.
💡 One practical tip: ask your GP for a generic “dear paediatrician” referral while you figure out who will accept you. Clinics sometimes open their books for a day and close again quickly — a specific referral takes time you may not have.
Does your child actually need a paediatrician?
Before you join a waitlist, check whether a paediatrician is required for what you’re seeking.
For an autism diagnosis, a paediatrician is not always required — including for NDIS access or an Individual Disability Allocation through the WA Department of Education. There are other pathways worth knowing about.
That said, if you think medication might be part of your child’s future support, get on a waitlist now. Waits are long and only paediatricians or psychiatrists can prescribe.
Check that the paediatrician works in your area of concern
This is the step most families skip, and it’s the one that matters most.
Paediatricians often have different areas of focus. Some only see children for general medical concerns like feeding difficulties or failure to thrive. Others specialise in developmental or behavioural areas like autism or ADHD. And within those areas, there are more distinctions worth knowing:
- Some paediatricians assess and diagnose autism but don’t see children with ADHD, and vice versa.
- Some provide a diagnosis but don’t offer medication or long-term management. This matters a lot if your child may need ADHD medication, which is highly regulated.
- Not all paediatricians are experienced in identifying more complex profiles — like internalised presentations or children who mask well in assessments.
- Not all paediatricians are Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) aware or receptive.
If you’re unsure, call the clinic before booking. Ask directly whether they see children for your specific concerns. Most reception staff can tell you.
Ask other parents
The experience of other parents is often the most useful and up-to-date information you’ll find. Private Facebook support groups can be a real resource here, especially if you don’t have friends or family who’ve been through it.
You can post something like:
“We’re thinking of booking with Dr XYZ for our 5-year-old daughter for possible autism/ADHD. She’s great at masking and we suspect PDA. Does anyone have any concerns about this doctor? Please PM me with any negative feedback in line with group rules.”
Most groups ask that negative experiences be shared via private message to protect admins from legal issues. Follow the group’s rules when you post.
Check their registration on the Ahpra public register
Before booking, look up your paediatrician on the Ahpra Register of Practitioners. It shows whether they’re currently allowed to practise and whether any conditions or restrictions are attached to their registration.
The language can be a little technical. If you see the word “condition,” it typically means the practitioner’s ability to practise is restricted in some way. That doesn’t automatically mean they’re unsafe, but it’s worth a closer look. A Google search will sometimes surface news coverage or outcomes from disciplinary matters.
Worth noting: complaints can sometimes be made for personal reasons — for example, in family court situations where parents disagree on a diagnosis. Ahpra investigates and determines whether they are valid. Use the register as one piece of information, not the whole picture.
Compare pricing before you book
Private paediatric consultations can be expensive. Medical specialists are free to set their own fees and costs can vary hugely between specialists. A few things to ask before you commit:
- Ask about fees before you book. Most clinics can tell you the cost of an initial consult and any follow-up appointments before you book.
- Check what’s included. Some paediatricians charge separately for things like diagnostic assessments, reports, or school letters.
- Ask what the Medicare rebate will be. This can reduce your out of pocket cost.
- Use your Medicare Safety Net. For some families having expensive appointments earlier in the year means they will meet the Medicare Safety Net threshold earlier providing additional Medicare rebates of 80% of medical costs outside of hospital.
- Look at wait times versus cost. A lower fee might come with a longer waitlist, while more expensive services may have earlier availability. Neither is automatically better — it depends on your situation.
Transparency about pricing and inclusions is a good sign. Surprise bills are not.
Read Google reviews (with a grain of salt)
Google reviews can give you a sense of other families’ experiences. A pattern of repeated complaints about the same issue is worth taking seriously. A single negative review probably isn’t.
If a paediatrician has recently moved to a new clinic, check the reviews of their previous practice as well.
Be cautious of glowing website testimonials
Medical practitioners in Australia are bound by strict advertising guidelines from Ahpra. This means they’re not supposed to publish testimonials that promote the success or outcome of treatments especially on their own websites.
If you see lots of five-star-style praise that looks curated or promotional and isn’t pulled from an independent review platform like Google, it may be a sign that the practitioner isn’t following Ahpra’s rules on advertising.
Consider telehealth
Recent regulatory changes in Western Australia around prescribing medications like stimulants have made telehealth a much more viable option for many families.
Interstate waitlists are often shorter. Some families also find their children are more comfortable having the consultation at home. It’s worth looking into if local options are limited.
Before you book - a quick checklist
- Do you actually need a paediatrician for what you're seeking?
- Does this paediatrician specialise in your area of concern?
- Can they prescribe medication if that becomes relevant?
- Are they experienced with complex profiles, masking, or PDA?
- Have you checked their Ahpra registration?
- Do you know the full cost, including potential extras?
- Have you read Google reviews and asked in parent groups?
Finding local paediatric services
If you’re not sure where to start, Perth Kids Hub lists local paediatric professionals including their areas of expertise and current wait times. It’s built specifically to help WA families make informed choices from the outset — not after months on the wrong list.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your child’s specific needs.
