NEURODIVERGENT kids HUB
Autism support for kids in Perth
Maybe a teacher mentioned it. Maybe it was a child health nurse, a grandparent, or a 2am scroll that left you with more questions than answers. However you got here, you’re probably wondering what autism could mean for your child and what to do next.
This page covers what autism is, how assessment works in Western Australia, and where Perth families can find support. You can start here.
How autism assessment works in WA
There are two main routes in Western Australia, and they differ a lot in cost and waiting time.
The public pathway runs through the Child Development Service (CDS). It’s free, and your GP or child health nurse can refer you. The trade-off is the wait, which can stretch a long time depending on your child’s age and needs.
The private pathway is faster but costs more. A thorough private assessment is usually multidisciplinary, meaning more than one professional is involved. Commonly that’s a paediatrician plus a psychologist, sometimes with a speech pathologist as well.
Whichever route you take, ask how the assessment lines up with Australia’s national guideline for autism assessment, and make sure a written report is included. The autism assessment guide goes deeper on what to expect and what to ask.
Autism assessment providers
Reimagine Psychology 
- ADHD, autism and learning assessments for children, teens and adults in Perth
Greenhouse Paediatrics Karrinyup
- Paediatricians and children's therapy in Karrinyup
Milestones Clinic
Wild Child Paediatrics
Black Swan Health
Seedling Clinical Psychology
Sage Clinic
- Child and adult psychiatrists | ADHD & autism | WA-based telehealth
Health in Mind
NorthStar Paediatrics
After a diagnosis
A diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is. It changes the support you can access for them.
It can support an application to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and it matters for school funding too. This guide explains how autism diagnosis and school funding work in Western Australia. [Link: Autism diagnosis and school funding in WA article]
It also helps you build the right team. Speech pathologists, occupational therapists and psychologists who work in neuro-affirming ways can support communication, sensory needs and emotional regulation.
Therapists for autistic kids
Reimagine Psychology
- ADHD, autism and learning assessments for children, teens and adults in Perth
Greenhouse Paediatrics Karrinyup
- Paediatricians and children's therapy in Karrinyup
Therapy Inc.
- Celebrating Differences / Gym Equipment
Milestones Clinic
Black Swan Health
Intracare Services
Positive Partnerships
Seedling Clinical Psychology
AIM Psychology Group
BlueRocket Therapy
More Than Able Therapy
Autism diagnosis and school funding in WA: your questions answered
Perth’s best autism assessments for girls and kids who mask
Find autism support in Perth
These searches are pre-filtered to providers who are accepting new referrals right now.
Common questions from Perth parents
Is there a public autism assessment option in WA?
Yes. The Child Development Service (CDS) assesses children through the public system at low or no cost. Your GP or child health nurse can refer you. Waits are significant, which is why some families run a private option in parallel.
My daughter masks at school. Will an assessment pick that up?
Experienced assessors know masking well, and they’ll ask detailed questions about home life, friendships and what happens after school. Bring concrete examples and, if you can, videos or notes from moments the school never sees.
How much does a private autism assessment cost in Perth?
It varies with how many professionals are involved and what’s included. Always ask for the full cost up front, including the written report, since the report is what you’ll need for school and NDIS purposes.
Will a diagnosis help with school support or NDIS funding?
A formal diagnosis can support both, though neither is automatic. The school funding guide linked above walks through how it works in WA, and your assessment provider can advise on NDIS paperwork.
Do we need to see a paediatrician first?
Your GP is the starting point. They can refer you to a paediatrician, to the CDS, or to private assessment providers depending on the route you choose.