Not surewhich assessmentyour child needs?
Wondering whether your child needs an ADHD assessment, learning assessment, cognitive testing or something else?
This guide will help you understand your options and decide which professionals to see in Perth.
Start here: what are your main concerns?
ADHD assessments in Perth
When is an ADHD assessment appropriate?
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity
- Emotional regulation challenges
- School reports noting inattention
Who can diagnose ADHD in Perth?
You will usually need to see a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist.
In Western Australia:
- ADHD medication can only be initiated by a paediatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist or specially trained and approved GP
- Psychologists can assess ADHD but cannot prescribe medication
- Once a child is stable on medication, families can move to shared care with their GP or Nurse Practitioner.
This is why paediatrician and psychiatrist waitlists for ADHD are particularly long.
👉 If medication is part of what you are seeking, Perth Kids Hub can help you identify clinicians who assess and manage ADHD including updates on paediatrician and psychiatrist availability.
What does the assessment usually include?
An ADHD assessment typically involves clinical interviews with parents and the child, standardised behaviour rating scales from parents and teachers, developmental and medical history review, and sometimes cognitive testing to rule out other causes.
Looking for ADHD assessment providers?
Browse Perth paediatrician, psychiatrists and psychologists experienced in ADHD diagnosis.
Learning assessments in Perth
When is a learning assessment appropriate?
- Struggling with reading despite good instruction
- Persistent spelling difficulties
- Difficulty with maths concepts or number facts
- Slow or effortful handwriting
- Gap between ability and academic performance
Who performs learning assessments?
- Educational and Developmental Psychologists
- Neuropsychologists
- Clinical Psychologists
- Registered Psychologists
- Some school psychology services
- Occupational therapists (for motor-dysgraphia)
- Speech pathologists (for Language Developmental Centre applications/referrals)
What does the assessment usually include?
A comprehensive learning assessment includes cognitive ability testing (IQ), academic achievement testing in reading, writing and maths, analysis of learning processes, and practical recommendations for school and home.
Targeted intervention requirements
To receive a diagnosis for a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), the child must have received a minimum of six months of structured intervention first. Ask the school if they can provide this. If they won’t then you can do it yourself at home or pay for a tutor. You could use something like Nessy, they have online programs for reading and maths. Whatever option you choose, make sure the intervention covers all of the academic areas you’re concerned about.
Some providers will do an initial assessment and provide an opinion on what’s could be going on, but they can’t give an official diagnosis without the intervention. Some will pro rata the fee between the initial assessment and then that after the intervention has been completed.
After six months of targeted intervention you will then need to see a psychologist for an educational assessment. If waitlists are long in your area, then put your name down on waiting lists but don’t do the assessment until you’ve completed six months of intervention.
Who can help
Most schools will have a psychologist who services them and you can ask if they can complete a cognitive assessment. In most cases though they are very stretched and won’t be able to provide this individual level of support.
Universities may offer cheaper assessments such as at the Robin Winkler Clinic at UWA, although this service frequently reaches capacity and is closed.
DSF are great and many consider them the “gold standard” for assessments and reports BUT their waitlist is about 12-18 months. They do often have cancellations and many families get in much earlier. But you need to pay the deposit, send back all of your paperwork and be flexible if appointments come up. Some families have found having a one off consult with DSF has been helpful while they are on the waiting list.
Find learning assessment providers?
Browse Perth psychologists and allie health professionals who provide assessments for dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia.
Cognitive / IQ assessments in Perth
When is cognitive testing appropriate?
- Understanding a child’s learning profile
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Determining eligiblity for services
- Supporting applications for enrolment at Education Support Schools or Centres
- Supporting Language Development Centres (LDCs) referrals
- Supporting SCSA applications
- Clarifying reasons for academic struggles
- Giftedness identification
Who provides cognitive testing?
- Registered psychologists
- Educational and Developmental Psychologists
- Clinical psychologists
What does the assessment usually include?
Cognitive assessments use standardised tools like the WISC-V to measure verbal comprehension, visual-spatial reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and fluid reasoning.
Find cognitive testing providers
Browse Perth psychologists offering WISC-V and other cognitive assessments.
Autism assessments in Perth
When is an autism assessment appropriate?
- Difficulty with social communication
- Restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests
- Sensory sensitivities
- Challenges with change or transitions
- Difficulty understanding social cues
Who diagnoses autism in Perth?
You do not always need to see a paediatrician. Many autism assessments are completed by:
- Psychologists with endorsement in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology or Educational and Developmental Psychology
- Multidisciplinary teams (e.g. clinical psychologist + speech pathologist)
👉 Diagnostic requirements differ between systems (e.g. NDIS and the Western Australian Department of Education). Check requirements early to ensure your chosen assessment pathway meets your intended support needs.
A paediatrician may be helpful if:
- Your child has complex medical needs
- You are also seeking ADHD medication
- You would like a broader medical or developmental review
👉 Your GP can help guide which pathway is most appropriate for your child.
What does the assessment usually include?
Autism assessments typically involve a detailed developmental history, direct observation (often using the ADOS-2), speech and language assessment, cognitive testing, and input from school.
Looking for autism assessment providers?
Search Perth providers and multi-disciplinary clinics that provide comprehensive autism assessments.
Giftedness assessments in Perth
When is a giftedness assessment appropriate?
- Advanced reasoning or vocabulary for their age
- Intense curiosity or passion for specific topics
- Boredom or disengagement at school
- Asynchronous development
- Applying for gifted programs or selective schools
Who can diagnose giftedness and/or twice-exceptionality in Perth?
- Educational psychologists
- Clinical psychologists
- Some school psychologists
What does the assessment usually include?
Giftedness is identified through a cognitive assessment (usually WISC-V) showing significantly above-average ability (typically IQ 130+). The assessment may also include academic achievement testing and social-emotional screening.
A note on twice-exceptional kids
Some children are highly gifted in areas such as math, music or writing and have challenges with learning such as ADHD, dyslexia or dyscalculia. You may hear the term “2e”. This describes kids who are twice-exceptional, which means they have exceptional ability and disability. You can read more about Twice-Exceptional Children here.
Find giftedness assessment providers?
Browse Perth psychologists experienced in gifted identification and twice-exceptional profiles.
SCSA and senior school assessments in Perth
When is a SCSA assessment needed?
- Year 10–12 students needing exam adjustments
- Extra time, separate room, or reader/scribe for ATAR exams
- Documented learning difficulties or disabilities
- OLNA adjustments
- Disability adjustments for practical exams
Who provides SCSA assessments in Perth?
- Registered psychologists (cognitive + academic testing)
- Paediatricians (for medical conditions)
- Occupational therapists (for Developmental Coordination Disorder/motor dysgraphia)
- School psychologists (supporting documentation)
- Mental health providers (for mental health conditions)
What does the assessment usually include?
- Registered psychologists (cognitive + academic testing)
- Paediatricians (for medical conditions)
- School psychologists (supporting documentation)
Looking for SCSA assessment providers?
Browse Perth psychologists, paediatricians and occupational therapists who provide SCSA assessments.
Which professional should I see?
| Concern | Professional | Can diagnose? | Prescribe medication? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD | Paediatrician | Yes | Yes |
| ADHD | Psychiatrist | Yes | Yes |
| Learning disorder | Psychologist | Yes | No |
| Autism | Psychiatrist | Yes | Yes |
| Autism | Paediatrician | Yes | Yes |
| Autism | Clinical Psychologist | Yes | No |
| Autism | Neuropsychologist | Yes | No |
| Autism | Educational & Developmental Psychologist | Yes | No |
| Autism | Speech Pathologist | Yes (multi-disciplinary team) | No |
| Autism | Occupational Therapist | Yes (Multi-disciplinary team) | No |
| Motor Dysgraphia | Occupational Therapist | Yes | No |
Common assessment pathways
My 8-year-old struggles to sit still and focus.
Start with your GP. They will help you rule out common childhood issues which can present as attention and concentration difficulties including vision and hearing difficulties, low iron or thyroid issues or unrefreshing sleep.
If they agree an ADHD assessment is indicated, they may refer you to a specially trained GP, a paediatrician or psychiatrist experienced in ADHD. They’ll assess attention, behaviour, and may use standardised rating scales from parents and teachers. If concerns about learning exist too, a separate educational psychology assessment may be recommended.
My child is behind in reading.
Teachers are often the first to notice ongoing difficulties. Arrange a meeting to share your concerns and ask what supports are already in place.
To receive a diagnosis for a Specific Learning Disorder in Western Australia, your child must first complete six months of structured literacy intervention.
- Ask your school if they can provide this.
- If not, consider structured programs at home or with a tutor (programs like Nessy are available online).
- Ensure the intervention targets the areas you’re most concerned about.
Some providers will conduct an initial assessment and share an opinion, but they cannot formally diagnose dyslexia until after intervention.
After six months of structured literacy, your child will need a psychologist for an educational assessment. Options in Perth and WA include:
- School psychologists – though often limited in capacity.
- University clinics – e.g. the Robin Winkler Clinic at UWA, which offers lower-cost assessments.
- Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation (DSF) – they offer subsidised assessments under a Department of Education agreement. Wait times are long (12–18 months), but cancellations are common if families are flexible.
- Private psychologists in Perth – often faster access; many are listed on Perth Kids Hub.
My teen needs ATAR exam adjustments.
You’ll need a psychoeducational assessment from a registered psychologist. SCSA requires specific documentation including a cognitive assessment (usually WISC or WAIS) and evidence of functional impact. Reports are typically valid for 3 years, so timing matters for Year 10–12 students.
We suspect autism.
Autism assessments in Perth are usually conducted by a multidisciplinary team which may include a paediatrician or psychiatrist, psychologist, and speech pathologist or occupational therapist.
IMPORTANT!! The diagnostic and reporting requirements for NDIS, the WA Department of Education and other services are not the same. Before you book assessments, check that your chosen pathway will meet the requirements of the systems you need (e.g. school funding, NDIS, Medicare). This can save time, money, and delays.
Misunderstandings and out-dated information often leads to delays in families getting support, more stress and more expenses. I have written an explainer on Autism diagnosis and school funding in Western Australia to answer frequently asked questions.
Always confirm what is required before engaging in an assessment as requirements can change.
Assessment referrals and pathways in Western Australia
Do I need a GP referral?
For paediatrician or psychiatrist appointments, yes — a GP referral is required. For psychologists, a referral isn’t essential but helps if you want Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan or Chronic Disease Management Plan.
Typical wait times in Perth
Private paediatricians: 2–6 months. Autism multidisciplinary assessments: 3-6 months. Educational psychology: 2–8 weeks privately. Public pathways are significantly longer.
Public vs private assessments in WA
Public assessments through Child Development Service (CDS) are available but waitlists can be up to 4 years long. Private assessments are faster but cost more — typically $800–$3,500 depending on the type and complexity of the assessments and experience of the practitioner/s.
Medicare and rebates
Paediatrician visits are partially covered by Medicare. Psychologist sessions may be rebated under a Mental Health Care Plan (up to 10 sessions). Some private health funds also cover psychology or occupational therapy assessments.