Not sure which assessment your 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
- 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.
To receive a diagnosis for a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), the child must have received a minimum of six months of structured literacy 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.
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
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.
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.
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
Coming soon
My 8-year-old struggles to sit still and focus.
My child is behind in reading.
My teen needs ATAR exam adjustments.
We suspect autism.
Frequently asked questions about child assessments in Perth
Coming soon