What Is Different About Autism Assessments Under 6?

​Assessing autism in younger children requires a slightly different approach compared to older children.
For children under 6, assessments place a stronger focus on:

• Developmental history
• Play-based observation
• Early communication skills
• Social engagement and interaction
• Behaviour and responses to change

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Assessment Tools Used
​
For younger children, the assessment may include:
• WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence)
• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
• SRS-2 (Parent/Teacher Questionnaires where appropriate)
• ABAS-3 (Adaptive Functioning)
• Parent interviews and developmental history

​Using multiple sources of information helps build a comprehensive understanding of the child’s development.

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Who This Assessment May Help

An autism assessment for younger children may be helpful if there are concerns about:
• Limited or delayed communication
• Reduced eye contact or social engagement
• Difficulty interacting with others
• Repetitive behaviours or strong preferences for routine
• Sensory sensitivities
• Delayed developmental milestones

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What the Assessment Involves

The process typically includes:

1. Parent questionnaires and developmental history
2. Play-based and structured assessment sessions
3. Observation of communication and interaction
4. Standardised assessment tools (e.g. WPPSI-IV, ADOS-2)
5. Scoring, interpretation, and report writing
6. Feedback session with parents (and child where appropriate)

​Sessions are adapted to suit the child’s age, attention, and comfort.

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Can Autism Be Diagnosed Under 6?
Yes.

A Clinical Psychologist is qualified to assess and diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder in young children using appropriate tools and clinical judgement.

In some cases, services such as the NDIS or schools may request multidisciplinary confirmation, and families may choose to provide the report to a paediatrician if additional documentation is required.

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Timeframes
​
Timeframes vary depending on complexity and return of questionnaires.

​Typical timeframe:
• Autism Assessment: approximately 2–3 weeks from assessment to feedback

More complex presentations (e.g. additional developmental or contextual factors) may take longer.

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Important Information

• Assessments are tailored to the child’s developmental level
• Information is gathered from multiple sources (home, early learning, etc.)
• Diagnosis is made only where criteria are met
• Reports support understanding and planning but do not guarantee funding outcomes

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Fees & Funding
We aim to provide clear and transparent information so families can plan assessments with confidence.

Assessment Fees
All assessments include clinical interviews, standardised assessments, scoring, interpretation, a comprehensive written report, and a feedback session.
​
​Autism Assessment
Approx. 15 hours total
$232.99 per hour
Total: $3,494.85

Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment
Approx. 20 hours total
$232.99 per hour
Total: $4,659.80
Timeframes and total hours may vary depending on the complexity of the presentation and how quickly questionnaires are returned.

Medicare (Mental Health Treatment Plan)
If you have a referral from your GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.

Clinical Psychologist rebate: approximately $136.35 per session

How Medicare applies to assessments
Medicare rebates apply to eligible face-to-face sessions that involve:
• Assessment sessions
• Clinical interviews
• Feedback and recommendations

​Medicare does not fund assessments as a packaged service. Rebates are applied per session attended.
Time spent on scoring, interpretation, and report writing is included in the overall fee but is not claimable through Medicare.

​Autism-Specific Medicare Pathway (Under 13)
For children under 13, a paediatrician or psychiatrist may refer for assessment of a complex neurodevelopmental condition (including autism).
This may allow access to:
• Up to 4 allied health assessment sessions
• Rebates of approximately $84–$150 per session
Eligibility depends on specialist referral.

​Centrelink (Disability Support Pension – DSP)

A psychology assessment may be used as supporting medical evidence for Centrelink Disability Support Pension (DSP) applications.
Centrelink requires documentation from qualified health professionals, which can include a Clinical Psychologist. Our assessment reports include detailed information about:
• Assessment results
• Clinical interpretation
• Functional impact in daily life
• Recommendations

This information may assist in supporting a DSP application.

​Important to know:
• A psychology assessment is one part of the overall evidence required
• Centrelink assesses applications based on specific criteria, including diagnosis, functional impact, and ability to work
• Additional documentation (e.g. GP or specialist reports) is usually required
• DSP approval is not guaranteed based on one report alone

​DSP is available for individuals aged 16 years and over. For children under 16, families may instead access supports through the NDIS or carer payments.

​Private Health Insurance
Depending on your extras cover, you may be eligible for psychology rebates.

Typical rebates range from:
• $50–$120 per session

Please note:
• Medicare and private health rebates cannot be claimed for the same session
• Some families choose to use Medicare rebates first, then private health for additional sessions

​We recommend checking directly with your insurer for details of your cover.

NDIS
The NDIS does not fund diagnostic assessments.
However, funding may be used for:
• Functional assessments
• Therapy supports
Diagnosis is typically completed outside of NDIS funding.

Payment Information
To support a smooth assessment process:
• Payment is required on the day of each session
• Progression to the next stage occurs once previous sessions are finalised

​We will outline the assessment schedule in advance so you know what to expect.

Planning Your Costs
Families often use a combination of:
• Medicare rebates
• Private health rebates
• Private payment

We are happy to talk this through with you so you can choose an approach that suits your family.

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free 20min connect Session
with our clinical psychologist

If you’re unsure whether an assessment is the right next step, we offer a Free 20-minute Meet & Greet call with our Clinical Psychologist.

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Not Sure if this may be Autism?

Differences in communication, social interaction, or behaviour can show up in many ways, and it’s not always clear whether these relate to autism or another area of development.
Some children may:

• Prefer routines or predictability
• Experience sensory sensitivities
• Find social situations more challenging

These experiences can sometimes overlap with ADHD or learning differences.

Learn more about Autism support & Early Signs

Explore signs of autism by age

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We Can Help You Work This Out

​If you’re unsure what type of assessment your child may need, you don’t need to figure it out alone.
Our team can:

• Talk through your concerns
• Help identify patterns
• Recommend the most appropriate assessment pathway

Speak with our team about your concerns
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us an email here

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Areas We Service ​
​Our Clinical Psychologist based in Rockingham, Western Australia, provides Psychology Assessments to clients across the South of Perth to Mandurah suburbs and surrounding areas.

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Anketell
Atwell
Baldivis
Banjup
Barragup
Bertram
Bibra Lake
Bouvard
Calista
Casuarina
Clifton
Cockburn Central
Coogee

Coolbellup
Cooloongup
Dawesville
Dudley Park
East Rockingham
Erskine
Falcon
Furnissdale
Garden Island
Golden Bay
Greenfields
Halls Head
Hamel

Hamilton Hill
Hammond Park
Herron
Hope Valley
Hopeland
Jandakot
Karnup
Keralup
Kwinana Beach
Kwinana Town Centre
Lakelands
Leda

Madora Bay
Mandogalup
Mandurah
Meadow Springs
Medina
Nambeelup
Naval Base
North Coogee
North Dandalup
Oakford
Orelia
Parklands
Parmelia

Peron
Pinjarra
Port Kennedy
Postans
Ravenswood
Rockingham
Safety Bay
San Remo
Secret Harbour
Serpentine
Shoalwater
Silver Sands
Singleton

South Lake
South Yunderup
Spearwood
Stake Hill
Success
The Spectacles
Wandi
Wannanup
Warnbro
Wattleup
Wellard
West Pinjarra
Yangebup

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Frequently Asked Questions – Autism Assessments for Children Under 6

Can a child under 5 be diagnosed with autism?
Yes.
Autism can be identified in early childhood. A Clinical Psychologist can assess and diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder in young children using developmentally appropriate tools and clinical observation.

How is a young child (e.g. 2–5 years old) assessed for autism?
Autism assessments for young children use a combination of:
• Play-based observation
• Structured assessment tools (e.g. ADOS-2)
• Developmental history
• Parent questionnaires
• Cognitive assessment where appropriate (e.g. WPPSI-IV)
This allows the psychologist to understand the child’s communication, interaction, and behaviour across different contexts.

What are early signs of autism in toddlers?
Early signs may include:
• Limited eye contact
• Reduced response to name
• Delayed or limited speech
• Limited use of gestures (e.g. pointing, waving)
• Preference for playing alone
• Repetitive behaviours or movements
• Strong preference for routines
Every child is different, and not all children will show the same signs.

What are red flags for autism in a 2-year-old?
Some early indicators may include:
• Not responding consistently to their name
• Limited interest in interacting with others
• Delayed speech or loss of previously used words
• Repetitive play (e.g. lining up toys)
• Strong reactions to changes or sensory input
If you have concerns, an assessment can help provide clarity.

At what age does autism start?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it is present from early development.
Signs may be noticeable in the first few years of life, although they may become more apparent as social and communication demands increase.

When should I consider an autism assessment for my child?
You may consider an assessment if you notice:
• Delays in communication or language
• Differences in social interaction
• Repetitive behaviours or strong routines
• Concerns raised by educators or health professionals
If you are unsure, it is appropriate to seek advice.

How do toddlers with autism play?
Play may look different for some children.
This can include:
• Repetitive use of toys (e.g. spinning, lining up)
• Less pretend or imaginative play
• Preference for familiar activities
However, play varies widely between children.

Do autistic toddlers respond to their name?
Some children may respond inconsistently or less frequently to their name.
This can be one of several signs considered during an assessment, but on its own does not confirm autism.

Do autistic children show affection (e.g. cuddling)?
Yes.
Children with autism can show affection in many ways. Some may enjoy cuddling, while others may prefer different ways of connecting.
Differences in how affection is expressed are part of individual variation.

When do children with autism start talking?
Language development varies.
Some children may:
• Develop speech later than expected
• Use fewer words
• Communicate in different ways (e.g. gestures, sounds)
An assessment can help understand communication development.

What is an autistic meltdown?
A meltdown is an intense response to feeling overwhelmed.
This may occur due to:
• Sensory overload
• Changes in routine
• Difficulty communicating needs
Meltdowns are not the same as typical behaviour and are understood in the context of the child’s experience.

Can autism be mild?
Autism is described as a spectrum, meaning individuals have different strengths and support needs.
Some children may have more subtle differences, while others may require more support.

What causes Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with multiple contributing factors, including genetic influences.
There is no single cause, and it is not caused by parenting style or environmental factors alone.

Can autism be prevented or cured?
No.
Autism is not something that can be prevented or “cured”.
Early assessment can help families understand their child’s needs and access appropriate supports.

Will my child “grow out of” autism?
Autism is a lifelong condition.
However, with the right supports, children can develop skills and strategies that help them navigate daily life.

What should I do if I’m worried about my child?
If you have concerns, the first step is to seek guidance.
An assessment can help provide clarity and support informed next steps.

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Belong Health's Resource Hub
To further support your child's development, visit our Resource Hub for additional activities, tips, and tools tailored for various needs and diagnoses.
Below are our Child Psychology Free Resources

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Home Therapy Packs
At Belong Health, we are dedicated to providing tailored support that meets the unique needs of each child. Developed by our Paediatric Occupational Therapists, our Home Therapy Packs are specifically designed to align with NDIS goals, offering flexible, practical, and engaging activities for children at home.
To further enhance your approach, consider our Home Therapy Packs, specifically designed to support communication development at home.

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