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Assessments and Diagnostics

We offer a range of assessments to support and identify a formal diagnosis to help you learn skills and increase independence.

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The sooner we understand your strengths and challenges, the sooner we can find the right therapies to help you reach your full potential.

Assessments are an important way to assist in exploring the presence of a diagnosis and determining whether there is an underlying reason for areas of concern.

They are also an important opportunity for our health professionals to gather information.

Assessments explore and identify your child’s strengths and challenges and assist in understanding how they learn best.

This helps guide treatment and provide recommendations specific to your child to assist them in their home, school, social and other environments.

To learn more about assessments or to book an appointment contact your nearest Early Start Australia clinic.

Enquire now 1300 372 439
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Types of assessments we offer

At Early Start Australia our therapists can provide assessments and reports for:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Learning disorders, including dyslexia/disorder of written expression, maths disorders, and reading disorders and dysgraphia
  • Speech therapy, including speech, language (core and high level), social skills, problem-solving, reading and writing abilities
  • GDD and intellectual impairment
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment and screening
  • NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Giftedness/IQ
  • School readiness assessments
  • Educational/academic assessments
  • Intellectual disability
  • Memory tests
  • Adaptive functioning
  • Cognitive ability
  • Achievement testing
  • Social skills
Enquire now 1300 372 439

Assessment services vary between clinics so check with your local clinic about the types of assessments available.

What does an assessment involve?

Different assessments have different requirements, but they generally follow a standard approach.

During testing sessions, your child will meet one-on-one with their assessing health professional, such as a psychologist, occupational therapist or speech therapist to complete a range of activities.

Your child’s assessor will always start by spending time building a rapport to ensure your child feels comfortable.

Testing is usually scheduled earlier in the day when most children are functioning at their best.

The length of the entire assessment process can depend on several factors, including the number of assessments needed and availability.

The length of each assessment appointment with your child will range from 1-2hrs. This is followed by a feedback appointment when you will receive a report.

Enquire now 1300 372 439
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If my child receives a diagnosis, what happens next?

Results from the assessment at Early Start Australia may or may not indicate the presence of a diagnosis.

If the results indicate the presence of a diagnosis, recommendations will be made to meet with your paediatrician to formalise or verify the diagnosis.

Depending on the results from the assessment, your child may be eligible for government funding for therapy and support. All of this is discussed at your feedback appointment.

Enquire now 1300 372 439

Find a clinic near you

We have clinics in every state and territory providing assessments, early childhood intervention therapies, and support to help you thrive.

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FAQs about Assessments

Early Start Australia provides assessments and reports as a first step before commencing therapy to guide treatment, determine base line measures and track progress. Assessments are used to provide supporting documentation where a child may be undergoing diagnoses for a specific disorder and when needed for reasons such as school transitions, funding for programming and resources, special provisions for examinations, prescription for specialist equipment and audits for physical access or environmental modification.

Your child may be eligible for up to 4 rebates on assessments specifically for Autism Spectrum Disorder with a valid referral from your paediatrician. However, typically there are no rebates available through Medicare for psychometric assessments.

If you have private health insurance and assessments are completed by an Early Start Australia Psychologist with full registration, you may be eligible for some rebates through your private health insurance company at their discretion and depending on the level of cover held. It is recommended you discuss this with your private health insurance company.

To reduce anxiety around testing, it’s recommended that you avoid using words like “testing”, “assessment” or “games”. Instead, it’s recommended that you explain to your child that they will be meeting with someone to complete some activities. You may wish to tell them the name of the health professional. Letting them know what to expect can be helpful to reduce anxiety and set expectations. Setting the scene for your child can help reduce anxiety around attending. For example, informing your child that they will be completing some activities and that you will be just outside the room. It can also be a good idea to bring an object of their choice to help to increase their sense of safety and security.

The Early Start Australia promise

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Holistic care and treatment plans

Our multi-disciplinary team works together with you to understand your child’s needs. From there, we’ll develop a plan with evidence-based strategies. Work with us to achieve your goals and enjoy a better quality of life.

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Australia-wide reach

With clinics in every state and territory, and an experienced team of therapists. Find help when you need it, where you need it.

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Registered NDIS provider

We are a registered NDIS provider and are here to help you on your NDIS journey. We provide quality and safe services, follow NDIS requirements, and support your needs and goals.

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Early intervention at all stages

Early intervention is not just for young children. We offer therapies that cater to all ages, needs and abilities, and we know the sooner you start your therapy journey, the better your outcomes. With us, you can learn new skills and enjoy more freedom and control in your life.