❓ Hon Martin Aldridge asks about waitlists for autism and ADHD assessments for children and early intervention programs for speech and language difficulties. The response provides some data on ASD assessments in Perth and outlines early intervention programs offered by the Department of Health.
AnsweredQoN 2689Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Legislative Council question on notice 2385 asked to
the Minister of Education, and I ask: (a) what is the current
wait list for children to obtain a formal assessment by either a paediatrician,
psychologist or speech therapist for autism spectrum and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder type disorders by region; and (b) what early intervention programs is the Department of Health promoting in the early identification and remediation of speech and language difficulties with young children?
the Minister of Education, and I ask: (a) what is the current
wait list for children to obtain a formal assessment by either a paediatrician,
psychologist or speech therapist for autism spectrum and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder type disorders by region; and (b) what early intervention programs is the Department of Health promoting in the early identification and remediation of speech and language difficulties with young children?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
5 December 2019
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health
Response time
10 days
I am advised:
(a) The Department of Communities – Disability Services maintains the waitlist information for children who require Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments in the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Region, and as such the Member should refer part of this question to the Minister for Community Services.
As of 31 October 2019, diagnostic assessment for ASD for the Perth metropolitan area is as follows:
Paediatricians within the Perth metropolitan and WACHS region are able to undertake assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), however referrals are managed as part of overall paediatric services (including generalist, visiting and externally funded services), and separate waitlists are not maintained specifically for children requiring ADHD assessments.
(b) All Speech Pathologists within the Child Development Service (CDS) provide early identification and remediation of speech and language difficulties which can include:
WACHS offers screening and surveillance of early childhood development for all children under the WACHS Healthy Country Kids Program. If speech and language difficulties are identified, families are referred to the CDS where a range of evidence based strategies and programs are offered.
(a) The Department of Communities – Disability Services maintains the waitlist information for children who require Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments in the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Region, and as such the Member should refer part of this question to the Minister for Community Services.
As of 31 October 2019, diagnostic assessment for ASD for the Perth metropolitan area is as follows:
Paediatricians within the Perth metropolitan and WACHS region are able to undertake assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), however referrals are managed as part of overall paediatric services (including generalist, visiting and externally funded services), and separate waitlists are not maintained specifically for children requiring ADHD assessments.
(b) All Speech Pathologists within the Child Development Service (CDS) provide early identification and remediation of speech and language difficulties which can include:
WACHS offers screening and surveillance of early childhood development for all children under the WACHS Healthy Country Kids Program. If speech and language difficulties are identified, families are referred to the CDS where a range of evidence based strategies and programs are offered.
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