My four year old's kindergarten has suggested that we have him evaluated for high functioning autism (which we greatly welcome as this has been a long going process for the last 3 years of not having much to go on) and now we're aren't really sure where to go from here.
We are in SA and we're wondering what we are up for. Do we go to the doctor and ask for an evalutation or see someone privately and how do we even set this up? Will this need to be paid for or are we able to go for public care and while we are going through the stages of insurance but not sure what it entails.
Any advice would be amazing as we just want to get help for our beautiful little boy!
Thank you!
1 Replies
You need to go see your GP for a referral. Personally I would go privately. You can ring ahead and get a quote but at 4 if you go public you will have to wait a bloody long time. I paid cash for my sons diagnosis. If your GP refers they can give your child a mental health care plan which should cover the cost or a huge part of it.
I'd ring Headstart (on goodwood road) they do a lot of assessments and quite quickly. I'd avoid the autism association as they have wait lists that go for years, and you want to know before he starts school.
Otherwise your GP might have some other suggestions. Lizard Children's Centre is also a good place to ring.