Communities—Autism spectrum disorder assessment
24. Hon Donna Faragher to the minister representing the Minister for Disability Services:
I refer to the Department of Communities neurodevelopmental disability assessment service.
(1) How many children are currently on the waitlist for an autism spectrum disorder assessment in the following age groups:
(a) preschool; and
(b) school aged?
(2) What is the current median wait time for children to access an autism spectrum disorder assessment in the following age groups:
(a) preschool; and
(b) school aged?
Hon Jackie Jarvis replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following response has been provided by the Minister for Disabilities Services.
The Department of Communities advises the following.
(1) As at 31 March 2025, the number of children currently on the Department of Communities waitlist for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment is as follows.
(a) It is 340 for early intervention birth to school year pre-primary inclusive.
(b) It is 601 for school aged year 1 to age 17 inclusive.
(2) The median wait time for children allocated for an ASD assessment this financial year is as follows.
(a) It is nine months for early intervention birth to school year pre-primary inclusive.
(b) It is 19 months for school age year 1 to year to age 17 inclusive.
