For Patients and Visitors
What is the Service?
This clinic sees young children to determine whether they have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The clinic is for children when it is unclear if they have ASD or another diagnosis.
When a child has many signs of ASD their usual Paediatrician can sometimes diagnose the child with ASD and the child does not need to come to this clinic.
What can I expect from the service?
The assessment team usually includes a Paediatrician and two allied health professionals (i.e., Speech Pathologist, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist) but we cannot guarantee what professionals will be in the assessment.
The assessment process usually involves two appointments over two weeks but depends on what the child needs.
There is no one test that can diagnose ASD. You will be asked lots of questions about your child and a professional will complete some activities with your child.
With your permission, the clinic may collect information from other people that know your child well (e.g. kinder teacher).
Once the assessment is complete, you will be given the results and some information about how to help your child. A report will be written for you in the weeks after the assessment.
What do I bring/need for my appointment?
Children need to have a report or letter from a Paediatrician and an allied health professional (e.g. speech pathologist) before being referred to NASDAC. Children also need to have had a hearing assessment before being referred to NASDAC.
Carers can find the assessment emotional or overwhelming. We encourage two carers to attend but if only one carer is attending, you may want to bring a trusted friend or family member for support.
You will be asked lots of questions about your child’s development. To help you remember, bring some notes about your child’s behaviour including things that your child finds challenging and things your child does well.
Bring your child’s green Maternal and Child Health Book.
Bring any reports or letters about your child (e.g. Paediatrician, Speech Pathology report or hearing test etc.).
Cost
It is a free service for Medicare patients.
Contact us
To find out more about NASDAC, contact Northern Health Craigieburn on 8338 3000
To enquire about your referral:
Contact Community Access Service (CAS)
Phone: 9495 3443
Fax: 8405 8616
For Health Professionals
Service Overview
The clinic is for children where there is diagnostic uncertainty and differential diagnoses need to be considered by a team of professionals. The multidisciplinary assessment team includes a Paediatrician and two allied health professionals (i.e. Speech Pathologist, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist). We cannot accommodate requests for specific disciplines to be involved in the assessment.
Inclusion criteria
Please see the NASDAC referral form for the eligibility criteria.
- NASDAC is for children living within the Northern catchment area
- NASDAC is for children who have not yet turned seven years of age
How to Refer:
Referrals are accepted from Paediatricians. The NASDAC Referral Form must be complete to refer to NASDAC.
Find the NASDAC Referral Form here
Referral must include:
Attached to the NASDAC Referral Form must be
- Audiology results,
- a comprehensive Paediatrician report/letter and
- an Allied Health report/letter (e.g. Speech Pathologist or Key Worker).
All sections of the Referral Form must be complete or the referral will be rejected.
Alternative service options:
Amaze can help you locate an Autism Assessment Team in Victoria. You can contact them on 1300 308 699 or see http://www.amaze.org.au/discover/about-autism-spectrum-disorder/assessment-and-diagnosis/
Children with a history of significant mental health issues may be more suited to a Child and Adolescent / Youth Mental Health Service (CAMHS/CYMHS) team such as:
Austin Health http://www.austin.org.au/mentalhealth/CYMHS/ASDAP
Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) https://www.rch.org.au/mental-health/
Children with multiple or complex sensory, medical or developmental needs (i.e. deafness, blindness) may be more suited to the specialist assessment team at RCH. https://www.rch.org.au/autism/ and https://www.rch.org.au/autism/autism_assessment/Autism_assessment_ages_0-6/
Enquiries:
To find out more about NASDAC, contact Northern Health Craigieburn on 8338 3000
To enquire about your referral:
Contact Community Access Service (CAS):
Phone: 9495 3443
Fax: 8405 8616
- Locations offering this service
- Craigieburn Centre
