Inclusive SA

Focus Area 1: Pathways to diagnosis

We want to create a clear and equitable approach to diagnosis in South Australia.

For many Autistic South Australians, receiving a diagnosis is an important step towards a fulfilling life. As with any neurological developmental difference or condition, early identification is an essential first step to accessing effective supports and to finding a sense of belonging and identity.

A growing number of children and young people are being diagnosed with autism. (Source: Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, South Australia, 2023, p 85.)

For NDIS participants aged 18 or under, the most prevalent disability type is autism. Autism continues to be the largest primary disability category of all NDIS participants and the rates, specifically in South Australia, continue to sit above the national average. (Source: National Disability Insurance Scheme, NDIS Quarterly report to disability ministers Q3 2022–23, p 17.)

The difficulties experienced by Autistic people and their families in navigating the diagnostic process can be significant. The process can be long, confusing, and deficit-based and there is a lack of professionals who have adequate knowledge and understanding about autism and Autistic qualities.

Diagnosis can also be particularly important for adults who have not previously had their autism recognised. In addition, the significant levels of misdiagnosis or under-diagnosis of Autistic girls and women remain high. This is due, in part, to belief amongst some professionals only boys and men can be Autistic.

The continued misconceptions of autism can also increase the prevalence of misdiagnosis or under-diagnosis within Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, due to a lack of culturally appropriate diagnostic tools and general understanding.

For Autistic people to be afforded the supports and services they need, we must ensure the pathway to diagnosis (and beyond) is clear and equitable.

“Diagnosis is currently so inconsistent, so expensive and so confusing for parents and Autistic people looking to be diagnosed. It needs to be simplified, easier to access and more affordable.” — Consultation participant

The Autistic and autism communities highlighted:

  • The barriers and challenges they face when attempting to obtain a diagnosis.
  • The significant cost and length of current waitlists lead to further delays in accessing services and supports.
  • The benefit that is provided by receiving a diagnosis in enabling them to feel a sense of belonging and identity.

Our commitments:

  • Create clearer and more consistent pathways to diagnosis for Autistic people of all ages.
  • Improve the availability and access of diagnosis, especially in regional and/or remote areas.
  • Consider ways to reduce the occurrence of undiagnosed autism amongst girls and women and within the Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
  • Improve the post-diagnostic referral process and accessibility of accurate information and resources.

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Provided by:
Department of Human Services
URL:
https://inclusive.sa.gov.au/our-work/autismstrategy/sa-first-autism-strategy/focus-area-1-pathways-to-diagnosis
Last Updated:
26 Oct 2023
Printed on:
12 Nov 2024
The Inclusive SA website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence. © Copyright 2016