# How much does an autism assessment cost in Australia, and is there a Medicare rebate?

> The public and private routes, the Medicare items for complex neurodevelopmental conditions, and how to keep costs down.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-assessment-australia
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Costs vary a lot. Public assessments through child development services can be free but often have long waits. Private assessments cost more, but Medicare can help: for people under 25, a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist can use Medicare items for complex neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism, and refer to allied health for assessment and treatment services.

**Key takeaways**
- **Public** assessments can be free but often have **long waits**.
- **Private** assessments cost more; **Medicare** can reduce costs.
- Medicare items for **complex neurodevelopmental conditions** cover people **under 25**.
- You can **start support before a diagnosis**.

## What are the routes to an autism assessment?

1. **See your GP.** They can refer you to a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or to public child development services.
2. **Public services.** State-funded child development or health services, often free but with waiting lists.
3. **Private assessment.** A private paediatrician or psychiatrist, often working with a psychologist and speech pathologist or OT.

## How does Medicare help?

Medicare includes items for assessing, diagnosing and treating **complex neurodevelopmental conditions**, such as autism. The key medical items are for consultant paediatricians (item 135) and psychiatrists (item 289), for patients **under 25**.[1][2]

The pathway usually looks like this:[1]

1. A paediatrician or psychiatrist refers to **allied health assessment** services.
2. They make a diagnosis and a **treatment and management plan**.
3. They refer to **allied health treatment** services, such as speech pathology or OT.

Allied health services only attract Medicare benefits after the prerequisite medical item has been paid, and these services can be delivered by telehealth.[1]

**Out-of-pocket costs vary.** Clinics set their own fees, so the gap after the Medicare rebate differs widely. Ask for a written estimate of total
  costs before you book.

## How can I reduce cost and waiting time?

**Try:**
- Getting on public and private waiting lists at the same time
- Asking about cancellation lists
- Asking clinics for a written cost estimate
- Starting early supports while you wait

**Skip:**
- Paying for online tests that can't diagnose
- Waiting for a diagnosis before getting any help

Guidelines from the Autism CRC recommend supports that are child- and family-centred and strengths-focused, which families can start well before a diagnosis.[3]

**See your GP soon if....** your child loses skills, stops responding to people, or you have concerns about safety or health.

Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Book a GP appointment and ask for a referral
- [ ] Ask about public and private waiting lists
- [ ] Write down examples of what you've noticed

Read next: [What is Thriving Kids?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/thriving-kids)

## Common questions

### Do I need a GP referral?

Yes, to see a specialist paediatrician or psychiatrist with a Medicare rebate you need a referral, usually from your GP.

### Can an assessment be done by telehealth?

Services Australia says these Medicare services can be performed and billed through telehealth, though clinicians decide what's appropriate for each assessment.

### Do I need a diagnosis to get help?

Not always. From October 2026, Thriving Kids supports children 8 and under without a diagnosis, and the NDIS early childhood approach helps children under 9.

## Sources

1. Services Australia: MBS billing for complex neurodevelopmental conditions and eligible disabilities. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mbs-billing-for-complex-neurodevelopmental-conditions-and-eligible-disabilities
2. Medicare Benefits Schedule: Item 135. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=135
3. Autism CRC: Supporting autistic children guideline. https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-practice/supporting-children

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.