Autism and Intellectual Disability

*Send referrals to Dr Yeshwant Kamavarapu via

Woody Point Medical Centre, 28 Lilla Street, Woody Point, 4019 / Phn: 07 3284 9452 / Fax: 07 3448 0373
Coolum Beach Health Centre, 2/20 Elizabeth Street, Coolum Beach, 4573 / Phn: 07 5446 1466 / Fax: 07 5231 8836

Autism and Intellectual Disability assessment and fees

Initial consultation

During the initial one-hour consultation, a comprehensive psychiatric history will be taken, and your needs, concerns, and expectations will be discussed.

Based on this consultation, you will either receive advice that Autism is unlikely or a recommendation to proceed with further assessments.

* Fees waivers and bulk billing may be considered for suitable economically struggling families on a case by case basis.

Diagnostic Assessment

The assessment would be based on the criteria set in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, version 5 (DSM-5) and may include:

face-to-face assessment of the patient,
taking a detailed history from birth/childhood
review of all reports (school performance, psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy reports etc. ),
discuss collateral history from carers/parents, etc.

If some reports are missing and deemed necessary, you may be advised to get them done separately.

Some parts of the assessment (e.g., discussions with family/carers) can be done by phone or video but require at least one face-to-face meeting.

If a report is needed, there will be a charge per hour for the additional hours required to complete the report.

Further Assessment/Reviews

Further Reviews may be needed for individuals:

requiring a court report to address relevant areas as per the instructions
with inconclusive previous assessments (they sit in the grey area between autism and normalcy/another psychiatric condition complicates the clinical picture of autism)
who need further observations or specialist assessments for tailored management plans (behavioural intervention plans, etc.)
to assess progress
who need a multidisciplinary team review due to case complexities.