Children living with autism spectrum disorder will be able to access extra support at school without a diagnosis when SA Department for Education regulations change in October.
"From October, parents and students won't need a diagnosis of anything to access support because support in the new funding model is needs-based rather than label-based," Dr Goodall said.Under the present system, the wait for a specialist appointment is a lengthy process — particularly in regional areas."With the cost and the waiting time, my nine-year-old daughter Daphne has only just this year had her second diagnosis," Ms Protopapas said.
"By just accepting the first diagnosis, it would just be so much better for a lot of families, me included."Dr Goodall said while the new system eliminated the need for a diagnosis, getting one would help the schools provide specialised care for each student. Dr Goodall also said cutting the need for two diagnoses will slash the wait times to see specialists.