We had a psych appointment yesterday, parents only. I managed to get an appt within 24hrs of calling a centre called Quirky Kid Psychology. We talked for 1.5hrs and she said everything we described of Ripley, definitely is NOT normal now its just a case of figuring out what 'not normal' it is. She feels he possibly will register on the ADOS test as being a very high functioning autistic but she also wants to do the other test (a spina something?). She even thinks he possibly has ADHD as well. Definately Sensory Processing Disorder so she said to go ahead with OT. So in my eyes $180 well spent because finally someone is listening to us.
So I think our next step is a meet and greet session with Ripley in tow, then the assessments. Only problem is its going to cost us up to $2000. Unless we miraculously find somewhere public without a wicked long waitlist. Anyone here who could give me a head up on some reduced cost or publicly funded assessment options in Sydney? We are only here in Sydney until Sept/Oct, I have no idea at this point where we will be after that and DH is deploying mid year so I really want this all planned out before he leaves so we both can not stress about being up in the air still while he concentrates on coming home in one peice.
The other thing I was thinking of asking on advice of a friend is if they will bill the assessments under a Mental Health Care Plan, separating them into 5 sessions so the cost is completely covered by medicare. Anyone know of this being done?