Early Autism Initiative
Early answers. Better outcomes.
Every child deserves the chance to be understood early. The Early Autism Initiative (EAI) is a free autism screening and diagnostic pathway for children aged 18 months to 4.5 years — delivered by the specialist team at Wild Child Paediatrics. The EAI launches in May 2026. Follow us on social media to be the first to know when the screening tool goes live.
What is the EAI?
The Early Autism Initiative exists because early diagnosis changes lives. When autism is identified before school age, families can access support sooner, interventions are more effective, and children thrive.
We know that cost and access can be significant barriers to early diagnosis. The EAI removes those barriers entirely — offering a free pathway from initial screening through to formal diagnosis for eligible families.
The EAI accepts three families per quarter, with monthly assessment appointments at our Nedlands clinic, ensuring every child receives thorough and individualised care.
What does the pathway include?
Every child’s assessment is tailored to their clinical needs and may include:
- Initial screening using validated tools (M-CHAT-R and SRS-2)
- Developmental paediatric assessment with Dr Sabrina Barrett
- Psychology and/or speech pathology assessment where clinically indicated
- Hearing assessment through our partner audiology services where indicated
- Formal diagnostic assessment using the ADOS-2 — the gold standard tool for autism diagnosis
- Information sharing with your child’s school or childcare setting, with your consent
- Observation visits to school or childcare where relevant
- A written diagnostic report with findings and recommendations
Following diagnosis, we will connect your family with appropriate post-diagnosis supports including NDIS navigation and community partner services.
Who is it for?
The EAI is open to children aged 18 months to 4.5 years where autism is suspected. It is designed for families who may not otherwise be able to access a private assessment.
The EAI is a free diagnostic pathway. Families who wish to continue with ongoing paediatric review following the EAI process are welcome to book private appointments with our clinic — standard consultation fees apply for ongoing care.
How does it work?
Step 1 — Complete our online screening tool
Complete a short online questionnaire about your child’s development. This takes around 10 minutes and can be done from home.
Step 2 — We review your responses
Our clinical team reviews your screening results. If your child screens positive, we will contact you and ask you to obtain a GP or paediatrician referral addressed to Wild Child Paediatrics to proceed.
Step 3 — Intake
Once your referral is received, we will send you a detailed intake form and a consent form to share information across our services.
Step 4 — Assessment
Your child will be seen by our team at our Nedlands clinic, with monthly appointments scheduled based on clinical need.
Step 5 — Diagnosis and connection to support
You will receive a written diagnostic report with findings and recommendations.
The EAI screening tool will be available here from May 2026. Follow us on social media to be the first to know when it launches.
Get Involved
Are you a clinician who wants to volunteer?
If you are a paediatrician, psychologist, or speech pathologist interested in volunteering with the Early Autism Initiative, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to learn more about the EAI and how you can be part of it, please get in touch at eai@wildchildpaediatrics.com
Partner With Us
We are actively seeking organisations who share our commitment to early intervention and family support to join us as EAI Community Partners.
If your organisation would like to explore a partnership with the EAI, please get in touch at eai@wildchildpaediatrics.com
Support the EAI
The Early Autism Initiative is delivered entirely on a pro-bono basis.
If you would like to discuss funding or sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at eai@wildchildpaediatrics.com
Our EAI Community Partners
The EAI is strengthened by our community partners, who provide complementary services to families referred through the pathway.
FAQs
Is there really no cost?
Yes. The EAI is entirely free for eligible families — there is no cost for any part of the screening or diagnostic process through this pathway. Families who wish to access ongoing paediatric review following the EAI are welcome to book private appointments with our clinic (Standard consultation fees apply for ongoing care).
Do I need a GP referral?
If your child screens positive through our online tool, you will need a referral from your GP or paediatrician addressed to Wild Child Paediatrics before we can proceed with assessment.
We will guide you through this when we contact you with your screening results. Please note that obtaining a GP referral may incur a consultation fee depending on your GP’s billing practices.
My child is under 18 months or over 4.5 years — can you help?
The EAI is specifically designed for children aged 18 months to 4.5 years. If your child is outside this age range and you have concerns about their development, please contact our clinic to discuss private assessment options.
How many families does the EAI take?
We accept three families per quarter, with monthly assessment appointments. Places are intentionally limited to ensure every child receives thorough, individualised care.
When does the EAI launch?
The EAI launches in May 2026. Follow us on social media for the announcement and to access the screening tool when it goes live.
What happens after diagnosis?
You will receive a written diagnostic report and we will connect your family with appropriate support services including NDIS navigation. Our EAI Community Partners are available to assist families through the post-diagnosis process.