Victorian Early Assessment Clinic
Support for infants and toddlers.
The Victorian Early Assessment Clinic is a leading Autism centre specialising in providing infants and toddlers with an affordable, comprehensive needs assessment and differential diagnosis.
An initiative managed by OTARC and supported by the Victorian Government, research and evaluation are a core part of the operation of the VEAC.
Our dedicated team of multidisciplinary clinicians work within a neurodiversity-affirming practice model to support families of children under 36 months of age with a high likelihood of Autism in Victoria.
The VEAC team coordinates a 5-step assessment program that includes a combination of telehealth and in-person multidisciplinary assessments. At the end of the program, families receive a comprehensive report and a personalised pathways plan.
The Victorian Early Assessment Clinic is a lower cost option for families who have questions about their child's development in relation to Autism.
The VEAC is supported by the
Operating hours
The VEAC welcomes children from 12 - 36 months of age using a multidisciplinary approach to determine if a child meets the criteria for an Autism diagnosis.
The Clinic operates on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, between 9am – 5pm..
FAQ's for families
The Victorian Early Assessment Clinic is located on Level 2, George Singer Building, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora Victoria 3083
Referrals from a Maternal Child & Health Care Nurse, Medical or Allied Health practitioner are welcome, but not essential. Families may self-refer their child by contacting the clinic on veac@latrobe.edu.au
Email is our main communication method as the clinic operates two days per week, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am – 5pm. For enquiries please email veac@latrobe.edu.au. Someone from the VEAC team will reply to your query within 1-3 business days.
+61 3 9479 2444
The VEAC is a Victorian based service. Unfortunately, families located outside of Victoria are unable to make a booking at this stage.
No, VEAC offers a comprehensive needs assessment and differential diagnosis only. At the conclusion of the child’s assessment, we recommend tailored pathways for each child to continue their health and wellbeing journey.
VEAC’s program is an affordable comprehensive needs assessment. A full price guide is provided to families after their initial contact with the clinic.
Do you offer concession pricing?
- Yes, VEAC offers concession pricing for those who hold a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
Do I have to pay for everything upfront?
- Payments are made in two instalments.
A full schedule and pricing guide is supplied to all families on their initial contact with the VEAC team.
Is it covered under Medicare?
- No, the program and services are not covered by Medicare.
The VEAC team will supply you with a welcome pack detailing what’s involved in the program. You will also be provided with a full pricing guide and schedule, and you will need to complete an online client form and questionnaire prior to your first visit.
Referral and Intake: You will be contacted by a member of our team to discuss eligibility, fees, waiting times and to answer any questions you may have about our service.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS?
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TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT 1
Duration: 30 minutes
This telehealth appointment is to undertake the SACS screening assessment- a diagnosis cannot be made at this stage
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TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT 2
Duration: 1.5 hours
An in-depth caregiver interview covering your child’s development and relevant family history.
If the clinician feels your child may reach criteria for an Autism diagnosis, you will be invited into the clinic for a Multidisciplinary assessment.
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MULTIDISCIPLINARY ASSESSMENT 1
Duration: 1 hour
During this appointment, your child will complete a play-based assessment with a clinician.
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MULTIDISCIPLINARY ASSESSMENT 2
Duration: 1.5 hours
During this appointment, your child will complete a developmental assessment with a clinician. You will also be asked some questions about your child’s background, their strengths, and areas where support is needed.
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TELEHEALTH FEEDBACK APPOINTMENT
Duration: (up to) 1 hour
The feedback appointment is delivered via telehealth.
The clinician will discuss their findings, provide a clinical diagnosis where appropriate, and support recommendations.
You will be provided with a report regarding your child’s development and recommendations for supports and services.
Our team
The multidisciplinary team at the VEAC.