A groundbreaking proposal from a leading Perth GP could transform how Australian children access autism diagnosis, with Dr Andrew Leech calling for general practitioners to play a far more significant role in identifying neurodivergent conditions.
The current system, which relies heavily on paediatricians and specialists, is creating unacceptable delays of up to four years for families seeking answers. Dr Leech argues this lengthy waiting period means children are missing critical early intervention opportunities during their most formative years.
The Hidden Crisis in Children's Healthcare
"We have children as young as three or four being put on waiting lists that stretch for years," Dr Leech explains. "By the time they finally receive an assessment, they've often fallen significantly behind their peers developmentally."
The Perth-based general practitioner believes many GPs already possess the necessary skills to identify autism spectrum disorder but lack confidence in making formal diagnoses. He suggests comprehensive training programs could equip family doctors to handle straightforward cases, while reserving complex situations for specialists.
A Practical Solution for Overburdened Families
Under Dr Leech's proposed model, families would benefit from:
- Dramatically reduced waiting times for initial assessments
- Earlier access to support services and interventions
- Continuity of care within their existing medical relationships
- Reduced financial burden from repeated specialist consultations
Breaking Down Systemic Barriers
The current diagnostic pathway often requires multiple specialist appointments, extensive travel, and significant out-of-pocket expenses – creating particular hardship for regional and low-income families. Dr Leech's approach would decentralise autism diagnosis, making it more accessible to communities across Western Australia and nationwide.
"We're not suggesting GPs replace specialists entirely," he clarifies. "Rather, we're proposing a tiered system where straightforward cases can be managed locally, while complex presentations still receive specialist attention."
The Path Forward for Australian Healthcare
This call for reform comes amid growing recognition of Australia's mental health and developmental services crisis. Dr Leech's proposal represents a practical, patient-centred approach that could alleviate pressure on overwhelmed specialist services while providing faster answers for concerned parents.
As the conversation around neurodiversity evolves, so too must our healthcare systems. Empowering GPs to take a more active role in autism diagnosis could represent a significant step toward more responsive, accessible care for Australian children and their families.
