How Much Does a Developmental Assessment Cost in Singapore?

If you're worried about your child's development, one of the first practical questions is: how much will an assessment cost, and how long will it take? In Singapore, the answer depends mostly on which route you take: public or private. Here's what to expect from each, so you can choose what's right for your family.

What a Developmental Assessment Involves

A developmental assessment looks at how your child is doing across key areas: communication, social interaction, play, behaviour, thinking skills, and daily living skills. It usually includes a parent interview, observation of your child, and standardised tools. When autism is being considered, this often includes the ADOS-2, a structured play-based assessment. You'll receive a written report with findings and recommendations. Our guide on how to read your child's assessment report explains what's inside.

The Public Route: KKH and NUH

Most families start with a referral from a polyclinic or paediatrician to the Child Development Unit at KKH or NUH.

• Cost: Around $200 to $600 out of pocket for Singapore Citizens after subsidies, depending on how many sessions and professionals are involved

• Waiting time: Commonly 6 to 18 months for the first appointment, and 12 to 24 months from referral to a completed report

The public route is the most affordable option and is required for some government-funded programmes. The trade-off is time, which matters a great deal in the early years.

The Private Route

Private assessments are carried out by psychologists or developmental paediatricians in private practice.

• Cost: Generally around $1,600 to $3,200 for a comprehensive autism diagnostic assessment, with more complex cases sometimes costing more

• Waiting time: Usually 1 to 3 months for the first appointment, and around 6 to 12 weeks for the full process

Private assessments cost more, but they give you answers far sooner, often with more time spent with your child and more detailed, practical recommendations.

What Affects the Price

Fees vary depending on:

• Whether the assessment is a general developmental screen or a full diagnostic assessment

• Which tools are used (for example, ADOS-2, cognitive testing or adaptive behaviour scales)

• The number of sessions and professionals involved

• The depth of the report and whether a feedback session is included

When comparing quotes, ask exactly what is included, so you're comparing like with like.

Is a Private Assessment Worth It?

For many families, the biggest cost isn't the fee. It's the months spent waiting while a child could be getting support. Research consistently shows that earlier support leads to better outcomes. Some parents choose to stay on the public waitlist while getting a private assessment, so they can start therapy now. It's also worth knowing that you don't always need a diagnosis to start therapy.

Planning for the Next Step

An assessment is the starting point, not the finish line. Once you have a report, the next questions are usually about therapy options and funding. Our guides on early intervention funding in Singapore and the cost of ABA therapy in Singapore can help you plan ahead. For a full walkthrough of the process, see our step-by-step guide to getting an autism assessment.

At ABA LABS, we offer developmental assessments with clear, practical reports and recommendations you can act on straight away. Our initial consultation is complimentary, so you can talk through your concerns before deciding anything. Book a consultation to find out more.

Fees and waiting times are indicative and change over time. Please check with each provider for current rates.