AUSTISM Assesments

Who We Assess
Autism assessments may be suitable for:

Children and adolescents where autism is suspected
Children experiencing social, communication, or regulation challenges
Students requiring assessment to support school planning
Families exploring eligibility for NDIS supports
Children already on the NDIS requiring updated assessment information
Assessments are tailored to the child’s age, presentation, and referral needs.

What Does an Autism Assessment Include?
An autism assessment typically involves:
A detailed developmental and background history
Clinical interviews with parents or caregivers
Standardised assessment tools (as appropriate)
Observation of the child
Consideration of school information (with consent)
Integration of information across settings
We take a collaborative, child-centered approach and avoid a one-size-fits-all process.

Autism Assessments & the NDIS
Autism assessments can play an important role in:
Supporting access to the NDIS
Informing NDIS plan goals
Supporting plan reviews
Clarifying support needs and priorities

Please note: NDIS access decisions are made by the NDIA. We support families by providing clear, evidence-based assessment information.

Working With Schools
With consent, we can:

Review school reports and feedback
Liaise with teachers or wellbeing staff
Provide assessment information relevant to the school setting
Support shared understanding between home and school

Our aim is to help schools and families work from the same information.

Assessment Outcomes
Following the assessment, families receive:
A written report
Clear explanation of findings
Practical recommendations for home and school
Guidance on next steps, including therapy or supports
Option for feedback session to discuss results


Next Steps & Ongoing Support
Following an autism assessment, families may choose to explore:
Psychological therapy (NDIS or private)
Parent coaching
School consultation
Support coordination or plan management

Funding & Referrals

Autism assessments may be funded through:
NDIS (where appropriate and plan allows)
Private funding – Payment plans available

Follow-Up After Assessment
After conducting AUSTISM Assessment, our team provides ongoing support to families, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to navigate any challenges that may arise.

Our goal is to ensure that every individual who undergoes Autism Assessment receives personalised care tailored to their unique situation.

Autism Assessment FAQs

• How is autism diagnosed in Australia?
  • _{Autism is diagnosed by a qualified clinician, such as a psychologist, using a comprehensive assessment process aligned with the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria. This typically involves a detailed clinical interview, developmental history, Standardised assessment tools, and consideration of how autistic traits impact daily functioning across settings.}
• Can adults be diagnosed with autism?
  • _{Yes. Many adults seek an autism assessment later in life, particularly if their traits were missed in childhood or masked over time. Adult assessments consider lifelong patterns, coping strategies, and how autism presents differently in adulthood, including in women and high-masking individuals.}
• Is autism assessment covered by NDIS?
  • _{NDIS funding may be used for autism assessments if it aligns with a participant’s plan goals and is approved by the NDIA or plan manager. Funding approval varies, and not all plans include assessment funding}
• What’s the difference between autism and ADHD?
  • _{Autism and ADHD are distinct neurodevelopmental differences but can share overlapping features, such as sensory sensitivities or difficulties with attention and regulation. Some individuals meet criteria for both. A comprehensive assessment helps clarify similarities, differences, and whether one or both diagnoses are appropriate}.
• How long does an autism assessment take?
  • _{The assessment process usually occurs over multiple sessions and includes time for assessment, scoring, and report preparation. The exact timeframe depends on age, assessment tools used, and individual needs. Your psychologist will explain the expected timeline during the initial appointment.}
• Do girls and women present differently?
  • _{Yes. Autism can present differently in girls and women, often with higher levels of masking or camouflaging. This can lead to delayed or missed diagnosis. Our assessments take gender differences and individual presentation into account to ensure a respectful and accurate evaluation.}
• Do I need a GP referral for an autism assessment?
  • _{A GP referral is not required to access an autism assessment with a psychologist. However, some individuals choose to involve their GP for coordination of care or future support planning.}