In Adelaide in 2026, published prices for a private autism assessment generally range from about $1,700 to $2,100, and a combined autism and ADHD assessment from about $2,100 to $2,800. For young people under 25 referred by a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist, Medicare rebates up to 8 allied health assessment services per lifetime ($101.55 per psychology service as at 1 July 2026). The NDIS doesn’t fund diagnostic assessments.
How much does an autism assessment cost in Adelaide?
Published prices from Adelaide private practices in 2026 for an autism assessment generally sit between about $1,700 and $2,100. Assessments involving two disciplines (for example psychology and speech pathology) and combined autism-and-ADHD assessments cost more, typically about $2,100 to $2,800, because they involve more sessions and a broader report.
At Adelaide Hills Neuropsychology, autism assessments are quoted as one all-inclusive fee before you commit, based on our $240 hourly rate, which is below the Australian Psychological Society’s recommended $330 per hour for 2026–27.
Why prices differ
- Who is involved. One clinician working with your paediatrician, or a team of two or more disciplines.
- Age and complexity. Teenagers and young adults often need more interview time and information from school or work.
- What else is being assessed. Adding ADHD, learning or cognitive questions adds testing.
- The report. A detailed report with practical recommendations takes longer than a short letter.
What should an autism assessment fee include?
- A developmental history with parents or carers
- Interviews with the young person
- Standardised observation and assessment of social communication and behaviour
- Cognitive testing where it helps explain the profile
- Information from school and other professionals (with consent)
- Scoring, interpretation and a written report with recommendations
- A feedback session to go through the results
Ask whether the feedback session and any extra sessions are included, and whether the quote is fixed.
Does Medicare cover an autism assessment?
Partly, for young people under 25. Medicare’s complex neurodevelopmental disorder items rebate part of the cost when a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist refers.
| Item | Details (as at 1 July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible | People under 25 |
| Who refers | A consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist (a GP can refer for an eligible disability) |
| Assessment services | Up to 8 per lifetime, shared across allied health (for example psychology, speech pathology and OT) |
| Rebate | $101.55 per psychology service; $89.50 per OT service |
| Treatment afterwards | Up to 20 services per lifetime, with a treatment plan |
As an example, four eligible psychology services would return 4 × $101.55 = $406.20. Talk to your paediatrician or psychiatrist about a referral before the assessment starts.
Does the NDIS pay for an autism assessment?
No. The NDIS treats diagnosis as the health system’s responsibility, so it doesn’t fund diagnostic assessments. Once someone is an NDIS participant, their plan can fund therapy and supports, and an assessment report can be used as evidence of support needs.
Who can diagnose autism?
Australia’s 2023 National Guideline describes who can lead an autism diagnostic evaluation: for example a paediatrician, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist with an area of practice endorsement. It also describes how clinicians can work together as a team. Our psychologists are registrars, so we carry out autism assessments in collaboration with your child’s paediatrician or psychiatrist. This team approach also fits how the Medicare items work for under-25s.
Ways to manage the cost
- Ask your paediatrician or psychiatrist about a referral for the Medicare items (under 25)
- If ADHD is also a question, ask for a combined assessment rather than two separate ones
- Not sure what’s needed? A Clinical Intake Consultation is credited to the assessment if you go ahead
- Check whether your private health “extras” cover includes psychology
- Ask whether the fee can be split. We take half after the first session and the rest before the report
How to get started
Send us a short enquiry with your child’s age, the main concerns and any previous reports. We’ll explain how the assessment and diagnostic process would work for your family, check Medicare eligibility and send an all-inclusive quote. More about our autism assessments.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free autism assessment in South Australia?
Some public services assess autism, usually with eligibility criteria and waiting lists, and the pathway depends on age and where you live. The SA Office for Autism lists the main diagnosis pathways, and your GP or paediatrician can tell you what’s available locally. Private assessments aren’t bulk billed, but the under-25 Medicare items reduce the cost.
Do you assess adults for autism?
Our autism assessments are for children, adolescents and young adults aged 6–25. If you’re older, your GP can refer you to an adult autism service or psychiatrist, and we’re happy to suggest options when you get in touch.
Will the NDIS accept the report?
An assessment report can be used as evidence of how autism affects daily life when applying to the NDIS or at a plan review. The NDIA makes access decisions, and it doesn’t pay for the diagnostic assessment itself.
Can I claim on private health insurance?
Some “extras” policies include psychology and may contribute towards part of an assessment. Check your policy’s annual limits and whether assessments are covered.
Sources
- Autism CRC — National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism (2023)
- SA Office for Autism — Pathways for diagnosis
- MBS Online — Item 82000 (complex neurodevelopmental disorder assessment)
- NDIS — Our Guideline: Mainstream and community supports (27 July 2026)
This guide is general information only and isn’t a substitute for individual advice. Funding rules and rebates change — figures are current as at 2 October 2026.