An autism assessment looks at how a young person communicates and connects with others, their sensory experiences, interests and routines, their cognitive profile and how they manage day to day. We follow Australia’s 2023 National Guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism and work in collaboration with your child’s paediatrician or psychiatrist, producing a report with practical recommendations for home, school and support planning.
When to consider an autism assessment
- Differences in social communication — conversation, friendships, reading social cues
- Strong, focused interests or a need for routine and predictability
- Sensory sensitivities — sounds, textures, lights, crowds
- Frequent overwhelm, shutdowns or meltdowns, or exhaustion after “masking” at school
- Learning or behaviour concerns that other explanations haven’t fully captured
- A young person who wants to understand themselves better
How we assess
Autism looks different in every person. A good assessment brings together several sources of information:
- Developmental history from parents or carers — early development, communication, play and relationships.
- Interviews with the young person and family about current strengths, challenges and goals.
- Observation and standardised assessment of social communication and behaviour.
- Cognitive testing where helpful, to understand thinking and learning strengths.
- Information from school and other professionals (speech pathology, OT, paediatrics), with consent.
- Functional assessment of how the young person manages day to day, which informs support planning.
Working with your paediatrician or psychiatrist
Australia’s 2023 National Guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism describes how diagnostic evaluations should be carried out and who can lead them. Because our psychologists are registrars (working toward area of practice endorsement), we conduct autism assessments in collaboration with your child’s paediatrician or psychiatrist. This team approach is also how the Medicare complex neurodevelopmental items work for under-25s. We’ll explain exactly how the process and diagnostic decision will work for your family before you book.
What you receive
A written report describing the young person’s profile — social communication, sensory needs, cognitive strengths and challenges, and daily functioning — with practical recommendations for home, school and support planning. Reports can be used as evidence of functional impact for NDIS access and plan reviews.
Cost and funding
Autism assessments are quoted as one all-inclusive fee before you commit, based on our $240 hourly rate (below the APS recommended $330). For young people under 25 with a referral from a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist, Medicare rebates up to 8 allied health assessment services per lifetime ($101.55 per psychology service). The NDIS does not fund diagnostic assessments. See fees & funding.
Assessing for ADHD as well? See our ADHD assessment — combined neurodevelopmental assessments avoid repeating overlapping parts of the process.
