Autism & ADHD Assessments
Overview
Autism assessment, ADHD assessment and combined autism–ADHD assessments are available for young people (12+) and adults.
These assessments are collaborative, strengths-based and adapted to communication preferences wherever possible.
I use a telehealth-based, conversational assessment approach, focusing on discussion of lived experience, developmental history and current functioning.
The assessment process involves discussion of personal experiences and history. As a result, it is most suitable for people who are able to participate in conversation about their experiences, with supports or alternative communication methods where helpful.
At times of high stress, some children and adolescents may be temporarily non-speaking or experience difficulty communicating verbally. Where possible, appointments can incorporate alternative communication methods such as chat functions, written responses or paced discussion to support participation.
This requirement relates to the assessment modality used in this practice rather than assumptions about ability, communication styles or support needs. If a different type of assessment approach may be more appropriate, this can be discussed and referral options suggested where possible.
Appointments are provided via secure telehealth across Australia.
Who Seeks Assessment
You (or your family member) may seek assessment to better understand long-standing patterns in thinking, communication and daily functioning.
Many people seeking assessment have spent years adapting to expectations or masking differences, particularly those presumed female at birth (PFAB) and gender-diverse people. Assessment can provide space to explore these experiences and understand yourself more clearly.
You may also seek assessment after noticing patterns in yourself over time, or after learning more about neurodivergence.
Some people arrive at assessment after recognising similar experiences in family members, friends or their own children.
Assessment is not about “proving” whether someone is or is not neurodivergent. The process focuses on understanding patterns of thinking, communication and experience, and providing meaningful clarity and recommendations regardless of diagnostic outcome.
For young people, the initial appointment may include time with a parent or caregiver and time with the young person individually. This allows developmental history and lived experience to be explored in a supportive and paced way.
Structure
Initial appointment (90 minutes, including a planned 5-minute break) — $380
Assessment sessions (60 minutes) — $260 per session
Report writing — $260 per hour (typically 1-2 hours)
Feedback appointment (60 minutes, optional) — $260
Most assessments involve approximately 2–4 appointments, along with time for review of information and report preparation.
The number of sessions may vary depending on:
The referral question or goals
Developmental stage
Complexity of presentation
Co-occurring mental health difficulties
Information available
Communication preferences
The aim is to complete the assessment as efficiently as possible, and no more appointments will be scheduled than are clinically necessary unless you would like additional support or follow-up sessions.
Reports are typically provided within 2–3 weeks of the final session.
If medication is being considered, please confirm with your prescribing provider whether external diagnostic reports are accepted prior to booking.
Autism assessment rebates may be available for individuals under 25 when referred by a paediatrician or psychiatrist under specific Medicare criteria (once a Medicare provider number is activated).
Adults aged 25+ are not eligible for Medicare rebates for autism assessment.
I do not prescribe medication or provide medical advice. Final treatment decisions remain with your treating medical provider.
Approach
Autism assessment is informed by the MIGDAS-2 framework, a qualitative and neuroaffirming assessment model designed to explore lived experience, developmental history and functional impact alongside standardised measures.
The ADOS-2 is not used within this practice.
Assessments may include:
• clinical interview
• standardised measures
• developmental history
• collateral information
The aim is to provide diagnostic clarity without pathologising difference, while meaningfully identifying strengths, support needs and recommendations.
Reports
Assessment reports are written to support understanding, self-knowledge and access to appropriate supports.
Reports typically include developmental history, assessment findings, interpretation of results and recommendations where relevant.
If assessment is being completed to support medication review or other medical care, reports will need to be shared with your treating medical provider with your consent and where appropriate.
Reports can also be written in a way that may support applications for services such as NDIS or other support systems, where relevant.
While assessment reports may support applications for services such as NDIS, a diagnosis alone does not automatically determine eligibility. Decisions about access to supports are made by the relevant service or agency based on their own criteria.
Some systems and services require reports to include language that focuses on functional difficulties or areas of impairment. While this can feel at odds with a strengths-based and neuroaffirming approach, it is sometimes necessary to ensure documentation meets the requirements of these systems and supports access to services.
Where this is required, it will be approached thoughtfully while still recognising strengths, differences and individual context.
If your referring clinician or prescribing provider has specific documentation requirements, these can be discussed during the assessment process.