Autism assessment

Suitable for people aged 6 and above.

Cost: $3200 for adults; $3500 for children – 6 sessions and a detailed report with treatment recommendations.

What is autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition originating from childhood. It is characterised by differences in social communication and rigidity or repetitive behaviours. Autistic people have unique strengths and challenges.

1st session: Initial clinical consultation, 1 hour (telehealth or in person)

  • Our clinical psychologist will explore your presenting problems and decide collaboratively whether a formal autism assessment is needed. For children, this session involves discussion with the parents/caregivers.
  • If it is decided that no further assessment will be undertaken, then this initial consult is charged as a single appointment.

2nd session: Diagnostic interview, 1 hour (telehealth or in person)

  • The psychologist will ask you (or the parents) questions relevant to the diagnostic criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We use the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) tool to guide this interview.

3rd session: Medical consultation with GP  (in-person)

  • You will meet with our resident GP to rule out physical or medical causes for symptoms. For children, this session will involve the child and parent.

4th session: Cognitive assessment, 2 hours  (in-person)

  • You (or your child) will complete an assessment of cognitive abilities with the psychologist. We use the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses and to inform intervention strategies.

5th session: Autism diagnostic assessment, 2 hours  (in-person)

  • The psychologist will guide you through the Autistic Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), an assessment tool designed to use play and activity-based activities to observe behavioural patterns related to autism in children and adults. There is the option for using the MIGDAS instead of the ADOS-2.

6th session: Feedback session (telehealth or in person)

  • The psychologist will prepare a detailed report, pulling together all the information available. This will include relevant diagnoses, your cognitive areas of strength and challenge, as well as personalised recommendations for ongoing support and interventions.
  • You will attend the feedback session with the psychologist to discuss the report, review the diagnostic decision and discuss treatment options. If this is a child assessment, then the parent may attend this session without the child.
  • Organisation of follow up with other professionals (e.g. school, psychiatrist, GP or allied health professionals) as needed or requested after diagnosis.

ADHD assessment

Autism assessment

Intellectual and academic assessments

Forensic assessment for court purposes