Autism Assessments (Adults only)
I am a neuroaffirming and client-centred clinician. This means the assessment is not deficits focused but is instead a collaborative process where we explore your experiences, interests, discoveries, preferences, strengths and differences to see if they align with an Autistic experience.
I aim to provide a warm, friendly, and safe space to build trust and rapport to ensure the assessment process is a positive experience. During the assessment we can take as many breaks as you need and I encourage you to be in a space where you feel comfortable and to engage in any activities you feel are regulating or soothing such as fidgeting, doodling, crocheting, playing with pets, standing and stretching etc.
Cost- Autism assessment with comprehensive report= $1,800
(I am currently booking into Jan 2025)
Please note:
*The comprehensive report is suitable for NDIS but does not guarantee access as while we do explore functional capacity as part of your assessment, NDIS may require a separate functional capacity assessment (FCA) to determine eligibility in addition to diagnosis. FCA’s are typically provided by an Occupational Therapist. I also do not assist with NDIS access request forms or disability assessments. If accessing NDIS is the main purpose of your assessment, then I recommend seeking other services who specialise in this area. I also do not provide assessments for NDIS/NDIA tribunal matters where an application for access to the scheme (even if not for Autism) has been refused or is being disputed.
*I no longer offer ADHD assessments. However if you feel that ADHD is indicated in your Autism assessment I can provide additional screeners to determine the likelihood of ADHD and if indicated then I will recommend a GP visitation to obtain a psychiatrist referral.
*The assessment are suitable for verbally fluent individuals and do not identify any learning or intellectual differences (e.g intellectual disability, language disabilities, or learning disorder).
*A mental health care plan (MHCP) can not be used for assessments. Medicare rebates are available for individuals under 25 years, however the person needs to be referred by a pediatrician or psychiatrist and the referral must be for a 'complex neurodevelopment assessment' . See Medicare link (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-items-for-complex-neurodevelopmental-disorders-and-eligible-disabilities). The rebate is approximately $320. I also do not accept 3rd party payments.
** Please note I do not take on clients who have pending or in progress legal matters e.g. family court, work cover, NDIS tribunal cases etc.
The Process
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Step 1
Get in touch by email to discuss available dates and times and ask any questions.
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Step 2
Complete consent form, personal details form and background information form.
Invoice emailed and payment made as per payment options.
1. Full payment upfront; or2. 50% payment is required at least 2 days prior to your assessment appointment, and balance payment is due prior to completion of report (report takes approx. 6-8 weeks).
You can pay either by bank transfer, debit or credit card. Reports can only be issued when full payment is made.
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Step 3
Completion of online questionnaires.
Autism: exploring Autism traits, burnout, masking/camouflaging behaviours, sensory profile, interoceptive awareness, adaptive functioning, and executive function.
Informants (people who know you well) also complete some questionnaires.
Email any supporting documents if relevant e.g school reports, previous assessment reports.
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Step 4
Attend the session.
A comprehensive assessment is conducted to review your experiences and presentations against diagnostic criteria (DSM5-TR) which includes:Autism: 2 hour appointment (via telehealth videoconferencing). Can be split into 2 x 1hr appointments if required. It is conversational in nature using a validated neuroaffirming interview measure (MIGDAS).
A support person can also attend the appointments if you wish.
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Step 5
Attend a 30-minute feedback session to discuss findings, diagnoses (if applicable), and recommendations.
Report is emailed to you shortly after the feedback session.