Autism Assessment
No two individuals' experience autism the same, which is why there is no biological test for a diagnosis. Instead, autistic individuals are assessed through observations, interactions and insights into development and behaviour. When you get an assessment, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers—everyone's experience is different! Our compassionate team's goal is to understand your specific needs, provide a clear diagnosis, and offer personalised recommendations and support tailored just for you.
Autism assessment is available in-clinic or online.
What are the benefits?
Understanding
Autism assessment can help you, your family, and your friends understand why you act or feel differently from others. Understanding your brain can help make sense of things that may have been confusing before.
Support
Autism assessment identifies your brain's strengths, challenges and differences. An assessment helps you to access support and tools to improve your daily life. These supports usually help with school, university, or in the workplace.
Empowerment
It can be empowering to know that a) there's an explanation for your differences, b) there's ways to make life easier and use your differences to your advantage, and c) you’re not alone—there are like-minded communities to connect with.
How much does autism assessment cost?
Assessment Packages
We've streamlined your neurodevelopmental assessment needs with cost-effective packages. Assessment packages help you to save money through bundling, when booking in for multiple assessments. This not only provides financial savings, but also ensures that you receive the most thorough evaluation possible.
Unsure whether you need an assessment?
Our ND screening service is a fast and affordable alternative to exploring your symptoms. Find out if your autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia or giftedness symptoms will qualify for a diagnosis from an experienced psychologist before you book in for an assessment.
ND Screening
What is autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that involves differences with communication, interests and behaviour. The strengths and challenges that autistic individuals experience can vary greatly, but here are some common differences:
Social/communication differences:
- Less engagement in shared interests or activities with others
- Challenges in understanding and expressing emotions, both your own and those of others
- Discomfort or avoidance of making eye contact during interactions
- Difficulty using non-verbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions
- Speech that may seem rigid or rehearsed, without natural flow or spontaneity
- Literal interpretation of abstract concepts or phrases
- Challenges in initiating and maintaining friendships.
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours:
- Rigidity in behaviour, experiencing significant distress or difficulty adapting to changes
- Intense fixation on specific topics or subjects, often to the exclusion of others
- Expectation for others to share their level of enthusiasm for these niche interests
- Difficulty adjusting to variations in routine and unfamiliar experiences
- Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, leading to avoidance or discomfort
- Repetitive movements like hand flapping, rocking, or spinning
- Preference for arranging objects or items in a particular, often meticulous, manner.
Autism assessment can help you to better understand the way your brain works, and assist you in accessing supports and tools to improve your daily life.
Where should I start?
What is the process?
1. Background - You'll provide your background info and details for your practitioner.
2. Intake - You'll meet your practitioner, and have an opportunity to ask questions and present your concerns.
3. Autism Assessment - You'll complete a series of standardised questions and tasks that evaluate your cognitive functions with the help of your practitioner.
4. Feedback - Your practitioner will discuss your results with you (it’s a jargon-free zone, we work hard to make sure it makes sense), clarify your concerns and talk with you about the next steps,
5. Report Writing - Your practitioner will write a report summarising the assessment findings, their diagnostic impression, and recommendations for next steps.
What you can expect from us...
Scope is a truly neuro-affirming practice. All of our practitioners and team members value lived experience and take the position of an ally in every interaction. Our services are strengths-based and built around the self-identified needs of our clients. We always aim to identify environmental change to support our clients without changing the individual. Our team includes ND and NT individuals and we can't wait to meet you!
Inclusive
Our autism assessments are available to everyone, including people with all verbal abilities (including non-verbal), low and no vision, and low motor skills.
Diverse
We have an extensive library of assessment tools to tailor your assessment and answer your questions.
Accessible
You can access assessment 100% online, in-clinic, through home visits*, or through our rural outreach services.
* Home visits are limited by time taken to travel from our clinic locations. Please ask our client support team for more information.
Contact us
What should I bring?
Records
Bring any relevant medical and educational records, such as previous assessments and reports, and a list of your current medications.
Questions
You may want to jot down any questions or concerns you have about your symptoms or challenges before your first session.
Items
It may be helpful to bring a notepad and pen to take note of important information, and also a comfort item to make you feel at ease.
Who should I see for an autism assessment?
All of our psychologists are AHPRA registered.
