Autism (ASD) assessment & therapy
For people wanting to understand whether their experiences may align with autism.
Formal autism assessments using the ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2 alongside clinical interview, developmental history and careful observation — and the therapeutic support that follows for children, adolescents and adults.
Neurodivergence-affirming assessment process
Autism is a difference in how the brain processes social information, sensory input, communication and patterns. It is not a disorder of personality, and it does not resolve over time. Presentations vary widely across individuals, and no single description captures the full range of experiences.
People who seek an autism assessment often do so after recognising patterns in themselves or a family member, or after noticing similarities with descriptions they have encountered elsewhere. An assessment does not change underlying traits; it organises information, provides clear language, and helps guide access to appropriate supports, including NDIS pathways when relevant.
What’s involved
Components of an autism assessment
Clinical interview
A structured conversation exploring social communication, sensory responses, interests, routines and daily functioning. For children, this includes a caregiver interview. For adults, information comes from your own account and, when available, a person who has known you well over time.
ADOS-2 (module selected for age and profile)
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition — a widely used structured observation involving activities and conversation prompts designed to elicit behaviours relevant to diagnosis.
Developmental history
As autism is a developmental condition, early experiences provide important context. This includes language development, sensory patterns, play, friendships, school experiences and transitions.
Rating scales and collateral information
Validated questionnaires completed by you and, when appropriate, a parent, partner, teacher or other close person. These contribute additional information that complements the interview and observation components.
Written report with recommendations
A report summarising the assessment findings, the clinical impression and practical recommendations for home, school or workplace. It may also include guidance relevant to NDIS access, therapy planning and referrals. The report is designed for use by you, your family and other services involved in your support.
What sessions cost
Individual sessions are $230 for 50 minutes. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, Medicare rebates $98.95 per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year, leaving a gap of $131.05.
NDIS, TAC and WorkCover funding are also accepted. See full fee information →
Assessment with a child versus an adult
The core components remain consistent. The emphasis differs by age.
For children
Caregiver interviews and information from early learning or school settings play a significant role. Observation includes play, responses to social interaction and sensory patterns. Sessions for younger children are often spaced out to support comfort and engagement.
For adults
Your own account is central. Where possible, developmental context is gathered from a parent, historical school reports or someone who has known you for many years. Many adults have developed masking strategies, and this is considered within the assessment rather than interpreted as inconsistent with autism. Sensory and communication preferences are discussed at the outset to support accessibility.
Therapy support for autistic clients
Therapy focuses on areas that impact daily functioning — such as anxiety, burnout, sensory overload, social fatigue or adjustment after receiving a diagnosis — while maintaining a neurodivergence-affirming framework.
Depending on your goals, sessions may draw on:
- ACT, for working with thought–response patterns and values
- CBT, for specific anxiety or behaviour-based goals
- EMDR, when trauma is relevant
- Mindfulness-based approaches, to support regulation and awareness
Session pace and focus are determined collaboratively and shaped according to your needs and preferences.
Funding your autism assessment and support
NDIS
Autism is a listed condition under the NDIS. The NDIS may fund diagnostic assessments for children to support understanding of their functional capacity. Ongoing therapy for autistic participants — adults and children — can be funded through your NDIS plan where it forms part of reasonable and necessary supports.
Privately
Private autism assessment does not attract a general Medicare rebate, though follow-up therapy sessions are rebatable under a Mental Health Care Plan. For children under 13, paediatrician-led pathways may include rebatable assessment sessions.
Start with a call
Funding is almost always the first question people ask. A free 15-minute call is a good place to start if you want the options walked through before booking.
Request a call →Questions we hear about autism assessment
What is the ADOS-2 and why does it matter?
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a structured, observation-based assessment considered a gold-standard component of autism diagnosis. It involves a series of activities and conversation prompts designed to elicit behaviours relevant to autism. We use it alongside a detailed developmental history and clinical interview, rather than as a standalone test.
Do I need an autism assessment as an adult?
Many adults arrive at assessment after years of sensing that they experience the world differently, often following a child's diagnosis, burnout, or significant life change. A formal assessment is not necessary for self-understanding, but it can be valuable for workplace accommodations, NDIS access, and accessing targeted supports.
How is autism assessment different for children versus adults?
The core components — clinical interview, developmental history and structured observation — are the same, but the way they are delivered differs significantly. Children's assessments typically include a parent or carer interview and school input where possible. Adult assessments draw on the person's own memory, school reports if available, and observations from someone who has known them for a long time.
Will an autism diagnosis affect my ability to access NDIS?
Autism is a listed condition under the NDIS, and a formal diagnosis is generally required to access autism-specific supports. If you are seeking access to the NDIS, we can discuss what the assessment report should include to support that pathway.
Does Medicare cover autism assessment?
Medicare does not generally rebate private autism assessments. For children under 13, a Helping Children with Autism package or a paediatrician-led pathway may offer Medicare-rebated sessions. For NDIS participants, assessments may be funded through your plan. We are happy to talk through the funding options before you commit.
I'm worried the assessment will feel overwhelming.
That is a completely reasonable concern, and one we take seriously. We pace assessments across sessions rather than compressing them into a single long appointment. Sensory needs, breaks and communication preferences are discussed and accommodated. Nothing about the process is designed to catch you out.
Often adjacent to autism
ADHD assessment
ADHD and autism frequently co-occur. Where both are present, an integrated assessment captures the whole picture.
Read more →Anxiety therapy
Anxiety is common for autistic people — sometimes as a direct response to a world not built around autistic wiring.
Read more →NDIS psychology
For clients accessing autism assessment, therapy or ongoing support under the NDIS.
Read more →A comprehensive assessment, intended to support next steps.
Book an initial consultation, or start with a free 15-minute call to ask any questions about the process and funding.