Autism Assessments

Neurodiversity Affirming Autism Diagnostic Assessments

 It is my intention to make the diagnostic process as comfortable as it can be and for you to leave feeling understood, validated, and affirmed in your identity. Click here to read more about my neuro-affirming philosophy.

For an official diagnosis of Autism, a qualified clinician must demonstrate how a person meets each of the relevant criteria from the DSM-5-TR* or ICD-11**, which both refer to Autism Spectrum Disorder. The use of the word "disorder", and the requirement to assess for "deficits" and "impairments" are both inherently un-affirming of valid neuro-differences. My diagnostic reports follow the Autism CRC Guidelines+ and are carefully, thoughtfully composed to demonstrate clinical precision in  assessing characteristics against the DSM-V-TR criteria. 

The assessment process is neuro-affirming because it emphasises that:

• difference does not imply deficit, and 

• disability is not inherent to a person but results from a poor fit between a  person's needs and their environment

There are many reasons why you may seek a diagnostic assessment, such as:

• Official validation of what you know to be true of yourself

• Explore a possibility or hunch you have wondered about

• Seek an explanation for why you have found aspects of life challenging

• Seek supports or accommodations from your workplace or funding from bodies such as NDIS. 

Whatever your reason, I follow a stepped approach to assessment, so as to reduce the likelihood of investing your time, energy, and money into a process that does not lead to your anticipated outcome.

1. Phone call or email chat

Approximately 10 minutes or 1 written page to explore why you are seeking assessment and why you think you may be Autistic. We can decide together if it is worth exploring a diagnostic assessment, or I may suggest alternative pathways to consider. 

COST: Free

2. Initial 50-minute consultation

In person or via video link (Zoom). We will discuss in more detail the following:

2. • Your reason for seeking assessment

   • Any difficulties you may be experiencing including mood, anxiety, interpersonal issues,  and environmental stressors.

   • Background information including relevant developmental history, current living arrangements, daily lifestyle (e.g. work, study, leisure, and interests), and important relationships (e.g. friendships, family, romantic partner)

   • Mental health history including previous diagnoses and treatments, as well as family psychiatric history

The information gathered will form part of the formal diagnostic assessment, and also allows for consideration of alternative hypotheses to explain the difficulties you are experiencing. Following this consultation I will advise on whether a formal diagnostic assessment is likely to be informative and worthy of your investment. If I am not confident that your experiences could be explained by the Autistic neurotype, I will discuss this with you and suggest other avenues for you to pursue. This is not intended as gatekeeping, but as informed consent prior to committing to a costly assessment. My role is to guide and support you, the decision to undergo formal assessment is yours alone.

COST: $250

3. Formal Diagnostic Assessment

This involves combining clinical expertise with a range of qualitative and quantitative sources of information to critically evaluate how a person meets or does not meet the criteria listed in the DSM-5-TR.  The assessment will typically involve:

3. • Structured clinical interview using the MIGDAS-2^, spread over 2 sessions (approx. 90 minutes each, depending on amount to discuss). Note the interview is in-person only at this stage.

   • Self-report questionnaires 

   • Information from childhood and from someone who knows you well. This assists in forming a comprehensive clinical picture, and options include:

     1. • A trusted person attending the interview with you

        • A phone consultation with your nominated informant

        • Questionnaires or written information provided by your informant

        • Viewing historical information such as school reports or previous psychological reports

        • The process can vary depending on a number of factors, and this information is provided as a guide only.

COST: $1200 including summary report or $1600 for comprehensive report

*Please note: 

• Costs are provided as a guide but can be higher depending on the amount and complexity of information to assess. I will discuss with you in advance if I anticipate additional costs

• The summary report is intended for self-learning purposes and is unlikely to be sufficient to access supports such as NDIS. 

• The comprehensive report will provide the quality and quantity of information to assist in applying for NDIS supports, however for a number of reasons I am unable to guarantee your eligibility for the type and quantity of support you seek.

• Report type must be specified at the time of booking diagnostic assessment, as this guides the depth and breadth of information collected.

4. Feedback session

In line with the Autism CRC Guidelines, the final stage of assessment is a feedback session to discuss the outcome and recommendations. Allow 30-60 minutes for this, either in person or over Zoom.

COST: Included in price of formal diagnostic assessment

Email me to enquire about diagnostic assessment

*DSM-5-TR: Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revised. American Psychological Association (2022)

^ MIGDAS-2: Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum 2nd Edition (Monteiro & Stegall, 2018)

**ICD-11: International Classification of Diseases, 11th Edition. World Health Organisation (2022)

+ Autism Collaborative Research Council (2018). A National Guideline for the Assessment & Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia