Adult Autism Assessments

If you have been given a referral for an autism assessment, this might be the appropriate assessment for you. Alternatively, this is the assessment to choose when you are concerned by any of the following behaviours:

• Social and Communication Difficulties
• Small Social Circle
• Repetitive Patterns of Behaviour
• Ordering Behaviours
• Lack of Empathy
• Unusual or Restricted Interests
• Sensory Sensitivity
• Easily Overwhelmed by Change

Please note: These behaviours are only indicators that this assessment may be helpful. These behaviours are normal and can be observed to different extents in all individuals.

The assessment MAY involve an in-person component or MAY all be done via telehealth depending on suitability.

Our Adult Autism Assessment may result in a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This assessment aims to help you better understand your behaviour, and offer strategies to manage your symptoms. Assessments can also assist with funding or support applications. 

We offer our adult autism assessments to those aged over 18 years old. We are able to see NDIS and insurance clients. 

1. Assessment Agreement/Pre-Service Questionnaire

You are required to complete a pre-service questionnaire before the assessment can commence. This collects background information. 

2. Initial Consultation 

The initial consultation is a fact-finding, information gathering session where you will meet the clinician for the first time. It is to ensure you are receiving the most suitable assessment and to discuss background information and your current concerns.

3. Questionnaires

We ask you and an Observer to complete a range of questionnaires prior to the testing sessions. Your observer is an elected close friend or family member that is required to partake in components of your assessment. These questionnaires are completed online and take approximately 20 minutes each.

4. School Report / Medical or Psychological Reports

We may request you to provide school reports and other documents from health professionals who have worked with you prior to the first testing session.

5. Psychometric Testing Sessions

An adult autism assessment requires 2 testing sessions. One will be completed via video call, and the second face-to-face in our Belconnen practice. You may be sent physical response booklets in the mail for Telehealth testing sessions.

6. Report

After the testing sessions are complete, your clinician will prepare a comprehensive assessment report. The report would include a diagnosis if diagnostic criteria are met and, a summary of the results and recommendations for next steps. 

7. Feedback Session

Your clinician will meet with you to discuss the results and recommendations. You will be provided with an electronic copy of the full assessment report following this session. Please advise if you require a hard copy.

We use a combination of online questionnaires, clinical interviews and psychometric testing sessions.

Julia Links, Psychologist

• Assessments across the lifespan:
• Cognitive (IQ) Assessments and Intellectual Disability
• Educational and Learning Assessments including Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dyscaliculia & Dysgraphia)
• Attention difficulties including ADHD
• Adaptive behaviour and Functional Abilities
• Behavioural Disorders including Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder
• School Readiness
• High Potential and Giftedness

Trudy Ross, Psychologist

Assessments across the lifespan:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD
• Cognitive Assessments
• Educational/Achievement Assessments including Learning Difficulties
• Adaptive Behaviour
• Functional Skills
• School Readiness
• Giftedness and Early Entry Programs
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Behavioural Assessment including Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The majority of the process is facilitated online via Telehealth, however our Autism assessments involves a diagnostic interview which we complete in-person. 

We do not process private health funds claims here at Northside Psychology. However, if you have private health, you can check with your fund if they cover psychological assessments.