Autism Assessments

For children (6+), young people, and adults

Autism assessments provide a safe and structured way to explore how someone experiences the world—how they think, relate, process information, and respond to their environment. Assessments are available for children, adolescents, and adults, and are always tailored to the individual’s developmental stage, support needs, and life context.

These assessments are not focused on labels or deficits. Instead, they are about understanding, affirming identity, and supporting meaningful participation in home, school, work, and community life.

Please note: Autism assessments will begin in August 2025. You're welcome to express interest now, and we’ll be in touch as soon as appointments become available.

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Why Seek an Autism Assessment?

An autism assessment may be helpful for:

Making sense of communication, sensory, or relational differences
Understanding how neurodivergence may be shaping a child’s emotions, behaviour, or learning
Supporting self-understanding in adolescence or adulthood
Gaining clarity around school, workplace, or social challenges
Guiding therapy or intervention supports
Assisting with NDIS access or tailored accommodations

People may come into the process with clear questions—or simply with curiosity. The assessment provides a space to explore patterns gently and respectfully.

What Does the Process Involve?

The process varies depending on age and needs, but often includes:

For Children & Adolescents:

A developmental intake and caregiver interview
Screening tools completed by caregivers and (if relevant) educators
Play-based or observational engagement with the child
Optional cognitive and adaptive functioning assessment (e.g. WISC-V, WPPSI-IV, Vineland-3)
A feedback session with caregivers
A written report that supports school, therapy, or NDIS planning

For Adults:

A clinical interview and developmental history
Standardised screening tools (e.g. RAADS-R, SRS-2)
Optional input from a support person (e.g. parent, partner, friend)
Optional cognitive or adaptive assessment (if seeking NDIS access or learning profile insight)
A feedback session
A strengths-based, affirming written report tailored to your goals

Assessments are never one-size-fits-all. If you’re unsure which pathway fits your needs, we’re happy to talk it through with you first.

Can This Help with NDIS Access?

Yes. For both children and adults, a comprehensive autism assessment can support access to the NDIS—especially when it includes cognitive, adaptive, and functional information.

For children under 7, support may be accessed through the Early Childhood Approach without a formal diagnosis—though a report describing developmental concerns and recommended supports can still be very helpful.

If the assessment is being sought to support an NDIS application, the process and reporting can be tailored to include tools commonly required—such as the Vineland-3, a functional summary, and goal-aligned recommendations.

Approach to Assessment

All autism assessments are carried out with a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed lens. This means:

Autism is understood as a valid and valuable way of being—not something to be “cured” or corrected
Deficit-based language is avoided, with a focus on relational safety and emotional dignity
Consideration is given to masking, burnout, and the impact of intersectional experiences
The assessment process is designed to be respectful, empowering, and guided by choice

Whether you're seeking answers for yourself, your child, or someone you care for, the process will be held with warmth, curiosity, and care.

Fees and Availability

Autism assessments are privately billed and not eligible for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan. This is because MHCPs apply only to therapy, not testing or report writing.

The cost varies depending on age and whether cognitive or adaptive testing is included. You can view the Fee Schedule for Autism assessments here.

Autism assessments will become available from August 2025, with a waitlist currently open. If you’d like to express interest or ask any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation. It describes the different ways our brains process, learn, relate, and experience the world. While every person is unique, some common patterns emerge in people with neurodivergent traits—including those who are autistic, ADHDers, or both. This resource names a few of those patterns. Not as a checklist or definition, but as a way to support recognition, understanding, and self-compassion.

Exploring Cognitive Strengths & Needs

Sometimes, certain aspects of life feel harder than they “should.” You—or your child—might be bright, capable, and creative, yet still find some tasks confusing, overwhelming, or persistently out of reach. If you’ve been wondering why things feel so hard or are seeking a clearer picture of how the brain works, a cognitive assessment can be a helpful next step. A cognitive assessment provides insight into a person’s unique cognitive profile—their strengths, their challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral? No referral is required. You’re welcome to self-refer for an autism assessment, or to contact the practice on behalf of your child or someone you support. We’re happy to answer questions about whether an assessment feels like the right next step.

Can I claim a Medicare rebate for the assessment? Unfortunately, Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan do not apply to diagnostic assessments. This is because the plan only covers treatment sessions, not testing, interviews, or report writing. If ongoing therapy is recommended after the assessment, those sessions may be eligible for rebates depending on your referral.

Will I receive a report? Yes. Every assessment includes a clear, compassionate report outlining the findings, insights, and any relevant recommendations. Reports can be shared with schools, GPs, support services, or other professionals, depending on your needs.

Is cognitive testing included? Cognitive testing (e.g. WISC-V or WAIS-IV subtests) is sometimes included—particularly if there are questions about learning, processing, or intellectual strengths. We’ll discuss whether this is relevant for your assessment during the intake process.

What if I don’t meet criteria for a diagnosis? An assessment can still be valuable even if diagnostic criteria aren’t met. Many people relate to aspects of the autistic experience and benefit from support, accommodations, or self-understanding. The goal of the assessment is to offer clarity—not to reduce anyone’s experience to a label.

How do I book or express interest? Please contact the Garden's Medical Group reception team to express interest or ask any questions. We’ll provide information about current availability, wait times, and next steps. Phone: (02) 6058 6175 Email: Level4@thegardensmedical.com.au