Therapeutic Approach

Neuro-Affirming Therapy and Assessments – ADHD and Autism

A respectful, strengths-based approach to supporting individuals who identify as neurodivergent or who are seeking clarity around a possible diagnosis of ADHD or Autism.

Our goal is to provide psychological assessments and ongoing therapy that celebrates neurodiversity, rather than viewing it as something to be “fixed” or “cured.”

For Adults

Autism Assessments

Clinical Registrar Psychologist Rhiannon Romanak offers specialised neuro-affirming therapy and psychological assessment for Autism, designed specifically for adults seeking greater understanding, clarity, and support.

Rhiannon’s approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in authenticity. She is trauma-informed and person-centred, creating a safe space where neurodivergent clients feel seen, respected, and empowered. With formal training in neurodiversity and a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies on top of her other qualifications, Rhiannon is passionate about providing services that celebrate neurodivergence rather than pathologising it.

More About Rhiannon View Rhiannon’s Fees
Rhiannon Romanak

Rhiannon Romanak

Clinical Psychology Registrar, Fertility Counsellor

What to Expect

What can I expect from an assessment?

Once you have booked in for your assessment, you will receive an information pack containing intake and consent forms, a parent/guardian questionnaire, and links to self-report questionnaires.

You will also be invited to send through the following information prior to your assessment:

  • Baby milestone book
  • School report cards
  • Any previous assessments completed and/or diagnoses
  • If you have spent time compiling information about yourself as part of considering whether you are Autistic, please feel free to send this through
Duration

The duration of your assessment is dependent on the type of assessment you are seeking.

  • Autism only: 1 × 3 hour assessment session
Modality of Assessment

Assessment sessions are conducted in person or via Teams. If you have opted to use telehealth, you will receive a session link prior.

What to bring to the assessment session(s)?
  • Ensure any assistive technology or aids are brought to the assessment, such as reading glasses, hearing aids, tactile aids, etc.
  • Any self-regulating accommodations such as fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, comfortable clothing, etc.
What might we discuss in the assessment session(s)?
Autism Only

During the assessment session(s), your psychologist will discuss the following with you in a conversational way:

  • What has led you to consider you could be Autistic?
  • Your goals and hopes for assessment (e.g. affirming your identity, confirming if you are/are not Autistic and/or have ADHD, accommodations for work, etc.)
  • Specific questions about your experience, using psychometric tools and diagnostic criteria
  • Your experience of social relationships, your communication style, sensory processing differences, and any preferences for structure, familiarity, and certainty
Feedback session

You will be scheduled a feedback session approximately 6 weeks after your assessment is completed. The feedback session’s aim is to provide the comprehensive report, discuss the results, and allow you time to ask any questions.

For Children

Autism Assessments for Children Aged 31 Months to 7 Years

Emma-Grace provides neuroaffirming Autism assessments for young children, grounded in a deep respect for neurodiversity. She focuses on understanding your child’s unique strengths, needs, and ways of engaging with the world — recognising that every child communicates, connects, and experiences life differently.

Throughout the process, Emma-Grace works closely with you to create a supportive, low-pressure space to explore your child’s developmental profile. Her assessments aren’t just about diagnosis — they’re opportunities for insight, advocacy, and empowerment, helping you better understand and support your child’s neurotype.

More About Emma-Grace View Emma-Grace’s Fees
Emma-Grace Armitage

Emma-Grace Armitage

Educational and Developmental Psychologist

What to Expect

What to Expect

Step 1: Booking & Forms

After booking, you’ll receive an information pack with intake and consent forms.

Step 2: Provide Background Information

You’re invited to share helpful documents, such as:

  • Baby milestone books
  • School reports
  • Any previous assessments or diagnoses
Assessment Process

The assessment process typically involves:

Intake Session (50 mins)

A parent-only session to discuss your child’s development, strengths, challenges, and history.

Available in-person or via telehealth.

Questionnaires

Completed by you and your child’s educators (if applicable) to gather additional information.

Child Assessment Session (60 mins)

Semi-structured, standardised assessment designed to explore your child’s unique communication style, social interaction, play, and patterns of interest.

Feedback Session (50 mins)

A parent-only session to discuss results, ask questions, and explore recommendations.

Available in-person or via telehealth.

Comprehensive Written Report

Delivered via email approximately 6 weeks after the assessment is completed.

What to Bring to the Assessment

Please bring any items that help your child feel comfortable and supported:

  • Assistive technology (e.g. glasses, hearing aids, AAC device)
  • Regulation tools (e.g. fidget toys, chewables, headphones, weighted items)
  • Comfort items (e.g. snacks, soft toys, blankets, sensory tools)
Feedback session

Your feedback session will be scheduled approximately 6 weeks after the assessment. This session focuses on:

  • Going through the assessment findings
  • Receiving your comprehensive written report
  • Exploring recommendations and supports tailored to your child
  • Giving you space to ask questions and talk through next steps

FAQ

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood and presents with the following symptoms:

    • Hyperactivity (e.g., impulsivity, feeling as though your mind is a motor, restlessness, difficulty sitting still, fidgeting, talking a lot / interrupting conversations).

    • Inattentiveness (e.g., difficulty concentrating on tasks that are not objectively interesting, appearing spacey and/or daydreaming, forgetfulness, difficulties with time management, losing things, zoning out).

    Some Individuals may experience predominately inattentive or hyperactive symptoms, whilst others may experience both.

  • This is a common myth! Although the way you experience ADHD may change over time - it is not something that you can grow out of.

  • Autism is defined as a neurodevelopmental disability where individuals have social communication differences and engage in restrictive and/or repetitive behaviours or interests. Autistic brains are biologically wired differently to process and experience the world differently to neurotypical individuals (non-autistic). You do not need to be “fixed” if you are Autistic, however, it is important to acknowledge the disabling impacts for an Autistic person living in a world that is not designed to be accepting or accommodating to their needs. Autistic individuals have increased risk of depression, anxiety, burnout, suicidality, and chronic health issues.

  • Yes! Current research has shown that up to 50-70% of individuals who are autistic also meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

  • A neuroaffirming approach:

    ✓ Respects neurological differences like Autism as natural variations in human development

    ✓ Recognises and celebrates each child’s unique communication, sensory and social styles

    ✓ Avoids deficit-based language

    ✓ Supports identity, confidence, and understanding

  • Neurodiversity affirming practice involves recognising the strengths and challenges unique to the individual and their neurotype, instead of pathologizing or “fixing” them. Being neurodivergent is not inherently something that needs “fixing”, rather tailored support should be provided to access accommodations to meet the individuals needs given how disabling ADHD and Autism can be living in a neurotypical world.  

  • Psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose ADHD and provide a comprehensive report. However, psychologists are not able to prescribe medication.

    A psychiatrist is medical professional and is qualified to assist you to explore medication options. Some psychiatrists may not accept a diagnosis from a psychologist and will require their own assessment prior to prescribing medication. It is a personal choice as to which avenue you choose for diagnosis for ADHD. To minimise costs, some individuals may choose to go directly through a psychiatrist for medication.  It is important to note that GP’s are not able to prescribe medication for ADHD unless you have first seen a psychiatrist whom has given a diagnosis and formally consented for your GP to do so.

    A neuro-affirming assessment with a psychologist is valuable as it provides a thorough approach to understanding the individuals’ unique strengths and difficulties, whilst also providing space for the client to emotionally process the outcome of the assessment and discuss any accommodations and/or recommendations from a psychological perspective.  

  • If it is confirmed through the assessment process that you are Autistic, you can opt to apply for funding through NDIS. Information about your functional capacity will be included in your report to provide to NDIS.