Once you have booked in for your assessment, you will receive an information pack containing intake and consent forms, parent/guardian questionnaire, 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.

• Many individuals who suspect they are Autistic and/or have ADHD may spend a considerable amount of time compiling information about themselves. If you have done so, please feel free to send this through.

DURATION

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

ADHD ONLY

-       1 x 3 hour assessment session

AUTISM ONLY

-        1 x 3 hour assessment session

AUTISM & ADHD

-        2 x 2 hour assessment sessions

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.

• 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.

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, any preferences for structure, familiarity, and certainty

ADHD 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 have ADHD?

• Your goals and hopes for assessment.

• Specific questions about your lived experience using psychometric tools and diagnostic criteria.

• Your childhood, schooling, and social relationships

• Any differences with executive functioning (e.g., focusing, completing tasks, time management, memory, managing your emotions, making decisions).

ADHD & AUTISM

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 and/or have ADHD

• 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 childhood, development, and schooling.

• Your experience of social relationships, your communication style, sensory processing differences, any preferences for structure, familiarity, and certainty.

• Any differences with executive functioning (e.g., focusing, completing tasks, time management, memory, managing your emotions, making decisions).

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.

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.

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.

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.