Adult (18+) Autism Assessment
- Answers the Question: Do I have Autism?
- Suitable for adults (18+ years)
- All sessions conducted online via Telehealth
The Process:
- Initial appointment to get to know you, your background, and your hopes for assessment (approx 50-60 minutes)
- Online questionnaires completed at home
- Assessment session (approx 1.5 hours)
- Feedback appointment (approx 30 mins)
- Following the feedback appointment, a report (either a brief report or full comprehensive report) will be provided
- If required, a brief letter with confirmation of diagnosis (if appropriate) can also be provided
Outcomes:
- Formal diagnosis (or rule out) Autism
- Deeper self understanding
- If Autism is diagnosed, you are able to request reasonable adjustments at your place of work or study, and may be eligible for funding under the NDIS
How are my Assessments Different?:
- I spend at least 2.5 hours conducting an autism assessment over two sessions. The extra time I take means that I can really get to understand your life experiences and how they may or may not align with the autism criteria.
- Spending extra time with you also means that there is time to help you start making connections between different elements of your life (for example, why you might sit in the car for a while before going into the house, why showering is tiring, or why “small talk” in the office makes you wince).
- My assessments are conducted in an informal, conversational way rather than a “tick and flick” set of questions and answers; this allows me to hear what’s really important for you.
Fee for Autism Assessment: $1850
- Includes:
- Intake appointment
- Cost of all test materials
- Clinical assessment session
- Feedback session
- Brief report that includes a summary of your assessment findings and any formal diagnoses made
- Brief letter with confirmation of diagnosis (if appropriate)
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- Comprehensive report which includes developmental information, very detailed assessment results and outcomes, evidence from the clinical interview mapped against the diagnostic criteria for autism, and any formal diagnoses made
- If it is felt that further assessment may be beneficial (for example, if ADHD is suspected) and you would like to pursue this (there is never any obligation to do so), any extra time needed for assessment and report writing will be charged at the hourly rate of $220
- A limited number of follow-up support sessions are available at the hourly rate of $220 (you may be eligible for a Medicare or Private Health rebate for follow-up sessions).
Important Information About NDIS
Psychologists can diagnose Autism, and a diagnosis of Autism may mean that you are eligible for support under the NDIS. However, please note that the brief report and confirmation of diagnosis (if appropriate) I provide will form *part* of your NDIS application.
I will always do my best to provide evidence of a diagnosis for an NDIS application, but as NDIS decision making processes are out of my control I cannot guarantee that you will receive NDIS funding.
NDIS Application (Access) Report
If you wish to apply for NDIS funding, an Access Request Report (different to the comprehensive report which can be provided as an add-on with your diagnostic assessment) which assesses your functional impairment and outlines your needs in the six domains assessed by the NDIS can be provided at an extra cost
Paperwork for your application can also be completed (this will need to be in conjunction with a GP who is able to support your application).
In this case, time spent on writing the NDIS Access application report, functional assessment and relevant paperwork is charged at the hourly rate of $220/hour or part thereof (usually between 2- 3 hours are needed).
Questions You Might Have
Do I Need a Referral for an Assessment?
- No, no referral is required.
Are Medicare Rebates Available for Assessments?
- No, unfortunately you are not able to claim Medicare rebates for Assessments, however a GP Mental Health Care Plan may be able to be used for follow-up sessions.
Can I See You For Ongoing Therapy?
- Whilst our books are currently closed for ongoing therapy clients, a limited number (generally up to 4) appointments following your assessment may be available to help develop strategies and explore what your Autism diagnoses (or not) means for you.
What Can I Use The Report For?
- A formal diagnosis of Autism means that you are able to apply for reasonable adjustments and accommodations at your place of work or study. A diagnosis also gives you protections under the Disabilities Discrimination Act (1992).
- A diagnosis of Autism level 2 or 3 means that you may be able to access funding and support through the NDIS. The comprehensive report can form part of your NDIS application (please note the important information above regarding NDIS applications).
- Many people find that formal confirmation of their neurotype and the way their brain works provides relief, self understanding and compassion, and self acceptance.
How Do the Appointments Take?
- The initial appointment is approximately 60 minutes.
- After your intake session you will be sent several questionnaires to complete online before the assessment session.
- Your assessment session generally takes around 2 hours, but we can take breaks and take our time.
- The feedback session, where your report and any diagnoses made are discussed, takes about 45 minutes.
Do You Need Information From Other People?
- Ideally we ask that someone who knew you as a child give information either through questionnaires or a brief interview. If there is nobody able to do this (very common for adults!) we can discuss other ways to gather any extra information that might be needed.
How Do I Book an Appointment?
- To book an initial appointment (intake session), please click the “book now” button below. After our initial appointment we will work together to find a suitable time for your assessment session/s. Please note, the cost of the initial appointment ($220) is taken at the time of booking (this is then taken off your assessment cost).
I’ve Got More Questions – How do I Contact You?
- If I can help clarify anything please get in touch via email: tasha@neurosagepsychology.com I’d love to help.