Autism Assessment

Clinical Intake – 60 minutes

The purpose of the clinical intake is for your psychologist to collect background information and history and to discuss any essential behavioural, medical or psychological concerns relating to you or your child. This is also a chance to ask questions and ensure that the correct assessment has been booked for you. This assists your psychologist in screening for autism and indicators of an autistic neurotype. This intake is usually conducted over the phone with the psychologist, with only the parents if this is a child assessment (it can be tricky to discuss many difficulties or challenges with little ears present). 

 

Cost: $270.00

 

Next Steps: After your intake, you will be sent the following screeners to complete  

Adult

• The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) is a self-report questionnaire that provides a valid measure of autistic traits in adults in the general population.

​You will also be sent links to the following assessments: 

• Social Responsiveness Scale, Self and Observer Reports (SRS-2) - This screener explores a person's unique social communication style, social awareness, and connection patterns, helping to better understand and support their neurotype in daily life.

• Adaptive Behavioural Assessment Schedule (ABAS-3): This helps ascertain how your current presentations impact your daily functioning. It also assists your psychologist in providing a support level (Level 1, 2, or 3), guiding you on what support may be beneficial going forward. 

• Sensory Profile 2 – This assessment assists in indicating sensory sensitivities, preferences and difficulty (SP-2),  a common difference in Autism.

• Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) - This assessment offers insights into your emotional experiences, thinking patterns, and coping styles, supporting a deeper, affirming understanding of your unique profile and helping to differentiate between autistic traits and other experiences such as anxiety, mood differences, or trauma responses. 

Child​

• Conners’ Behaviour Rating Scales, Parent/Teacher Form (CBRS – Parent and Teacher) – Assesses children's and adolescents' social, emotional, behavioural, and academic difficulties. This assists with differential diagnosis information.

• Adaptive Behavioural Assessment Schedule -3 (Parent and Teacher) –  Assesses a range of functional domains (such as communication, socialisation, and daily living skills) and provides valuable information on support needed and how your child's difficulties are currently impacting their everyday life. 

• Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2 - Parent) – Assesses areas of social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviours and stimming.

• Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2 - Parent) – This assessment assists in indicating sensory sensitivities, preferences, and differences. Input from other allied health professionals involved in your child's support team may be contacted too (e.g. O.T)

• Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS - Parent and Teacher) – The ASRS helps to understand your child's unique social communication style, emotional expression, and behavioural patterns, supporting a strengths-based exploration of whether their experiences may align with an autistic neurotype.

 

Assessment Session (2 – 3 hours)

This session can be conducted via telehealth (for older children and adults) or in the Miranda or Oran Park clinic. During the session, you will be given feedback on the initial screeners and assessments filled out thus far, and the psychologist will answer any questions you may have. Your psychologist will then conduct the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2 - adults and children, dependent on your child's age, communication style and ability), which is a neurodiversity-affirming, individualised behavioural profile discussing autistic criteria and how this applies to you specifically. For younger children or those requiring more support, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) will be conducted. It is an activity-based assessment administered to evaluate communication skills, social interaction, and imaginative use of materials in children suspected to be autistic. You will be present in the room with your child the entire duration of the assessment. 

 

You will be provided with feedback throughout the assessment process and at the end of the assessment session. 

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The MIGDAS-2 vs the ADOS-2

The MIGDAS-2 is often considered more affirming than the ADOS-2 because of its strengths-based, descriptive, and person-centered approach to autism assessment. Here’s why:

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Qualitative vs. Standardized Approach

• MIGDAS-2 is a qualitative, interview-based tool emphasising individual experiences and unique autistic traits rather than scoring against a normative standard.

• ADOS-2 is a structured, standardised assessment with a pass/fail threshold that may not fully capture the diversity of autistic presentations.

Affirming Autistic Identity

• MIGDAS-2 frames autism as a neurological difference rather than a disorder. It highlights sensory experiences, social preferences, and thinking styles in a non-pathologizing way.

• ADOS-2, while useful for diagnosis, often focuses on deficits rather than strengths, reinforcing a medical model of autism.

Respecting Natural Communication Styles

• MIGDAS-2 allows for various communication styles (including nonverbal, echolalic, scripted, or indirect) and adapts to the person’s natural way of interacting.

• ADOS-2 may disadvantage those who mask well or communicate in ways not recognised by its scoring criteria.

Recognising Internal Experiences

• MIGDAS-2 actively explores sensory sensitivities, emotional experiences, and thought patterns, giving individuals space to describe your internal world.

• ADOS-2 primarily observes external behaviours, which may miss key aspects of an individual’s autistic experience—especially in women, girls, and those who mask.

More Culturally and Gender-Inclusive

• MIGDAS-2 is designed to accommodate diverse gender expressions and cultural backgrounds in its assessment process.

• ADOS-2 was developed based on traditional diagnostic models, which historically have been biased toward male presentations of autism.

Encourages Self-Understanding and Acceptance

• The MIGDAS-2 process often leads to greater self-awareness and validation for the individual being assessed. It helps them understand their differences in a positive and empowering way.

• ADOS-2, while useful for clinical diagnosis, can sometimes feel like a test where the person is being evaluated for what they “lack.”

Useful for Late-Diagnosed and Masking Individuals

• Because ADOS-2 relies on observable behaviours, it may not identify autistic individuals who have learned to mask, especially adults and AFAB individuals.

• MIGDAS-2 explores lived experiences, making it more effective for those who don’t present stereotypically.

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While the ADOS-2 is still considered a “gold standard” tool in clinical settings, the MIGDAS-2 provides a more affirming, strengths-based, and inclusive approach that respects neurodiversity. It allows individuals to tell their own story in a validating way, rather than being judged against neurotypical standards.

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Cost:

$2300.00

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Are there any Rebates available? 

A small rebate is available for clients under 25 years old (approximately $380.00) through Medicare, with a referral from a paediatriican or a psychiatrist. We do offer Payment Plans through PayPal. 

 

Once payment has been received, writing of your comprehensive report commences, and it is generally completed within 8 weeks of your final assessment. This report is extensive, strengths-based, and affirming, and provides recommendations and insights into the "where to from here?" questions you will likely have. 

 

If further assessment sessions are needed, these will be booked at no extra charge to you.

 

Ongoing Support

Jess and Lisa both offer ongoing support.

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We know that accessing (and being able to offer) assessments is a privilege many cannot afford. Therefore we have payment plans, summary report options and even pro-bono assessment applications. 

We also reduce the overall cost if you or your child requires both an adhd and autism assessment. 

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