The person's view
The person's own account of their history, strengths, difficulties and goals remains central throughout the assessment.
Autism assessment · Central Coast NSW
Autism assessment for children, adolescents and adults.
A comprehensive assessment of developmental history, social communication, sensory experience, behaviour patterns, strengths and support needs.
Call about assessment
FeeFrom $3,300final scope confirmed before booking
Across the lifespanChildren, adolescents and adults
AppointmentsWoy Woy and telehealthFace to face or telehealth where appropriate
AvailabilityServices currently availableCall to discuss your needs
Start with the question
Are you seeking clarity about longstanding social, communication or sensory differences?
You do not need to know which test or assessment component is required. An initial telephone discussion clarifies the concern, the purpose of assessment and the most appropriate next step.
At a glance
WhoChildren, adolescents and adults
InterviewsFour interviews, usually completed over 2–3 weeks
Additional informationDevelopmental history, relevant measures, records and information from a suitable informant
FormatWoy Woy and telehealth where clinically appropriate
ReportWritten report with clear recommendations and next steps, prepared over approximately 4–6 weeks after the assessment information is complete
ImportantThe goal is an accurate formulation, not simply a diagnostic label
Clinical indications
When an assessment may be useful.
An initial telephone discussion clarifies the question, the purpose of the assessment and whether this service is appropriate.
- Longstanding differences in social communication or relationships
- Sensory experiences, routines or focused interests that shape everyday functioning
- Masking, compensation or exhaustion that may not be visible in a brief appointment
- A need to clarify autism alongside ADHD, anxiety, trauma, language or learning differences
Clinical reasoning
What is considered.
The conclusion is based on multiple sources of information, interpreted in the context of the referral question and the person’s circumstances.
01
Diagnostic reasoning considers developmental onset and current patterns across social communication, restricted or repetitive patterns, sensory experience and functional impact.
02
Assessment integrates self-report, clinical interview, developmental history, observation, standardised tools and information from a suitable informant.
03
The formulation considers masking, gendered or culturally shaped presentation, intellectual and language profile, mental health and co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions.
04
A respectful assessment can be identity-affirming while remaining clinically rigorous and transparent about the evidence.
The whole clinical picture
Understand the story. Clarify the next chapter.
Assessment is not only about a diagnosis or a set of scores. It brings together the person's experience, other perspectives and the decisions the report needs to support.
An informant perspective
Every assessment includes information from at least one suitable informant. This helps bring together the person's self-view with what someone who knows them notices in everyday relationships and settings. We discuss who is suitable, consent and how the information will be used. If no suitable informant is available, call before booking so we can discuss whether the assessment can proceed and what limitations may apply.
Recommendations and next steps
Every report explains the findings, provides clear recommendations and identifies practical next steps. The aim is to understand the story so the next chapter can be informed and purposeful.
Assessment process
How the assessment works.
Select each step to see what it involves. Components are chosen according to age, clinical history, the referral question and the intended use of the report.
Step 01
Clinical scoping
Clarify the referral question, purpose, accessibility needs and the most appropriate assessment pathway.
Feedback and report
Results explained clearly.
Assessment findings are considered alongside developmental, clinical and contextual information. Every report includes the conclusion, its limitations, clear recommendations and practical next steps.
The assessment may provide
- A clinically reasoned diagnostic conclusion
- A clearer account of strengths, sensory and communication needs
- Recommendations for home, education, work or therapeutic support
- A practical framework for discussing findings with family and professionals
Before booking
Common questions.
What if I mask or find it hard to explain my experience?
The assessment does not rely on how someone appears in one appointment. Notes, communication preferences, history and different information sources can all be incorporated.
Can I bring a support person?
A separate support person is welcome at most sessions, but not the first session or sessions where the assessment method requires independent participation. This is always discussed with you in advance.
What if the findings do not support autism?
Feedback explains the evidence, alternative or co-occurring considerations and useful next steps. The goal is an accurate formulation, not simply a label.
What affects the final fee?
Age, developmental history, collateral requirements, record review, structured tools and report purpose affect scope. The proposal is confirmed before booking.