The person's view
The person's own account of their history, strengths, difficulties and goals remains central throughout the assessment.
Combined ADHD and autism assessment · Central Coast NSW
Combined ADHD and autism assessment.
A comprehensive assessment for people seeking clarity about ADHD, autism, both, or alternative and co-occurring explanations.
Call about assessment
FeeQuoted after scopingscope and total fee 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
Could it be ADHD, autism, both—or is something else contributing?
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
InterviewsThe number and focus of interviews are confirmed after clinical scoping
AppointmentsAssessment interviews are usually completed over 2–3 weeks
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
FeeQuoted after the assessment purpose and scope are clarified
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 attention and executive-function difficulties alongside social, communication or sensory differences
- Uncertainty about whether ADHD, autism, both or another explanation best fits the person’s experience
- Masking or compensation that may make the pattern difficult to recognise in a brief appointment
- A need for one integrated formulation and practical recommendations
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 the evidence for ADHD and autism separately, including developmental onset, current features and functional impact.
02
Assessment integrates developmental and clinical interviews, observation, relevant measures, records and information from a suitable informant.
03
The formulation considers overlapping and co-occurring factors such as anxiety, mood, trauma, sleep, learning, language and medical context.
04
Feedback explains the evidence for and against each conclusion, important limitations and any areas of uncertainty.
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 questions, purpose, relevant history and whether a combined assessment is the appropriate 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 conclusion about ADHD, autism, both or alternative explanations
- A clearer account of strengths, functional impact and co-occurring needs
- Recommendations for home, education, work and psychological support
- Information to discuss with relevant health professionals when medical care is required
Before booking
Common questions.
Does a combined assessment guarantee either diagnosis?
No. The assessment determines whether the available evidence supports ADHD, autism, both or another clinical formulation.
Why consider a combined assessment?
ADHD and autism can overlap or co-occur. Considering both may be useful when the referral question cannot be answered well through a single-diagnosis pathway.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
No. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Medical treatment must be discussed with an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
What affects the scope and fee?
Age, complexity, collateral information, record review, testing needs and the purpose and length of the report can affect scope. A clear proposal is provided before booking.