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ASD (Autism) Assessment
An autism (ASD) assessment helps clarify how a person’s communication style, learning preferences, sensory experiences, and day-to-day functioning fit within current diagnostic frameworks. At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, our clinicians provide structured, evidence-based assessments for adolescents and adults seeking a clearer understanding of their experiences, support needs, or eligibility for educational, workplace, and NDIS-related planning.
Assessment Overview
A detailed autism assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of how strengths, challenges, and everyday functioning align with recognised diagnostic criteria. The process brings together multiple sources of information, including clinical interviews, structured behavioural observations, standardised autism measures, and—where relevant—cognitive or adaptive assessments.
This integrated approach helps clarify whether the patterns a person experiences are consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder or whether other factors such as anxiety, attention difficulties, trauma history, or learning differences may be involved. For many individuals, the assessment offers meaningful insight into long-standing questions about identity, social communication, sensory preferences, emotional regulation, and daily routines.
A carefully prepared report summarises all findings and includes practical, individual-specific recommendations for home, school, university, or workplace settings. These insights can help guide support strategies, inform NDIS applications or reviews, and assist families, educators, and health professionals in understanding how best to respond to the person’s needs and preferences.
Key Assessment Details
Purpose
Assess for Autism Spectrum Disorder and related presentations.
Duration
Approximately 10–14 hours total, usually across 2–3 appointments, plus scoring, interpretation, report writing, and feedback.
Suitable for:
Adolescents and adults
NDIS access and plan reviews (self-managed or plan-managed)
School, university, or workplace supports
Clarifying diagnostic questions (e.g., autism vs anxiety, ADHD, or both)
Category /Type
Autism, Developmental, NDIS
What’s Included
Comprehensive clinical interview exploring developmental history and current functioning
Autism-specific diagnostic assessment (e.g., ADOS-2)
Developmental and/or adaptive functioning assessment (as clinically indicated)
Cognitive assessment if required for clarity or planning
Behavioural, social communication, and self-report measures
Integrated interpretation of all data collected
Clear, structured diagnostic report
Feedback session with the individual (and family/support person if appropriate)
Practical recommendations for home, study, work, and support services, including NDIS planning where relevant
What to Expect
Your assessment typically begins with a detailed interview focusing on early development, communication, relationships, sensory preferences, learning, and daily functioning.
Standardised autism assessment tools, such as the ADOS-2, are then completed. Depending on individual needs, this may be combined with adaptive functioning or cognitive testing.
After all components are completed and scored, your psychologist integrates the findings into a comprehensive report. A feedback session is arranged to review the results, discuss any diagnoses, answer questions, and outline recommendations for supports, adjustments, and next steps.
Benefits
Provides a structured understanding of communication, sensory, and behavioural patterns
Clarifies whether autism and/or other factors (e.g., anxiety, ADHD) may be contributing
Supports planning for school, university, or workplace adjustments
Informs NDIS access and plan reviews (where relevant)
Offers practical strategies for daily living, relationships, and wellbeing
Helps families and support networks understand and respond to individual needs
Autism in Women and Gender-Diverse People
Autistic women and gender-diverse individuals are often underidentified or diagnosed later in life. Many develop masking strategies—such as copying social behaviour or rehearsing scripts—to manage social expectations. This can be exhausting and contribute to burnout, anxiety, or relationship and workplace challenges. Our clinicians provide a safe, validating space to explore these experiences and support greater self-understanding.
Therapeutic Support Following Assessment
If therapy is recommended after an assessment, we offer evidence-informed approaches to support emotional wellbeing, communication, sensory regulation, and daily functioning. Interventions may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), skills-based coaching, or psychoeducation. Therapy can assist with anxiety, burnout, sensory overwhelm, executive functioning, and other co-occurring concerns.
Autism Across Adolescence and Adulthood
Many people seek assessment later in life to better understand patterns in communication, relationships, learning, identity, or work. An assessment can clarify long-standing experiences such as sensory sensitivity, social fatigue, difficulty managing change, or a preference for structure, helping guide meaningful adjustments at home, work, or study.
Fees & Funding
Autism assessments are privately billed as a structured assessment package
Medicare rebates do not apply to diagnostic testing
NDIS (self-managed or plan-managed) may fund assessment where aligned with the participant’s goals and plan
Private health insurance rebates may be available depending on your policy
Payment plan options may be available for eligible clients
A clear outline of fees, sessions, and inclusions is provided before you confirm your booking
Fees reflect the time required for interviews, psychometric testing, scoring, interpretation, and report preparation
Why Choose iflow Psychology
Located in Gladesville, supporting clients across Sydney and NSW
Clinicians experienced in autism, developmental, and psychological assessment
Use of validated, research-based tools suitable for adolescents and adults
Clear, structured reports appropriate for NDIS, education, and healthcare providers
Respectful, neuroaffirming approach focusing on strengths and support needs
Flexible options including in-person appointments and telehealth for interviews, history, questionnaires, and feedback (where appropriate tools permit)
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reaching out is the first step toward positive change.
📞 Call: 02 6061 1144
📧 Email: admin@iflowpsychology.com.au
💻 Book Online: Book Now (Halaxy)
If you’re in crisis, please visit our Crisis Support page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am unsure whether my difficulties relate to autism?
You do not need to be certain before seeking assessment. Many people attend to explore longstanding patterns in communication, relationships, sensory experiences, or executive functioning. The assessment clarifies whether autism or other factors are contributing.
What information should I bring to the assessment?
Useful documents include school or workplace reports, previous assessments, developmental history, or any relevant medical or educational information. Bringing a support person is welcome if it helps provide background details.
Is there a Medicare rebate for autism assessments?
Medicare rebates generally do not apply to diagnostic testing for autism. However, rebates may apply to therapy sessions if you have a valid GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Can autism be misdiagnosed as anxiety or ADHD?
Some autistic individuals experience overlapping symptoms such as social anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or attention difficulties. A comprehensive assessment helps clarify underlying factors and distinguish between conditions.
What happens after the autism assessment is completed?
You will receive a feedback session explaining the findings, any relevant diagnoses, and practical recommendations for daily life, work, study, or support coordination. If therapy is appropriate, evidence-based treatment options can be discussed.
Do you see children for autism assessments?
Our clinicians primarily assess adolescents and adults. If you need assessment for a younger child, we can provide information and referral options to appropriate services.
Will the assessment help with NDIS applications or reviews?
Autism assessment reports can outline functional impacts that may be relevant for NDIS access or plan reviews. The report may assist your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist in completing their required documentation.
Can autism assessments be completed via telehealth?
Interviews, background history, questionnaires, and feedback sessions can be conducted via secure telehealth. Standardised diagnostic tools such as the ADOS-2 usually require in-person assessment to ensure accuracy.
How long does an autism assessment take?
Most assessments occur over 2–3 sessions and include interviews, diagnostic tools, scoring, interpretation, and a feedback session. Timeframes vary depending on individual needs and assessment complexity.
Can adults be diagnosed with autism?
Yes. Autism can be diagnosed in adulthood when current symptoms, developmental history, and functional impact are evaluated together using validated tools and clinical interviews.
Do I need a referral to book an autism assessment?
No referral is required. You can book directly. A GP referral is only needed if you also plan to access Medicare-rebated therapy sessions.
What is included in an autism assessment?
An autism assessment typically involves a developmental interview, autism-specific diagnostic tools (such as the ADOS-2), behavioural and communication measures, and, where clinically relevant, cognitive or adaptive functioning assessment. Findings are integrated into a comprehensive report with recommendations.
Contact & Hours
iflow Psychology
Suite 2, 260–274 Victoria Road, Gladesville NSW 2111
📞 02 6061 1144
📧 admin@iflowpsychology.com.au
Mon–Fri: 8:30am–6pm · Sat: 8:30am–2pm
Find us in Gladesville
iflow Psychology
Suite 2, 260–274 Victoria Road, Gladesville NSW 2111
Near the Guitar Factory, with free and timed parking nearby.
📍 Get directions on Google Maps or contact us if you need accessibility information before your appointment.
Resources
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) provides accessible information, educational materials, and practical guidance to help individuals and families understand autism and available supports.