Assessments are not simply about establishing whether a diagnosis is present. The process is designed to help individuals and families better understand how a person thinks, processes information, communicates, regulates emotions, manages everyday demands and experiences the world around them.
For children and adolescents under 18, a referral from a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist can be helpful but is not necessarily required to undertake an assessment.
A comprehensive clinical and developmental interview completed with the individual and, where appropriate, a parent, caregiver or family member — taking a neurodiversity-affirming approach throughout.
A range of evidence-based assessment tools and questionnaires, selected according to age, presentation and assessment needs, exploring:
Where appropriate, the assessment incorporates the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum – Second Edition (MIGDAS-2): a structured, sensory-based approach to exploring communication style, social interaction, interests, sensory experiences and patterns of behaviour.
Information from interviews, observations, questionnaires and other measures is integrated into a comprehensive diagnostic report outlining assessment findings, diagnostic formulation, individual strengths, areas of support need and practical recommendations.
A feedback appointment discusses the findings, answers questions and explains recommendations. The report and feedback appointment are generally available within approximately five weeks of completing the assessment process.
The assessment process examines attention, concentration, executive functioning, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity within the broader context of your developmental, psychological, educational and occupational functioning — considering not only whether diagnostic criteria are met, but how your profile affects everyday life.
There can be considerable overlap between ADHD and Autism presentations. A combined assessment considers these features together — developmental history, social communication, sensory profile, executive functioning, attention, emotional regulation, adaptive functioning and behavioural patterns — for one integrated diagnostic formulation, with a comprehensive report and feedback session included.
Available where a more detailed understanding of cognitive profile is required — verbal reasoning, visual and perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, attention and cognitive efficiency. Particularly useful for learning or educational difficulties, complex neurodevelopmental presentations, or identifying appropriate educational and workplace supports.
Get in touch to discuss which assessment is the right fit and what to expect.
