The referral pathways guide
Read with intention
Meet the cliniciansUnderstand yourself on your own terms.
A strengths-based autism assessment can bring clarity, self-understanding and access to support, whether for you or your child. In Parramatta or online.
Autism looks different in everyone.
Many autistic people go years without answers, having learned to mask. That is especially true for adults and women. You don't need to tick every box to seek clarity.
- Social situations feel effortful, and you often rehearse or replay conversations.
- Bright lights, noise, textures or crowds can quickly become overwhelming.
- You have deep, focused interests and a strong preference for routine and predictability.
- Masking to fit in leaves you exhausted, and burnout comes easily.
- You read situations literally, and small talk or unwritten rules feel confusing.
- For your child: differences in play, communication, or intense interests.
Rather than a label, a diagnosis is a framework for understanding yourself and being understood.
A thorough, strengths-based assessment.
An autism assessment at Mind Health explores your history, your sensory world and how you communicate and connect.
Standardised tools
Structured, evidence-based autism assessment (such as the ADOS-2 and the ADI-R) for adults and teenagers from 13.
Sensory & social profile
The day-to-day realities of how you experience sensory input, social communication and routine, not just the criteria.
Co-occurring picture
ADHD, anxiety and learning differences often occur together, so we look at the whole picture.
A written report
A clear, practical report that you own, with recommendations for work, study, NDIS, school and support.
Assessments are conducted through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
The tests we use.
Your psychologist chooses the tests that fit your questions, so you may not do every one of these. The ages are each test's own range.
ADOS-2
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition
Ages: 12 months to adult
Structured activities and conversation to observe communication and social interaction.
ADI-R
Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised
Ages: Children and adults
An in-depth interview with a parent or carer about early development and everyday behaviour.
ABAS®-3
Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition
Ages: Birth to 89
Rating forms about everyday skills: communication, self-care, social and practical living.
Test names and logos are trademarks of their publishers.
Your assessment, step by step.
- 1
Intake & history
We start with your story: developmental history, sensory experiences, how you communicate, and what prompted you to seek answers. Questionnaires go out ahead of time.
- 2
Testing sessions
Structured interviews and standardised tests, over one or more sessions. There are no trick questions.
- 3
Report & feedback
You receive a written report, plus a feedback session that explains what it all means and what to do next.
Know your costs before you start.
Assessments are quoted in full and in writing before you commit. Depending on your situation, NDIS, DVA or an insurer may fund yours, and we'll talk you through it.
See fees- Medicare: a Mental Health Treatment Plan doesn’t cover assessment. The exception, item 82000, applies to some people under 25 with a complex neurodevelopmental disorder or eligible disability, on referral. Ask us whether it applies to you.
- NDIS, DVA, Workers Comp & CTP: usually no out-of-pocket cost when approved.
- Private health: claim through your extras cover, with no referral needed.
- Fee
- See fees
- Clinician time
- 10 hours, including scoring and the report
- Ages
- 13+
Complex presentations may need additional time; we confirm the hours and the report timing with you before anything is booked.
Who carries out your assessment.
Before you book.
Do I need a referral for an autism assessment?
How long does an autism assessment take?
Can an autism assessment be done online?
What happens if I'm diagnosed?
Who can see my assessment results?
Understand yourself more fully.
A strengths-based autism assessment with a clear, practical report. We’ll talk you through the process and quote it in writing before you commit.
