Autism Spectrum and the Assessment Process

Heidi assesses adults 18+ for Autism either in Malvern East or online via Telehealth. She uses a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma- informed lens to do so. Heidi is passionate about creating a space that welcomes all identities, and views the assessment process as a collaborative exploration of an person's life story. Through her work with children and families, she has observed a common pattern of adults discovering their children are neurodiverse, then suspecting they too present with autistic and/or ADHD characteristics. Heidi is particularly interested in supporting these individuals to understand their neurology and tune into their body and what it needs.

Autism affects how a person thinks, feels, and interacts with others in the environment. Autism is described as a ‘spectrum’ as everyone has their own experience and unique differences.

Autism is diagnosed using criteria from the DSM-5 written from a medical deficit model, however this process aims to empower you to see your differences as gifts. The intention is to help you understand yourself better and provide you with the support needed to improve your quality of life.

Why Should I get an Autism Assessment?

There are several reasons why adults may choose to seek an autism assessment:

You may have struggled with feeling socially isolated and different. Perhaps you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition or disability during childhood or adolescence, but think that you may have Autism. Maybe you want clarity around whether you are on the Autism Spectrum or not.

A diagnosis can often help you understand the world around you and support you in certain areas of your life. These are some of the benefits of getting a diagnosis:

  • Self-Understanding: Gain a better understanding of your unique traits and why you may have always felt different
  • Validation: Receive confirmation and validation for your experiences, reducing self-blame and increasing self-acceptance
  • Access to Support: Obtain access to accommodations and support services that can improve your life
  • Improved Mental Health: Address co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD
  • Social and Relationship Improvements: Enhance your social interactions and relationships by understanding and managing your social communication difficulties
  • Career and Educational Support: Receive support in educational and vocational settings to help you succeed in your career and educational pursuits
  • Community and Connection: Find your allies and connect with a community of individuals with similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation
  • Addressing Past Trauma: Understand and address childhood trauma and misunderstandings
  • Reduce Overwhelm: Learn new strategies to help manage your life

What is involved in the Assessment Process?

Our Adult Autism Assessment is a comprehensive process conducted over three clinical consultations with an experienced Psychologist. The process includes:

  1. Initial Consultation:
    • Detailed discussion about your background, developmental, educational, social / emotional history, and clinical observations
    • Completion of a few online questionnaires, and a conversational assessment to measure autism symptoms
  2. Developmental History:
    • Review of your developmental history, social skills, communication, and behavioral patterns
    • Collection of information from close family members or partner
    • Exploring your developmental history in depth
  3. Scoring and Reporting
    • Synthesis of information in a comprehensive assessment report
  4. Feedback Session:
    • Discuss the findings and recommendations in detail
    • Discuss any questions, the results and next steps

Migdas-2 (Neuro-affirming Assessment Tool)

When assessing Autism, we are looking at person's patterns of behaviour. These are compared against a set of criteria and characteristics of Autism. These criteria appear in a manual called the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5). We will use a neuro-affirming, strengths-based assessment tool called the MIGDAS-2 to investigate any mental health or clinical issues that may affect the diagnosis.

The MIGDAS-2 is supported as the new gold standard for autism assessments due to its comprehensive, evidence-based, and versatile nature, its integration with other assessment tools, endorsement by clinical experts, and its focus on individualized and strengths-based approaches.

Adult Autism Assessment:

What is included in Option 1.

  • 4 clinical consultations 
    • 1. Includes your assessment consultation (Between 1-2 hours)
    • 2. Interview/discussions with a family member (Between 15-30 mins)
    • 3. Interview/discussions with a partner or friend. (Between 15-30 mins). You choose who and provide contact details for these contacts.
    • 4. A feedback session to discuss the report and finding (Between 30-50 mins)
  • Administration & analysis of several Autism validated measures (MIGDAS-2, SRS-2, RAADS-R, CAT-Q, MIA-2)
  • Full developmental, mental health and medical history 
  • Observer reports of symptoms or mental state 
  • Comprehensive assessment report 
  • Recommendations for future support 

What is included in Option 2.

As above, however a brief letter plus recommendations will be provided. Please note this option does not provide a comprehensive report. It is more affordable and will provide clarity around your neurotype.

Payment and Booking Information:

Option 1. The assessment package (with comprehensive report) is $2250. Reports will take 3-5 weeks.

Option 2. The assessment (with a brief letter) is $1740. This can be completed within 3 weeks.

Payment Options: Full payment via bank deposit or credit card. We also accept three interest-free payments (Option 1. $750 Option 2. $580) at the following times:

  • After your first consultation
  • After completing the Migdas assessment
  • After discussions with a family member, friend or partner

Booking: Please send a text to 0420 568 722 for a callback to organise your first appointment and have any questions answered.

Functional capacity assessment: For assessments requiring a psychologist's endorsement for NDIS, please note that an additional assessment fee will apply to create this support document which is different from a diagnostic report. Fees for functional capacity assessment are an additional $2,500.

Cancellations and Rebates

  • Cancellation Policy:
    • Cancellations within 48 hours (business days) or same-day cancellations of your appointment will be charged a full cancellation fee
  • Rebates: Please use the receipt from our consultation to submit to Medicare or your private health fund directly. Medicare rebates apply for adults age 18-25 for ASD assessments with an appropriate referral from your G.P.

What do I need to do prior to my first appointment?

  1. Complete the intake and payment details form from your initial session appointment email
  2. Complete the online questionnaires before your first appointment. You will be emailed instructions at the time of booking. These are straightforward and come with clear instructions. Results will be discussed during the consultations and in the report. Please set aside time for this and give it your full attention.
  3. It is recommended to write a history of your concerns and the reasons why you want to be assessed. This can save a lot of time in the session and may help you when discussing your issues.

What areas will be assessed?

During your autism assessment, an experienced Psychologist will ask you a range of questions and work through your developmental and historical concerns. They will also ask about your current experiences to learn more about you, your language and communication style, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as your sensory use and interests.

Autism is a lifelong condition. We will help you to work out if you meet the criteria of Autism, and develop new ways to live well with your diagnosis. If we think it could be something other than ASD, support you to discover what might be happening for you.

NDIS, Medicare and rebates

NDIS: We support NDIS participants with self-managed or plan-managed funding. While Heart Expression is not a registered NDIS provider, our services may be accessible under your NDIS plan. If you’re unsure about eligibility, check with your plan manager or NDIS coordinator. 

If you’re an NDIS participant diagnosed with psychosocial disabilities, you may be eligible to include Psychology Services in your NDIS plan. Psychology is covered in the support category “Improved Daily Living Skills” in your plan’s Capacity Building section.

It is important to understand that having a confirmation of Autism does not guarantee automatic entry into the NDIS. Eligibility for NDIS funding is determined by the level and severity of 'functional impairment,' which means how your disability affects your daily life.

If you are assessed as having ASD with Level 2 severity (requiring substantial support) or Level 3 severity (requiring very substantial support), you may qualify for NDIS funding. You will need to liaise with NDIS about access to funding.

For existing NDIS participants, a functional capacity assessment is helpful to support your funding application. For those not yet linked in with NDIS, an Access Request Assessment will be neccesary. This uses tools such as the WHODAS & Vineland and takes 10-12 hours to complete. Please ask us if you need this completed.

Medicare: Under Medicare, autism diagnosis appointments with health professionals for individuals aged under 25 can be covered under the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Services initiative. Medicare rebates are available for these services, but they require a referral from a GP.

The Better Access to Mental Health Care plan is available for anybody (individuals with Autism, parents, siblings, carers). It is for anybody who feels that their wellbeing and mental health is at risk to utilise the support of a Psychologist. The rebate is $96.65 per session for up to 10 sessions over a year.

For an extra Medicare benefit (people over 25 years of age), you will need your General Practitioner (GP) to write a referral for the Chronic Disease Management Plan. People who have an Autism diagnosis are eligible for 5 sessions in addition to the 10 sessions per year for Better Access to Mental Health Care plan.

Private Health: Some funds will allow rebates for psychological testing services; however it is advisable to check with your specific fund to see if your 'extras cover' includes this and the amount of rebate. If you are eligible, you will need to pay the full cost and we will send you a receipt for you to claim your rebate online.

Can you resonate?

You may be an excellent logical or visual thinker, with an eye for detail, good skills with technology, and a strong memory for facts and figures. You might have an incredible focus and deep interest in specific topics, with exceptional skills in a specific domain.

Your social interactions could be misunderstood by others, you may prefer alone time to company and you might find it challenging to be in large social gatherings. You might prefer to do things the same way or eat the same foods each day which are comforting and predictable.

Your senses might feel hightened and overwhelm may be a constant daily task to manage. You might have sensory differences from others who do not even notice labels, clothing, smells, and sounds which impact you greatly. Sometimes you may notice it is difficult to switch attention from one thing to another. Your super power might be that you notice specific details, patterns or changes that other people are unaware of.

Autism is a spectrum, and people with autism can be exceptionally skilled in certain areas while facing significant challenges in others. This unique combination of strengths and difficulties is what makes each person with autism distinct and requires a tailored approach to support and understanding.

Let's start a conversation...

Autism and ADHD are now celebrated within the range of neurodiversity. Whilst these are not a disorder, they are a disability, but one that has unique talents and strengths. 

We understand everyone’s lived experience of Autism is unique. We offer empathetic and skillful autism assessments for adults 18+ who identify as neurodivergent. For a confidential conversation, to ask any questions you may have please text or call 0420 568 722.