Autism Assessment

& Diagnosis

Screening and diagnosis for children and adults

a man and a child playing outside with toys

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental condition that affects about 1 in every 150 Australians. While diagnoses in adolescents, teenagers, and adults are becoming more prevalent, ASD can be identified during early childhood, usually around the age of 2 or 3. It is characterised by symptoms that impact communication, social interaction, and behaviour. ASD encompasses a spectrum, ranging from individuals with various levels of support needs, across different settings and skill domains.

Early diagnosis not only enhances the affected individual's quality of life but also provides crucial guidance for their parents, family members, friends, and educators. At Therapy In the Outback, we specialise in private autism assessments, screening, diagnosis, and support for both children and adults. If you suspect that your child or someone you know may be Autistic, consider scheduling an assessment with us. We possess the qualifications, experience, and clinical assessment tools necessary to diagnose and provide support for ASD in accordance with the highest standards of neuroaffirming care.

Our Process

Our diagnostic process is comprehensive and individualised. Depending on your needs, a full Autism Assessment can take up to 10-12 hours, including report writing, across 3-4 sessions.

1. Initial Assessment

Duration: 1-2 Hours | Where: Telehealth | Who: Parent/Caregiver/Adult only

Our initial assessment is designed to learn more about your support needs, and tailor an individual plan, unique to you. In this appointment, we will gather information and work together to decide if formal assessment is right for you.

As our team is dedicated to conducting assessments full time, we have availability throughout the week, after-hours, and on weekends, in order to accommodate your individual needs or busy schedule. Once your initial assessment has been booked we will send you your intake pack with any additional information you may require.

2. Comprehensive Clinical Interview

Duration: 2-3 Hours | Where: Telehealth | Who: Parent/Caregiver/Adult only

Our team will conduct a detailed clinical interview where we spend ample time gathering comprehensive information about you or your child’s developmental history, behavior patterns, communication skills, and social interactions. We use standardized assessment tools such as the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), Autism Rating Scales, and other validated measures to systematically evaluate your strengths, challenges, and unique characteristics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This interview involves engaging with you and, when appropriate, with your caregivers or family members to gather diverse perspectives. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and concerns. By combining these assessment tools with a thorough clinical interview, we aim to provide an accurate diagnosis of ASD and develop personalised recommendations and intervention strategies to support your individual needs and enhance your overall well-being.

3. Clinical observation + Assessment (ADOS-2)

Duration: 1-2 Hours | Where: Your home - we’ll come to you | Who: Child/Parent or Person Being Assessed

During the ADOS-2 session, our trained clinicians will engage in structured interactions and activities to observe your communication, social interactions, and behaviour. This direct observation allows us to gather further insights into your strengths and challenges related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our goal is to conduct a thorough assessment while ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout the process.

By administering the ADOS-2 and conducting observations in your home environment, we aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation that supports an accurate diagnosis. This personalised approach enables us to tailor recommendations and support strategies that best meet your individual needs and enhance your overall quality of life.

4. Comprehensive report writing

Duration: 5-6 Hours | Who: Clinical Team

Following all the assessment activities, our team will then put together a comprehensive summary report, outlinging our findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations for ongoing support. Our team are able to write reports to accomodate a variety of purposes, including NDIS access requests, or for schools/daycares, and more.

5. Post-Assessment Feedback and Support

Duration: 1 Hour | Where: Telehealth or In Person | Who: Parent/Caregiver or Adult Being Assessed

Completing a formal assessment, whether resulting in a formal diagnosis or not, can be a stressful experience. We want to make sure that you are adequately supported, post-assessment, to understand the results of the assessment, and to plan what next steps might look like for you, or your child - regardless of the outcome.

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Assessment for Adults

Unlike childhood, where symptoms may be more obvious, Autistic adults often present differently. Many Autistic adults develop sophisticated coping mechanisms, which known as masking, to camouflage their differences in social situations. This can include mimicking neurotypical behavior, such as making eye contact or engaging in small talk, which can be exhausting over time.

Masking can vary significantly between men and women. Men might mask by withdrawing or focusing intensely on specific interests, while women often exhibit more subtle masking techniques, such as imitating social behaviours to fit in. These differences in masking can lead to under diagnosis or misdiagnosis in women, as their symptoms may not align with traditional diagnostic criteria based on male presentations.

Our service aims to provide a clear understanding of these complexities. If you or someone you know has ever experienced challenges like difficulty in social situations, sensory sensitivities, or intense focus on specific interests, our assessment can offer insights and support tailored to your needs.

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FreQuently Asked Questions

Being Autistic can look different for everybody, however there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for — mostly related to the individual’s development and behaviour, how they communicate, and how they interact with others. Early Diagnosis is immensely beneficial. We recommend keeping an eye out for the following common indicators of ASD in your child or loved one:
- Social Difficulties: Difficulty understanding social cues, body language, and facial expressions. Struggle with making and maintaining friendships, understanding social norms, and expressing emotions appropriately.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or certain textures. May have a heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
- Repetitive Behaviours: Engages in repetitive behaviours such as hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases.
- Communication Differences: Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication including delayed speech development, a monotone or unusual speech pattern, or difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations.
- Cognitive Differences: Difficulty with executive functioning skills such as planning, organising, and completing tasks. May also struggle with abstract thinking and understanding other perspectives
- Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Difficulty regulating emotions, leading to meltdowns or outbursts in response to stress or change.
These symptoms will vary in intensity, and they can be experienced differently by different individuals – but if you notice your child displaying several of these signs or intensely showing one of them, consider booking an autism assessment. Our team are highly experienced in supporting families in Sydney to assess and diagnose Autism, and will ensure that the experience is comfortable for you and your family.
At Therapy In The Outback we recognise the importance of diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults as early as possible to facilitate effective intervention and support. Our adult assessments for ASD are comprehensive and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
What is involved in an adult ASD assessment?
Our assessments are conducted by experienced psychologists specializing in ASD. The process typically includes:
1. Initial Consultation: A thorough discussion of your concerns, developmental history, and current challenges.
2. Diagnostic Tools: Standardized assessment tools and interviews to evaluate social communication skills, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and other relevant criteria.
3. Collateral Information: Gathering information from family members or other individuals who know you well to gain a holistic understanding.
4. Feedback Session: A detailed feedback session where assessment results are discussed, and recommendations for support and intervention are provided.
Why should adults consider getting assessed for ASD?
Many individuals with ASD may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, despite experiencing lifelong challenges. An accurate diagnosis can:
- Validate Experiences: Provide clarity and validation for individuals who have struggled with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, or other ASD-related traits.
- Access to Support: Open doors to appropriate services and supports tailored to your specific needs.
- Personal Insight: Offer insights into strengths and challenges, empowering you to navigate relationships, work, and daily life more effectively.
The length of an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can vary depending on several factors, including individual circumstances and the specific assessment tools used. Generally, an ASD assessment typically takes approximately 10-12 hours.
Timeframe:
Assessments usually require multiple appointments over a span of 1-2 weeks to ensure thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. The process includes:
- Initial Consultation: An initial meeting to discuss concerns, gather background information, and outline the assessment process.
- Assessment Sessions: These sessions involve using standardized tools and conducting interviews to assess social communication skills, behavior patterns, and other relevant criteria.
- Feedback Session: Following the assessment sessions, a feedback appointment is scheduled to discuss the results, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations for support and intervention.
Why does the assessment take time?
- Comprehensive Evaluation: To provide a thorough evaluation, we utilise validated assessment tools and gather information from multiple sources, including self-reports and observations.
- Individualised Approach: Each assessment is tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the individual, ensuring accuracy in diagnosis and personalised recommendations.
At Therapy in the Outback, we are committed to providing comprehensive assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through a multidisciplinary approach. Our assessments are conducted by professionals with specialized expertise in neurodiversity support. At Therapy in the Outback, we believe in the power of collaboration. Zach and Brooke work together, integrating their insights and expertise to conduct holistic assessments. This collaborative approach ensures that we consider cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of each individual's needs.
Zachary - Psychologist: Zach is our dedicated psychologist with extensive experience in assessing and diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder. He brings a compassionate approach and deep understanding of developmental psychology to his assessments. Zach works closely with clients to conduct thorough evaluations and develop personalised intervention plans.
Brooke - BCBA Brooke is our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner, with over a decade of experience supporting neurodiverse individuals, including Autistic Children and Adults. Her expertise in early intervention, allows her to conduct assessments, and create customised intervention strategies that promote positive outcomes.
Why choose a multidisciplinary approach?
- Comprehensive Understanding: By combining understanding from both clinicians, we provide a thorough evaluation of strengths, challenges, and support needs.
- Personalised Recommendations: Our team develops tailored recommendations and intervention plans that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of each client.
- Continued Support: Beyond assessments, Therapy in the Outback remains committed to providing ongoing support, therapy, and guidance to individuals and their families
Our service focuses on making the diagnositic process, as easy and comfortable for you, your loved one, or your family as easily as possible.
All appointments are conducted within the comfort of your own home - either via video call, or we will come to you!
No, no referral is necessary to undergo an assessment, however we may ask to see any previous medical or assessment reports that you may have.
Our initial consultation is $200 for a 1 hour appointment.
For a comprehensive ASD assessment our fees range around $1600-2200. Your initial consultation fee will be deducted from this amount, should you choose to proceed.
Fees will vary depending on your individual assessment and support needs. Assessment fees may be higher for after hours, weekend, or appointments that require extensive travel to your location. For a more personalised quote, please reach out to our team.
No, not at this time. We are a private paying service.
We deeply value and respect our clients – this means we invest in highly trained staff and efficient structures to create seamless therapeutic experiences and facilitate better outcomes.
If you have an NDIS plan, you may be able to claim our initial intake appointment, and ongoing support or psychology services - depending on your individual circumstances.

However, the NDIS do not typically pay for diagnostic testing.
Feel free to contact our team to discuss further if you are unsure.
We are able to write reports that may serve as evidence support your access request to the NDIS however please be aware that accessing the NDIS is dependent on your eligibility criteria, which is set by the NDIS.
No matter your situation – if you’re reading this, you are likely here because you have concerns, either for your child, or perhaps you are exploring things for yourself or a loved one. If you’re not sure what is going to be right for you, the first step is to contact us. There’s always value in contacting us to discuss any concerns you may have, as there is never any harm in seeking support and guidance.