Autism Assessment

Clinical Intake – 60 minutes

The purpose of the clinical intake is for your psychologist to collect background information and history and to discuss any important behavioural, medical or psychological concerns relating to you or your child. This is also a chance to ask any questions and ensure that the correct assessment has been booked for you. This assists your psychologist in screening for autism and indicators of an autistic neurotype. This intake is usually conducted over the phone with the psychologist, with only the parents if this is a child assessment (it can be tricky to discuss many difficulties or challenges with little ears present). 

 

Cost: $270.00

 

Next Steps: After your intake, you will be sent the following screeners to complete  

Adult

• The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory is a self-report questionnaire that provides a valid measure of autistic traits in adults in the general population (CATI)

• The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire measures the degree of camouflaging strategies and masking among autistic people.

​You will also be sent links to the following assessments: 

• Social Responsiveness Scale Self- and Observer Reports  (SRS-2)

• Adaptive Behavioural Assessment Schedule -3 – This assists with ascertaining how your current presentations impact your daily living. This is useful when your psychologist determines whether your neurotype sits at Level 1, 2 or 3. (ABAS-3)

• Sensory Processing Measure 2 – This assessment assists in indicating sensory sensitivities, preferences and avoidances (SP-2)

Child​

• Conners’ Behaviour Rating Scales, Parent/Teacher Form (CBRS – Parent and Teacher) – Assesses children's and adolescents' social, emotional, behavioural, and academic difficulties. This assists with differential diagnosis information.

• Adaptive Behavioural Assessment Schedule -3 (Parent and Teacher) –  Assesses a range of functional domains (such as communication, socialisation, and daily living skills) and provides valuable information on support needed.

• Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2 -Parent) – Assesses areas of social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviours and stimming.

• Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2 - Parent) – This assessment assists in indicating sensory sensitivities, preferences, and avoidances.

• Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS - Parent and Teacher) – This screener provides a good baseline for autistic traits and where your child sits concerning their specific presentations.

 

Assessment Session (2 – 3 hours)

This session can be conducted via telehealth or in the Miranda or Oran Park clinic. During the session, you will be given feedback on the initial screeners and assessments filled out thus far, and the psychologist will answer any questions you may have. Your psychologist will then conduct the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2 - adults and children, dependent on your child's age, communication style and ability), which is a neurodiversity-affirming, individualised behavioural profile discussing autistic criteria and how this applies to you specifically. For younger children or those requiring more support, the ADOS-2 will be conducted. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) is an activity-based assessment administered to evaluate communication skills, social interaction, and imaginative use of materials in children suspected to be autistic. 

 

You will be sent a summary of the assessments completed and a confirmation of your diagnosis (if applicable). 

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The MIGDAS-2 vs the ADOS-2

The MIGDAS-2 is often considered more affirming than the ADOS-2 because of its strengths-based, descriptive, and person-centered approach to autism assessment. Here’s why:

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Qualitative vs. Standardized Approach

• MIGDAS-2 is a qualitative, interview-based tool emphasising individual experiences and unique autistic traits rather than scoring against a normative standard.

• ADOS-2 is a structured, standardised assessment with a pass/fail threshold that may not fully capture the diversity of autistic presentations.

Affirming Autistic Identity

• MIGDAS-2 frames autism as a neurological difference rather than a disorder. It highlights sensory experiences, social preferences, and thinking styles in a non-pathologizing way.

• ADOS-2, while useful for diagnosis, often focuses on deficits rather than strengths, reinforcing a medical model of autism.

Respecting Natural Communication Styles

• MIGDAS-2 allows for various communication styles (including nonverbal, echolalic, scripted, or indirect) and adapts to the person’s natural way of interacting.

• ADOS-2 may disadvantage those who mask well or communicate in ways not recognised by its scoring criteria.

Recognising Internal Experiences

• MIGDAS-2 actively explores sensory sensitivities, emotional experiences, and thought patterns, giving individuals space to describe your internal world.

• ADOS-2 primarily observes external behaviours, which may miss key aspects of an individual’s autistic experience—especially in women, girls, and those who mask.

More Culturally and Gender-Inclusive

• MIGDAS-2 is designed to accommodate diverse gender expressions and cultural backgrounds in its assessment process.

• ADOS-2 was developed based on traditional diagnostic models, which historically have been biased toward male presentations of autism.

Encourages Self-Understanding and Acceptance

• The MIGDAS-2 process often leads to greater self-awareness and validation for the individual being assessed. It helps them understand their differences in a positive and empowering way.

• ADOS-2, while useful for clinical diagnosis, can sometimes feel like a test where the person is being evaluated for what they “lack.”

Useful for Late-Diagnosed and Masking Individuals

• Because ADOS-2 relies on observable behaviours, it may not identify autistic individuals who have learned to mask, especially adults and AFAB individuals.

• MIGDAS-2 explores lived experiences, making it more effective for those who don’t present in a stereotypical way.

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While the ADOS-2 is still considered a “gold standard” tool in clinical settings, the MIGDAS-2 provides a more affirming, strengths-based, and inclusive approach that respects neurodiversity. It allows individuals to tell their own story in a validating way, rather than being judged against neurotypical standards.

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Cost:

Adult: $2000.00

Child: $2300.00 

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Are there any Rebates available? 

A small rebate is available for clients under 25 years old (approximately $380.00) through Medicare, with a referral from a paediatriican or a psychiatrist. We do offer Payment Plans through PayPal. 

 

Once payment has been received, writing of your comprehensive report commences, and it is generally completed within 8 weeks of your final assessment. 

 

If further assessment sessions are needed, these will be booked at no extra charge to you.

 

Ongoing Support

Jess and Lisa both offer ongoing support.