Assessments

Getting Started

If you’re considering an ADHD assessment, it’s completely understandable to feel a mix of

emotions about this step. One way to begin is by speaking with your GP about a referral.

While a referral can help with costs (partially) through Medicare, it’s not a necessity to start

the assessment process. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.

What to Expect during the ADHD Assessment

We understand that starting an ADHD assessment can feel like a significant step. Our process

is designed to be gentle and supportive of your needs. We will move at a pace that feels right

for you, and you will have opportunities to provide input throughout the process.

Overview of Appointments:

Appointment 1

The first appointment involves a comprehensive clinical interview. Your clinician will ask

about your current symptoms and how they may be affecting your daily functioning. They

may also discuss your childhood, academic history, social history, and developmental history

where relevant. This discussion is collaborative, aimed at developing a clear and respectful

understanding of your experiences while ensuring you feel comfortable throughout.

The duration of appointment 1 is about 50 minutes.

Appointment 2

During the second appointment, your clinician will use standardized ADHD assessment tools

and conduct a structured diagnostic interview to understand your symptoms both currently

and in the past (childhood). The process is structured but flexible, and your clinician will

explain each step along the way so you’ll always know what to expect. You can request a

break from the assessment at any time or ask clarifying questions if you wish.

The duration of appointment 2 is about 2 hours, with a 10-minute mid-session break. Comfort

items such as water, snacks, or sensory tools are encouraged, so feel free to bring those along.

We can make any necessary adjustments to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.

Before Your Third Appointment

Before your third appointment, your clinician will prepare an assessment report to share with

you during your next visit. During this time, your clinician will also contact two individuals

who know you well, such as parents, siblings, a spouse, a friend, or a teacher. They may be

asked to complete short online questionnaires, usually sent by email, and your clinician may

follow up with them via phone if needed.

The gap is approximately 4-6 weeks between Appointment 2 and Appointment 3.

Appointment 3

In this appointment, your clinician will discuss and share your assessment report with you. If

the criteria for ADHD are met, your clinician will guide you through the next steps. They

may briefly discuss recommendations to support your wellbeing in everyday life and provide

referrals to a psychiatrist or GP for medication options.

Some individuals prefer non-medication approaches, such as psychological therapy, to help

manage ADHD symptoms. If this feels helpful to you, your clinician can offer ongoing

psychological support. You may also be eligible to claim up to 10 sessions annually through

Medicare to assist with your post-diagnosis psychological care.

Overview of Autism Assessment

Appointment 1

In the first appointment, your clinician will meet with you for about 50 minutes. This will be

a gentle and collaborative conversation where you are invited to share your current

experiences and any challenges you may face in your daily life. You may be asked to reflect

on your early years, including school, family, and social experiences.

You can share only what feels comfortable. Your clinician will guide the conversation in a

supportive and non-judgmental manner.

Appointment 2

This appointment lasts about 2 hours and includes a mid-session break. Additional breaks are

available if you need them. During this session, your psychologist will use standardized

assessment tools and conduct a structured interview with you. Some sensory-based activities

may also be included if appropriate.

Before Your Third Appointment

After your second appointment, there is typically a 4-6 week period during which your

psychologist will carefully review all the gathered information. They will work on preparing

an assessment report for you and will reach out to two people who know you well, such as a

sibling, spouse, parent, or teacher, via email. They will send them a form to fill out, and if

necessary, may also follow up with a phone call.

Appointment 3

This appointment lasts about 50 minutes. During this session, your psychologist will share

the results of the assessment with you, including the prepared report. You will have the

opportunity to ask any questions you may have, including those related to care after a

diagnosis. Your clinician will also discuss recommendations for post-diagnosis care during

this session.

If you receive an autism diagnosis, you may choose to continue working with a psychologist

afterward. Psychological therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore

your experiences. Your psychologist can utilize evidence-based approaches, such as

cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help you manage challenges and guide you in understanding

your diagnosis, equipping you to better manage your symptoms. You are always in control of

whether and how you engage in ongoing therapy.

Overview of Autism Assessment

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Overview of Cognitive & Learning Assessment

Cognitive assessments have been developed over more than a century and are regarded as robust tools to understand how individuals think and learn. Cognitive assessments assist to highlight learning difficulties, identify cognitive strengths, and guide personalised recommendations for school, university, work, and daily life. Standardised tasks assess areas such as attention, problem-solving, memory, verbal and visual reasoning, and working with numbers. The final report outlines your individual strengths, challenges, and contributing factors affecting daily functioning, along with detailed, practical, long-term recommendations.

Appointment 1 – Initial Consultation
The initial consultation (around 50 minutes) is a collaborative and private conversation between you and your psychologist. Together you will explore developmental history, current concerns and any challenges experienced at school, work, or home. This is a supportive, non-judgemental process. You are encouraged to bring or pre-send prior school and professional reports. This information helps your psychologist tailor the assessment and contributes to accurate interpretation and meaningful recommendations.

Appointment 2 – The Cognitive Assessment
Assessments usually take place at the clinic. A parent or support person is welcome to attend, and maintain appropriate discretion. Gold-standard cognitive assessment tools are administered. Dependent on age and ability, either the WPPSI-IV WISC-V or the WAIS-5. The time to complete can vary considerably, are typically scheduled for two hours but allow for more time. Short rest breaks are available, though arriving rested and well-nourished is the best policy.

After Appointment 2 – Report preparation

Your clinician may require 4–6 weeks to score, analyse, interpret and collate the results. This time is essential to integrate testing data with developmental history, behavioural observations, and source any additional information.

Appointment 3 – Feedback Session
The report is presented in a 50-minute session, where you have the opportunity to review and discuss the findings and tailored recommendations. Next steps, such as NDIS supports or school-based Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) are discussed to ensure you feel informed and supported moving forward.