Autism assessments for children, teens, and adults (ages 3+)

in Brookvale, Northern Beaches, Sydney

Neuroaffirming diagnostic assessments, designed to bring clarity, understanding, and a path forward. Based in Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with telehealth available.
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At a glance
WHO CAN BE ASSESSED

Children, adolescents, and adults, ages 3 and up

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

ADOS-2, ADI-R, and MIGDAS-2, tailored to age and presentation

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

A full written report and feedback session, suitable for sharing with schools, GPs, other health professionals, or NDIS

MEDICARE REBATES

May be available, see the FAQs below for eligibility

✦
GETTING STARTED

A 20-minute intake call to check availability and talk through whether this is the right fit

Is autism part of the picture?

We are all unique. We all interact with and experience the world in different ways, shaped by our personalities, thinking styles, experiences, and preferences. For neurodivergent individuals, this can look like experiencing sensory input differently, distinct communication styles, and deeply absorbing passions. These are simply differences, not things to be fixed or changed. Through understanding your or your child’s neurotype comes self-compassion, and strategies aligned with your unique way of experiencing the world.
Autism assessments for children, teens, and adults by psychologist Jessica Radovan in Brookvale, Northern Beaches, Sydney
Because autism looks different in every person, it can often be missed or misunderstood, particularly in those who have learnt to mask or camouflage. Gaining a clear, neuroaffirming understanding of your or your child’s neurotype creates space for genuine self-compassion, practical accommodations, and real-world tools. Northern Beaches families and individuals often reach out for an assessment when noticing:
  • That social situations are exhausting or confusing
  • That social interactions and building connections don’t happen as easily, or take more effort
  • That sounds, textures, and other senses are experienced more intensely than others seem to
  • That strong emotions are released at home after holding it together all day at school or work
  • Repetitive behaviours, or strong passions and interests
How an assessment can help

Clarity, not just a diagnosis

Every assessment is a collaborative process of understanding, not a checklist. Whether you’re local to Brookvale or joining via telehealth from further afield, the goal is genuine insight, whatever the outcome.

A name for your experience

Understanding autism as part of the picture can reframe years of experiences that never quite made sense on their own.

A neuroaffirming lens

Autism is understood here as a difference in how the brain works, not a deficit to correct, and the assessment reflects that throughout.

Practical next steps

A clear report opens the door to school supports, NDIS access, workplace adjustments, or simply a better-informed way of moving forward.

Space to be understood

For many people, especially those who’ve masked for years, being properly seen and understood is the outcome that matters most.

The process

What to expect

The pathway differs a little depending on age. Select the one that applies to you.
20 minutes
01
Intake call

A short call to discuss your current concerns and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.

3 hours
02
Testing session 1, background interview

An in-depth parent or carer interview using the ADI-R or MIGDAS-2, covering early history and the neurodifferences seen in autism: social communication preferences, sensory interests and behaviours, and special interests. Time is taken to explore internalised presentations. Older adolescents attend with a parent, partner, or sibling. Questionnaires are sent afterwards.

1.5 hours
03
Testing session 2, observation

A direct observational and interactional session using the ADOS-2 or MIGDAS-2, delivered at a comfortable pace with breaks as needed.

3 weeks later
04
Feedback session and report

A dedicated session to talk through the findings in plain language, alongside a clear, comprehensive written report including diagnosis if applicable, with practical recommendations for home and school.

FEES AND REBATES

$2,400, split across sessions

If you or your child is under 25 you may be eligible for a complex neurodevelopmental referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, and a rebate of $406.20 across the sessions.
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20 minutes
01
Intake call

A short call to discuss your current concerns and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.

3 hours
02
Evaluation session

An in-depth interview using the MIGDAS-2, covering early history and taking a deep dive into the neurodifferences seen in autism: social communication style, sensory interests and behaviours, and special interests. Time is taken to explore internalised presentations. You’re encouraged to attend with a parent, sibling, or partner. Questionnaires are sent afterwards.

3 weeks later
03
Feedback session and report

Time set aside to work through what the assessment found, in plain language and without rushed jargon, together with a comprehensive written report and practical recommendations for work, study, and daily life.

FEES AND REBATES

$1,700 split across sessions

If you are under 25, you may be eligible for a complex neurodevelopmental referral from a psychiatrist, and a rebate of $406.20 across the sessions. Fee details are on the FAQs page.
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Autism assessments for children, teens, and adults by psychologist Jessica Radovan in Brookvale, Northern Beaches, Sydney
A neuroaffirming approach

Tools used for assessments

A combination of gold-standard and sensory-informed tools, selected to suit each person’s age and presentation. Select a tool to read more.

ADOS-2

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Edition is a semi-structured, play- and conversation-based activity allowing social communication and interaction to be observed directly. The ADOS-2 is considered a ‘gold standard’ tool with different modules for different ages and language abilities.

ADI-R

The Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised is a detailed interview with a parent or caregiver covering developmental history and current presentation. It adds context that observation alone can’t capture, particularly around early development.

MIGDAS-2

The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum – 2nd Edition is a sensory-informed interview to understand a person’s unique way of interacting with and understanding the world. Designed to feel more like a genuine conversation, which often puts people more at ease than traditional testing formats.
What comes next

Following the assessment

A diagnosis is a starting point, not an end point. Following an assessment, and as you learn about your neurodivergent identity, post-diagnostic support is available through individual therapy: psychoeducation on neurodivergence, and practical strategies for school, work, relationships, and everyday life. Parenting support is also available for families.

Post-diagnostic support
Common questions

Autism assessment FAQs

An assessment is never wasted. If diagnostic criteria aren’t met, the assessment will still provide a much greater understanding of your or your child’s unique strengths and challenges, plus guidance on how to offer support and which adjustments may be useful.

Tell them they’re meeting someone who will do some activities with them to learn how their brain works and learns best. Let them know there’s no pass or fail, everyone’s brain works differently.

For children and teens, the process runs across four appointments; for adults, three. From first contact to final report is usually four to six weeks, with feedback provided three weeks after the final testing session.

Yes. Reports are written to a standard suitable for NDIS access requests, school learning support applications, workplace adjustments, and other formal supports, with clear and practical recommendations.

Medicare rebates may be available in some circumstances. If you or your child are under 25, a complex neurodevelopmental referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist attracts a rebate of $406.20 across the assessment sessions. This is discussed during the intake call. See the FAQs page for current fees.

An AuDHD assessment considers autism and ADHD together, since the two frequently co-occur and can mask or complicate each other. If you suspect both may be relevant, the AuDHD assessment page explains that combined process.
OTHER ASSESSMENTS
ADHD assessment

Attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and executive functioning. Ages 6-16.

Learn more
AuDHD assessment

When autism and ADHD traits appear together or mask each other. Ages 3+.

Learn more
Psychoeducational

Thinking and learning styles, and learning disorders such as dyslexia. Ages 6-16.

Learn more
All assessments