Child & adolescent · Neurodevelopmental assessment
A careful, whole-picture look at autism and ADHD.
Conservative, best-practice assessment where autism or ADHD is a question, drawing on more than one setting, in Southport and by telehealth where suitable.
Everybody's brain works differently. Where autism or ADHD is a question, the goal is a clear, fair understanding, built carefully and from more than one source.
Autism and ADHD are not diagnosed from a single test. We build a whole-picture understanding over time, drawing together what you see, what teachers see, structured interviews and direct assessment. We work within a best-practice, multidisciplinary process and stay conservative: where the picture is not clear, we say so, and we set out what would help to clarify it.
ADHD
Understanding attention, across settings
There is no single test for ADHD. We build a whole-picture understanding using a clinical interview, rating scales completed by parents and teachers, and direct assessment of attention and executive function (the brain's planning and self-management system), drawing on information from more than one setting. Where a diagnosis and any medication are being considered, these sit with a paediatrician or psychiatrist; our assessment characterises the thinking and attention profile and supports that pathway.
Autism
A fuller process, never a single test
We follow Australia's national best-practice guideline for autism assessment. Our part combines a structured developmental interview with a caregiver (the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, ADI-R) with careful, direct clinical observation of your child, alongside input from parents and, with your consent, school. Autism is never diagnosed from a single test or in a single appointment; it is understood through this fuller picture.
A formal diagnosis of autism is multidisciplinary. We work as part of that process, drawing together information across sources and, where helpful, other professionals such as speech pathology or occupational therapy. Where a clear answer is not yet possible, we say so plainly and set out what would help.
What we look at
Where the information comes from
A fair picture draws on several sources, not one snapshot.
- A clinical interview with you about your child's development, history and the questions you have
- A structured developmental interview with a caregiver (the ADI-R) for autism questions
- Careful clinical observation of your child, and direct assessment of attention and thinking
- Rating scales completed by parents and, with consent, teachers, so we see more than one setting
- Input from others who know your child, with your consent, including school and any treating professionals
What is involved
The assessment, step by step
- Getting started. A first conversation to understand your concerns and what you are hoping to learn.
- Information gathering. A developmental and family history, structured interview where relevant, and, with your consent, input from school and other professionals.
- Sessions with your child. Direct observation and assessment, at your child's pace and with breaks.
- Bringing it together. We weigh the information across sources, within a multidisciplinary, best-practice process.
- Feedback and report. We talk you through what we found and give you a written report, with practical next steps for home and school.
What to tell your child: there is no need to make a big occasion of it. It often helps to describe the day simply, for example as time with someone who is going to do some activities to understand how they think and learn. A rested child who has had breakfast, with glasses or hearing aids if used, gives the most representative picture.
What you will receive
A clear, fair, useful report
A written report in plain language that describes your child's strengths and differences, sets out our findings and how we reached them, and gives practical next steps for home, for school and for any further support. Where a diagnosis sits with a paediatrician or psychiatrist, our report supports that pathway. With your consent we share it with your GP, paediatrician or school.
If your child or teenager is struggling and needs someone to talk to, Kids Helpline offers free, confidential 24/7 support for young people on 1800 55 1800.
“Autism is never diagnosed from a single test. It is understood through a fuller picture.”
Cost and funding
Clear on cost before we begin
Fees for this assessment are quoted at intake, and we confirm the fee with you before we begin. Some assessments attract Medicare or NDIS support depending on the question and the funding pathway; we confirm this with you before booking. Our fees are on the Fees and Policies page.
Take the next step
You do not need a referral for a private appointment. Request an appointment or call 0452 452 262. GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists can refer through our Make a referral page.
Request an appointmentSources: Autism CRC, National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia (2018; updated 2023); Australian ADHD Professionals Association, Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for ADHD (2022).