Autism Assessment & Support Brisbane
Our team of experienced team offer comprehensive Autism assessments for children (6+), teens, and adults. We are committed to providing an accurate understanding and tailored support to help you or your loved ones gain clarity and a way forward.
What is Autism?
Autism is a naturally occurring neurodevelopmental variation that influences how a person experiences the world, processes information, and relates to others. Autistic people exist on a spectrum, experiencing different strengths and differences. At Hardwick Psychological Services we recognise the value of diversity in human minds and we focus on creating services that are individualised and embody inclusiveness.
Possible Autistic Experiences
Autistic people can experience a range of strengths and some challenges including the following, for example:
Possible Strengths
- Deep focus and intense interests – the ability to concentrate deeply on topics of passion, often leading to expertise or innovative thinking.
- Strong attention to detail – noticing patterns, inconsistencies, or small details that others might overlook.
- Authenticity and honesty – a tendency toward straightforward communication and a strong sense of integrity.
- Unique problem-solving abilities – approaching problems from novel angles or outside-the-box thinking.
- Creativity and innovation – particularly when expressing oneself through art, writing, coding, or other media.
- Strong memory – especially for facts, routines, or information tied to areas of interest.
- Loyalty and depth in relationships – autistic people can form deep, meaningful connections.
- Passion for fairness and justice – a strong moral compass and dedication to equity and honesty.
Possible Challenges
- Social Communication & Interaction: can experience difficulties with reciprocity in communication (back and forth) and sharing interests, can have different ways of using nonverbal communication styles such as eye contact or facial expression, can have challenges navigating interpersonal relationships.
- Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behaviour, Interests, or Activities: Can demonstrate challenges with flexibility or when there is a change in routine, can be repetitive in speech and movement patterns.
- Emotional challenges: Can find it difficult to understand one’s own and others emotions, can experience anxiety in social situations and when things are not straightforward or ‘black and white’, can experience difficulties with emotional regulation and experience emotional overwhelm, can experience burn out and energy depletion from attempts to mask or fit in with other neurotypical people.
- Sensory challenges: Can be either hyper or hypo sensitive to sensory input (e.g. noise, light, texture etc).
Our Autism Assessment Process
Our comprehensive Autism assessments are designed to provide a clear understanding of your cognitive and behavioural profile and determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism, or whether your symptoms are better accounted for by another condition. Our process includes:
1. Initial Call
When you first call the practice, one of our assessment booking team will speak to you and find out your assessment needs and background details so that we can provide advice as to what type of assessment might be most appropriate for you.
They will also determine the right team members who are best suited to conduct the assessment and provide availability options.
If there is uncertainty about what type of assessment might suit you best, they may suggest a 1-hour session with one of our psychologists to gather more in-depth background information and provide advice regarding next steps.
2. Background Information Gathering
We then send out detailed questionnaires to gather your history and current concerns. We also request any background information you might have, such as school report cards or other assessment reports.
3. Psychological Interview
We then have a one-on-one discussion with you to explore your experiences, challenges, and history. For children, this includes a parent/guardian interview.
4. Autism-Specific Assessment
We then will utilise a range of measures to assess the symptoms of Autism. The exact measures used will be based on the assessment needs but could include semi-structured interviews, assessment tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) or the MIGDAS-2, and various self-report questionnaires.
5. Cognitive Skill Assessment
An assessment of cognitive functioning will be conducted, with an intellectual functioning assessment conducted in most instances. It might be the case that other cognitive assessments are completed depending on the needs of the assessment, such as measures of attention, learning or executive function.
6. Additional Questionnaires
Where applicable, we may ask parents, family members or teachers to complete questionnaires.
7. Collateral Interview
We may also seek to speak to a family member or loved one to gather collateral or background information.
8. Background Documents
We will also read and consider any background documents that have been provided as part of the assessment (e.g. school report cards, other allied health reports or cognitive assessment reports).
9. Detailed Report
Approximately four weeks after the assessment is completed, the psychologist will provide a comprehensive report which covers the following areas:
- Summary of background and symptoms.
- Assessment results and explanation of what the results mean.
- A discussion regarding diagnostic matters. A diagnosis is not guaranteed.
- Recommendations that are tailored to the individual but could include areas such as the following:
- Social Skills and Friendships: Strategies for improving social communication and interaction, and managing friendships
- Emotional Strategies: Techniques for emotional regulation, for better understanding emotions, and for coping with stress and overwhelm
- Advice regarding school or work: Support with coping with school or work environments
- Support options: Advice regarding what types of allied health support might be most useful as well as linking to support services.
- Cognitive strategies: If cognitive issues have been identified on testing, some strategies to manage this might also be provided.
10. Feedback Session (1 hour)
This is an optional but highly recommended session to discuss the report results and recommendations, and answer any questions.
11. Ongoing Support
We offer ongoing psychological support sessions.
Autism Assessments Offered
Comprehensive
5 hour assessment
A thorough evaluation of cognitive functions, social communication, and behavioural patterns. The assessment includes:
- 1-2 hour clinical interview
- 2-4 hours of testing
- Questionnaires
- A comprehensive report detailing the findings, tailored recommendations for strategies and accommodations
Comprehensive Plus
6-hour assessment
This assessment is used in cases where there is a need to investigate both Autism and another developmental difference such as ADHD or Specific Learning Disorder. The assessment includes:
- 1-2 hours clinical interview
- 2-4 hours of testing
- 1-2 hours of additional testing, either for learning challenges or suspected ADHD
- A comprehensive report detailing the findings, tailored recommendations for strategies and accommodations.
Autism Support and Therapy
We believe that an understanding is just the beginning. Our commitment extends beyond assessment to providing comprehensive, evidence-based support that empowers Autistic people to thrive. Our team of experienced psychologists offers a range of supports tailored to your unique needs, fostering personal growth and improved quality of life.
- Psychoeducation: In-depth information about Autism to foster self-awareness and informed choices.
- Social Skills and Relationship Support: Practical strategies for improving social communication and relationships with significant others.
- Emotional Regulation: Support for emotional awareness and healthy expression.
- Coping Techniques: Skills to manage sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and transitions.
- Self-Esteem & Resilience: Building confidence and fostering self-compassion.
Parent Support: Guidance to help parents with an Autistic child best support them. - Study & Work Support: Assistance with academic support and accommodations, and strategies to cope at work.
Why choose Hardwick Psychological Services
In-depth, neuro-affirming approach.
Large team of clinical, neuropsychological, and educational & developmental trained psychologists.
Ability to assess co-occurring conditions like learning disorders and ADHD.
Highly qualified team, trained to Masters or PhD level, who remain up to date with current research and best practice in Autism.
Autism Assessment Costs
Please contact us for detailed information on our assessment fees.
Medicare can provide rebates for Autism assessments for people under 25 years of age – this is under the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder scheme. In order to access these rebates you will need a referral from your doctor.
There may be other potential funding sources for an assessment, such as NDIS and private health insurance. Mental Health Care Plan and NDIS may also be able to provide funding for therapeutic support services.
Meet the Neuropsychology & Cognitive Assessment team
Caitlin Knight
SUPERVISOR - CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Teagan King
PSYCHOLOGIST
Rebekah Randall
SENIOR CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Katharine Baker
(On leave until Mid-2025) SENIOR CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Mikayla Hancock
PSYCHOLOGIST - Ed & Dev Registrar
Dr Janet Wright
PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Sarah Pollock
TEAM LEADER - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Mathilde Gargan
PSYCHOLOGIST
Whitney Rose
SENIOR CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Sascha Hardwick
DIRECTOR - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Austism Assessment FAQ
What age range do you assess for Autism?
We offer Autism assessments for individuals aged 6 years and older, including children, adolescents, and adults.
Can a psychologist provide an Autism diagnostic assessment?
Yes, psychologists can provide an Autism diagnosis. However, it is recommended that data is collected from a number of medical and allied health professionals to support a diagnosis, such as a paediatrician/psychiatrist and other allied health (such as an OT or speech therapist).
Will I get a diagnosis from the assessment?
Every Autism assessment will consider the question of whether a diagnosis is appropriate for the client. Whether a diagnosis can be given will depend on the assessment results.
How long does each type of assessment take?
Our assessments vary in length:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Approximately 5 hours.
- Comprehensive Plus Assessment: Approximately 6 hours. This is when the assessment question involves Autism and another neurodevelopmental difference such as ADHD or a Specific Learning Disorder.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is not required for an Autism assessment. However, it is helpful to provide as much information as you can to support the assessment, such as letters or reports from your doctors, other clinicians, or other allied health. It is also helpful to bring along school reports.
Do you provide support and therapy after an Autism understanding?
Yes, we offer ongoing psychological support following an Autism understanding. Our services include individual therapy and parent support, as well as support for schools.
Do you liaise with schools?
Yes, with your consent, we can liaise with schools to provide information and recommendations for academic accommodations and support.
How do Autism and ADHD relate?
Autism and ADHD are distinct neurodevelopmental differences, but they can co-occur. Our Comprehensive Plus assessments can evaluate both conditions to provide a clear understanding of an individual’s cognitive profile.
Does Medicare cover Autism Assessments?
Medicare can provide rebates for Autism assessments for people under 25 years of age – this is under the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder scheme. In order to access these rebates you will need a referral from your doctor.
There may be other potential funding sources, such as NDIS and private health insurance. Mental Health Care Plan and NDIS may also be able to provide funding for therapeutic support services.
How long will it take to receive the report?
Typically, you can expect to receive your comprehensive assessment report within 4 weeks following the final assessment session.