Autism Assessments

At GROW Clinical Psychology, we provide comprehensive, neuroaffirming autism assessments for children, adolescents and adults.

Our assessments are designed to support understanding—not simply to provide a label. We aim to identify each person’s strengths, differences, support needs and individual way of experiencing the world.

We understand that seeking an autism assessment can feel uncertain or overwhelming. Our team provides a supportive, transparent and collaborative process from the initial appointment through to feedback and recommendations.

Autism Assessments for Children and Adolescents

Ages 3–17

Our child and adolescent autism assessments explore your child’s development, communication style, sensory experiences, social interactions, emotional regulation, interests and support needs.

We recognise that autism can present differently in every child. Some children’s differences are noticeable early in development, while others—particularly girls and children who mask—may not be identified until their social, emotional or academic demands increase.

Our Assessment Approach

We use evidence-based diagnostic tools within a neuroaffirming framework. Depending on your child’s age, presentation and individual circumstances, the assessment may include:

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition (ADOS-2)

• Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R)

• Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum–Second Edition (MIGDAS-2)

• Clinical interviews with parents or carers

• Developmental, medical, educational and behavioural history

• Standardised parent, teacher and self-report questionnaires

• School or teacher input, where appropriate

• Observation of communication, play and social interaction

• Consideration of other developmental, learning or mental health factors

No single test determines whether a child is autistic. Information from different sources is considered together to develop a comprehensive understanding of your child.

When an Assessment May Be Helpful

You may consider an autism assessment if your child experiences:

• Differences in social communication or friendships

• A strong preference for routines or predictability

• Distress or overwhelm when plans change

• Focused or highly developed interests

• Sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviours

• Differences in play, communication or developmental milestones

• Emotional overwhelm, shutdowns or meltdowns

• Challenges within group, childcare or school environments

• Masking or coping strategies that appear exhausting

• Anxiety associated with social or sensory demands

These characteristics can have many possible explanations. An assessment helps clarify your child’s individual developmental profile and the supports that may be helpful.

Our Neuroaffirming Approach

We recognise autism as a natural variation in neurodevelopment. Our assessments:

• Identify strengths alongside areas where support may be needed

• Respect each child’s communication style and sensory needs

• Avoid unnecessarily deficit-focused language

• Consider the effects of masking and environmental demands

• Support positive identity development and self-understanding

• Include families as important partners in the assessment process

Our aim is for children and families to feel understood, informed and supported—not judged or expected to be “fixed”.

What Families Receive

Following the assessment, families receive:

• A comprehensive written assessment report

• Clear feedback about the findings and diagnosis, where applicable

• An explanation of the child’s strengths and support needs

• Practical recommendations for home, childcare or school

• Strategies to support learning, communication and emotional regulation

• Guidance regarding school, community or NDIS supports, where relevant

• A feedback appointment with an opportunity to ask questions

Early understanding can help protect a child’s wellbeing and self-esteem and ensure that appropriate supports are provided as their needs develop.

Autism Assessments for Adults

Ages 17+

Our adult autism assessments provide a respectful and comprehensive exploration of lifelong patterns in communication, relationships, sensory processing, routines, interests, emotional regulation and daily functioning.

Some adults seek an assessment after recognising autistic traits in themselves. Others begin considering autism following burnout, ongoing social difficulties, a family member’s diagnosis or years of feeling different without understanding why.

Many adults—particularly women, gender-diverse people and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds—may have learned to mask or compensate for their differences. This can mean that autistic characteristics were not recognised during childhood.

For 17-year-olds, we determine the most appropriate adolescent or adult assessment pathway based on developmental stage, circumstances and the involvement of parents or carers.

Our Assessment Approach

Adult assessments are tailored to the person’s presentation and circumstances. They may include:

• A comprehensive clinical and developmental interview

• Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum–Second Edition (MIGDAS-2)

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition (ADOS-2), where clinically appropriate

• Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R), where a suitable informant is available

• Standardised autism questionnaires and screening measures

• Exploration of sensory experiences, masking and social communication

• Information from a parent, partner or other person who knows the individual well, with consent

• Review of school reports or previous assessments, where available

• Consideration of ADHD, anxiety, trauma and other relevant conditions

We understand that some adults may not have access to a parent, childhood records or another informant. This does not automatically prevent an assessment. We will discuss the available information and the most appropriate pathway with you.

When an Assessment May Be Helpful

An adult autism assessment may be helpful if you experience:

• A longstanding sense of being different or misunderstood

• Difficulty interpreting social expectations or maintaining relationships

• Exhaustion from masking or monitoring your behaviour around others

• Sensory sensitivities involving sound, light, touch, food or busy environments

• A strong need for routine, predictability or preparation

• Deeply focused interests

• Difficulty managing unexpected changes or transitions

• Periods of shutdown, overwhelm or autistic burnout

• Anxiety or distress associated with social and sensory demands

• Difficulties at work, in education or in relationships

• A desire to better understand your neurodivergent identity

Our Neuroaffirming Approach

Our adult assessments focus on understanding the whole person rather than viewing autism only through difficulties or deficits. We aim to:

• Recognise strengths, abilities and individual differences

• Understand the effects of masking and lifelong adaptation

• Respect each person’s language and identity preferences

• Consider cultural, gender and life experiences

• Identify practical support needs

• Promote self-understanding, wellbeing and self-advocacy

A diagnosis is not the only purpose of assessment. The process can also help adults make sense of their experiences, recognise their needs and identify strategies that support a more sustainable life.

What You Receive

Following the assessment, you receive:

• A comprehensive written assessment report

• Clear feedback about the findings and diagnosis, where applicable

• An individual profile of strengths, differences and support needs

• Practical recommendations for daily life, relationships, study or employment

• Guidance regarding workplace, educational or NDIS supports, where relevant

• A feedback appointment with time to discuss the results and ask questions

Whether or not an autism diagnosis is made, we aim for each person to leave the assessment with greater clarity, understanding and practical direction.