At Lavender Psychology, we recognise autism as a natural and valuable variation in human experience. Our goal is to provide a neuro-affirming and compassionate assessment process that highlights strengths while offering meaningful insights into unique profiles. Whether you are seeking greater self-awareness, understanding, or support for yourself or your child, we aim to create a collaborative and empowering experience.
Below is an outline of the steps involved in our autism assessment process.
Questionnaires are provided to the client (and parent/caregiver/partner, if applicable) to collect a detailed developmental history and insights into current social, emotional, and behavioural functioning.
A comprehensive conversation to explore presenting concerns, developmental milestones, communication patterns, sensory sensitivities, and daily living skills. This helps build a detailed understanding of the client's strengths and challenges.
The WAIS-IV (for adults) or WISC-V (for adolescents) is administered to assess intellectual functioning, including areas such as verbal comprehension, working memory, and processing speed. These results provide context for understanding cognitive strengths and differences.
The MIGDAS-2 (The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum) is used to explore sensory interests, social connections, and communication styles through naturalistic observation and interviews.
A detailed, client-centered report is prepared, summarising assessment results, interpretations, and neuro-affirming recommendations for support, interventions, or accommodations tailored to the client's unique needs.
A collaborative session where findings are explained in a clear and supportive manner, with opportunities for the client (and family, if appropriate) to ask questions, discuss implications, and plan next steps.
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Autism assessments are designed to identify differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing to better understand an individual's strengths and challenges. They also provide insights that help guide interventions, accommodations, and support plans.
Yes, at Lavender Psychology, it is possible to conduct Autism and ADHD assessments concurrently for individuals aged 12 and older. This streamlined process involves a combination of diagnostic tools tailored to assess both neurodivergent profiles effectively. Completing both assessments together can save time and provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths and challenges. For more information, please contact us.
Autism can be identified in children as young as 18–24 months. However, many individuals are diagnosed later in childhood or adulthood, particularly if traits are less apparent or have previously been overlooked. At Lavender Psychology, we specialise in providing autism assessments for individuals aged 12 and older, ensuring a neuro-affirming and tailored approach to meet their needs.
The process typically involves interviews, standardised testing, behavioral observations, and input from the individual and key people in their life (e.g., parents, partners, or teachers). Each assessment is tailored to the person's age and specific concerns.
A formal diagnosis can help individuals access support, accommodations, and services, such as educational assistance, therapeutic interventions, or workplace adjustments. It can also provide validation and understanding for the individual and their loved ones.
The cost of an autism assessment varies depending on the scope and complexity of the evaluation. At Lavender Psychology, we offer tailored assessments for individuals aged 12 and older. For more information about pricing, please contact us directly, and we’ll provide a personalised quote based on your needs.
The length of an autism assessment varies based on individual needs. Generally, the process includes multiple steps, such as completing questionnaires, attending an initial interview, and undergoing standardised testing. These components are typically spread across several appointments over a couple of weeks. The time taken also allows for careful analysis and preparation of a comprehensive report. If you’d like a clearer timeline for your specific situation, please feel free to contact us.
At Lavender Psychology, no referral is required for an autism assessment. However, if you are under 25 years of age, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates through the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders scheme. This requires a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist. Medicare rebates cover up to four sessions of assessment services. Please contact us for more information on how to access this funding and the referral process.
An autism diagnosis may not always be the outcome of an assessment. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive evaluation and gain a deep understanding of each individual’s unique strengths and challenges. If autism is not diagnosed, we will explore other possibilities and offer tailored recommendations for support based on the findings.
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