Neurospa Psychology provides comprehensive, neuroaffirming autism spectrum disorder assessments in Adelaide for children and adults. Conducted collaboratively by AHPRA-registered psychologists and speech pathologists, each assessment is designed to develop an accurate understanding of how you or your child experiences and processes the world, providing the clinical documentation required to access appropriate support, NDIS funding, and evidence-based interventions.
What an Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Involves
An autism spectrum disorder assessment at Neurospa Psychology is a structured, multi-stage clinical evaluation conducted collaboratively by an AHPRA-registered psychologist and speech pathologist. Distinct from a general psychological consultation, each assessment is specifically designed to evaluate autism spectrum differences across three core clinical domains: social communication patterns, sensory processing preferences, and behavioural and cognitive profile.
For paediatric assessments, collateral information is gathered from both parents and teachers to capture functioning across home and school settings. For adult assessments, a structured clinical interview is conducted alongside validated self-report instruments. In addition to clinical interviews and collateral information, gold-standard diagnostic assessment tools are administered as part of every evaluation. All assessment sessions are conducted at our clinic at 76 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA, a calm, private clinical environment conveniently located.
Our Neuroaffirming Approach to Autism Assessment
In practice, our neuroaffirming approach means:
- Identity-affirming language is used throughout the assessment and report.
- Recommendations prioritise support, accommodations, and informed understanding.
- Clinical assessment actively screens for masking, a particularly significant consideration for adults, women, and older girls who have developed compensatory strategies that can obscure the true extent of autistic presentation.
- Questions are welcomed at every stage of the assessment process. No session concludes without a clear explanation of what happens next.
What Your Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Report Includes
The written report produced by Neurospa Psychology is a comprehensive clinical document providing the formal evidence required to access support services, NDIS funding, educational accommodations, and workplace adjustments. Each report includes:
- Comprehensive diagnostic findings, including a formal determination of whether diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder are met and the level of the diagnosis.
- A cognitive and behavioural profile documenting specific areas of strength and difficulty across all assessed domains.
- Specific evidence-based recommendations tailored to the individual’s context, including school, workplace, and home settings as applicable.
- NDIS-ready diagnostic language appropriate for access requests and support plan reviews.
- School accommodation documentation formatted for submission to your child’s school or the SACE Board.
- Workplace adjustment documentation consistent with Australian disability inclusion legislation and frameworks.
- Referral recommendations to appropriate allied health or specialist services where clinically indicated.
Where assessment findings do not meet the diagnostic threshold for autism spectrum disorder, the report retains significant clinical value. A non-diagnostic outcome formally rules out ASD and provides a clear clinical rationale for the most appropriate next steps, whether that is further assessment, a specialist referral, or an alternative clinical pathway.
Our Autism Assessment Process
Every autism assessment at Neurospa Psychology follows the same structured, multi-stage process, clear, calm, and consistent for every client.
1. Pre-Assessment Questionnaires
Validated questionnaires are emailed upon booking. For paediatric assessments, separate forms are completed by parents and teachers. Adults complete a validated self-report questionnaire. Please allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes per form. All questionnaires are completed prior to the first appointment, allowing the assessing clinicians to prepare thoroughly before the session.
2. Clinical Interview
For paediatric assessments, a 30-minute clinical interview is conducted with parents or guardians at the commencement of the assessment session to gather developmental history and background context. For adults, a structured clinical interview is conducted to establish presenting concerns, developmental history, and relevant personal history.
3. Assessment Session
A structured, face-to-face assessment session of approximately 1 hour is conducted at our clinic in Hilton, SA. Gold-standard diagnostic tools and validated psychometric instruments are administered alongside direct clinical observation to establish a comprehensive and accurate clinical picture. Sessions are calm, structured, and conducted in a supportive environment.
4. Written Clinical Report
A comprehensive written clinical report is prepared covering all assessment findings, a formal diagnosis where diagnostic criteria are met, and specific evidence-based recommendations. The completed report is emailed prior to the feedback consultation.
5. Feedback Consultation
A 30-minute consultation is conducted with your assessing clinicians to review the report findings in detail. All findings are explained in plain language, questions are addressed, and clear next steps are outlined. Clients leave the consultation with a thorough understanding of their results and a clear clinical pathway forward.
A formal autism assessment provides clinical clarity, and with it, access to the right support, services, and pathways.
Fees, Referrals and Cancellation Policy
Autism assessment fees vary depending on the scope and components of the evaluation. Please contact Neurospa Psychology directly for current fee information and to confirm which assessment components are applicable to your situation.
Medicare: No referral is required to book an autism assessment at Neurospa Psychology as a private client. However, a referral from a General Practitioner or specialist may qualify you for a Medicare rebate. We recommend discussing eligibility with your GP prior to booking.
NDIS: Neurospa Psychology accepts NDIS self-managed and plan-managed clients for autism assessments. Assessment fees for NDIS participants are billed in accordance with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
Private Health Insurance: Clients with private health insurance may be eligible for a partial rebate for psychological assessment services depending on their level of cover. We recommend contacting your provider directly to confirm eligibility and rebate entitlements prior to booking.
Book an Autism Assessment in Adelaide
Neurospa Psychology is located at 76 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA, centrally situated and accessible to clients across Torrensville, Mile End, Thebarton, Glenelg, and the broader Adelaide metropolitan area. To confirm availability or discuss which assessment components are most appropriate for your situation, please contact our clinic directly.
- Phone: 08 5117 3064
- Email: hello@neurospa.com.au
- Address: 76 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA 5033
- Consulting Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an autism assessment take?
The assessment session itself runs approximately 1 hour. The full process, from completion of pre-assessment questionnaires through to the feedback consultation, typically spans several weeks, including approximately two to three weeks for clinical report preparation. A clear timeline is provided at the time of booking.
Do I need a GP referral to book an autism assessment?
No referral is required to book an autism assessment at Neurospa Psychology. You are welcome to contact us directly as a private client. If you hold or are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate on assessment sessions. We recommend discussing this at the time of enquiry.
Can adults be assessed for autism?
Yes. There is no age limit for an autism assessment or formal diagnosis at Neurospa Psychology. Many adults present for assessment after recognising themselves in descriptions of autism, following a diagnosis in a family member, or after years of difficulties that have not been adequately explained by prior clinical assessment. An adult diagnosis carries the same clinical validity and significance as one made in childhood.
What if my child is already under the care of a paediatrician?
Psychological assessment and paediatric review are complementary clinical pathways. A written report from Neurospa Psychology can be shared with your child’s paediatrician and used alongside their clinical assessment and management plan. Coordination with other treating professionals is welcomed. Please advise our team at the time of booking.
What happens if the assessment does not result in an autism diagnosis?
Not every assessment results in an autism diagnosis, and a non-diagnostic outcome is a valid and clinically meaningful result. The assessment process will still produce a comprehensive profile of the individual’s cognitive, communicative, and behavioural presentation. The written report will include clinical observations and evidence-based recommendations that are applicable regardless of diagnostic outcome. The feedback consultation provides an opportunity to discuss what the findings indicate, what they do not support, and what further assessment, support, or referral pathways may be beneficial.
At what age can a child be assessed for autism?
Neurospa Psychology assesses children from early school age. Please contact our team to discuss the most suitable approach for your child’s age and presentation.