Comprehensive, neuroaffirming autism assessments for children and adolescents. Designed to provide meaningful insight into your child's strengths, support needs and how best to help them thrive.
At Neighbourhood Psychology, we provide comprehensive autism assessments for children and adolescents across the Sunshine Coast. Families often seek assessment when they are looking for greater clarity about their child's development, communication, behaviour, emotional wellbeing or social experiences. Our assessment process is designed to be respectful, supportive and tailored to each child's individual profile.
What's involved: A comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming autism assessment for children and adolescents on the Sunshine Coast. Includes standardised testing, clinical observations, background history, and a detailed written report with practical recommendations for families, schools and support providers. Reports are suitable for NDIS applications.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that can influence how a person experiences communication, social interaction, sensory information and the world around them. Autism presents differently in every individual, with each person having their own unique strengths, challenges and ways of engaging with others.
Some children may experience differences in communication, emotional regulation, routines, sensory processing or social interaction, while others may show focused interests, strong attention to detail or unique ways of learning and thinking.
Families may consider an assessment when a child experiences:
Some children may already be receiving support for anxiety, attention difficulties or learning challenges before autism is considered.
Each assessment follows a structured process tailored to your child's individual needs and referral questions. Here's what to expect.
We begin with a detailed clinical interview with parents or caregivers to discuss developmental history, current concerns and family observations. This helps us understand your child's profile before assessment begins.
Assessment activities are usually conducted across 1–2 appointments with your child. Sessions are designed to feel as relaxed and natural as possible — activities are adapted to your child's age and comfort level, and may include structured tasks, games, conversation and observation. We work at your child's pace throughout. Standardised measures include the Social Responsiveness Scale – Second Edition (SRS-2) and MIGDAS-2 as the primary autism-specific tools, alongside the Conners-4, DASS-21, RCADS, and the ABAS-3 for adaptive behaviour. Additional clinically appropriate tools may be used depending on age and referral needs. Teacher or school feedback is also gathered where appropriate.
Once assessment sessions are complete, questionnaires are finalised and returned, school or developmental information is reviewed, and all assessment data is scored, interpreted and clinically integrated. This typically takes around 3 weeks in total from the initial intake session. The exact timeframe depends on the complexity of the assessment and how quickly informant questionnaires are returned.
Dean prepares a detailed written report summarising your child's profile, diagnostic formulation and practical recommendations. The report is written in plain language for families, while remaining suitable for GPs, schools and NDIS applications.
We meet with parents or caregivers to walk through the report together — explaining findings clearly, answering questions and discussing practical next steps for home, school and any additional supports.
At the conclusion of the assessment, your family will receive a comprehensive written report and a dedicated feedback session with Dean. The written report includes:
The goal is a report that is clear, useful and practical for families, schools, medical professionals and support teams.
Concerned about overlapping difficulties? If ADHD is also a consideration, our ADHD + Autism combined assessment covers both in one integrated process. For a broader picture including learning and cognitive profile, see our comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment.
We recognise and value neurodiversity. Our approach focuses on understanding each child as an individual, rather than reducing them to labels or deficits. We prioritise clear communication, compassionate support, practical outcomes and collaborative care.
A GP referral is not required to book an autism assessment — you can contact us directly to get started. An MHCP is also not required. However, a GP referral may support a Medicare rebate for some parts of the process.
In most cases, a parent or caregiver will need to be present — particularly for younger children. This can be flexible depending on age and circumstances, and some background information can be gathered via questionnaire or Telehealth. Please contact us to discuss your child's specific situation.
Assessment suitability depends on developmental presentation and referral concerns. We are happy to discuss whether assessment may be appropriate for your child.
No. Assessments are designed to better understand a child's profile, strengths and support needs. Not all assessments result in a formal diagnosis.
Yes. Autism can occur alongside ADHD, anxiety, learning differences and other developmental or emotional concerns.
Where appropriate, information from schools, teachers or other professionals may form part of the assessment process. With your consent, we can also liaise with schools and other supports to help implement recommendations.
Our assessments are designed not just to provide clarity around diagnosis, but to give you meaningful, practical insight into your child's strengths and how best to support them.
