Neurodiversity Affirming Autism Assessments

Neurodiversity Affirming Autism Assessments

At The Therapy Hub our clinical psychologist Maddy Bourke-Ibbs offers adult autism assessments, which are neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed and designed specifically with adults in mind.

The identification of neurodivergence in adults can be a powerful step towards building self-understanding, self-compassion, a sense of belonging, and access to vital accommodations and support. It can help people to begin to understand and embrace their identity and to start living their authentic lives.

Our assessments are tailored to reflect the distinct experiences of adults, acknowledging that neurodiversity can shape our lives in diverse and nuanced ways. We also recognise the profound impact of masking, and specialise in exploring internalised presentations of autism.

Neurodiversity means that different people experience, process, and respond to the world differently. This can include differences in how they communicate, their experience of internal and external sensations, their movement patterns, and the way they process information. These differences are not inherently disordered or problematic, but natural variations in the human experience. There is no one “normal” type of brain.

 

Some of the potential benefits of having an autism assessment:

  • Formalise self-identification
  • Rule in or out autism
  • Gain a deeper understanding of your neurotype, and your personal strengths and challenges
  • Provides a language to help communicate your experiences, needs, and preferences to others, including family and friends, teachers, employers, and colleagues.
  • Build self-compassion and acceptance
  • Build connection to the neurodivergent community
  • Access to information, resources and supports
  • Recommendations about reasonable adjustments and accommodations that could be made at your place of work or study, to help you to avoid stress and burn out, and to support you to reach your potential
  • Access to NDIS funding or the Disability Support Pension (see further information about this below)

 

What the assessment involves:

  • A free 15 minute intake phone call to figure out if you want to go ahead with an assessment
  • Filling out a form about your demographics and personal history
  • Attending a 3 hour clinical interview (either in person or via telehealth)
  • Filling out a number of questionnaires online (you and somebody close to you)
  • Attending a 50-minute feedback session
  • Attending a 50-minute feedback session
  • A report (see options below) will be provided within 6 weeks of your assessment

Details:

Age range: Adults aged 18+
Administration: This assessment is appropriate for either telehealth or face-to-face

What this assessment is not for: 

 

 

    • Recommendations provided in the final report cannot guarantee approval for the NDIS or DSP, as we have no jurisdiction over these decisions. Furthermore, people are only eligible for NDIS if they are assessed as requiring Substantial or Very Substantial support. 

     

    • This assessment package is not a comprehensive psychological assessment, which means it does not assess for cognitive capacity/intellectual disability, Specific Learning Disabilities, mood, personality or trauma. If you are seeking further or additional assessment, your options can be discussed.

    What is included in an autism report?

    OPTION 1:  Comprehensive Report

    • 40-50 page report
    • Includes summary of background and history, in depth discussion and interpretation of assessment results including clinical interview and questionnaires, discussion of whether autism criteria was met/not met, relevant diagnoses, recommendations
    • Includes assessment of Functional Capacity
    • A more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of your assessment and neurotype
    • Can be used as part of NDIS application
    Fee: $1850
     
     

    OPTION 2: Brief Report

    • 10-15 page report
    • Report includes a brief summary of questionnaires, discussion of whether autism criteria was met/not met, relevant diagnoses, recommendations
    • Does not include assessment of Functional Capacity
    • A more cost effective way to clarify your neurotype
    • Cannot be used for NDIS application
    Fee: $1350
     
     

    Payment plans:

    We understand that an assessment is a big investment. You can choose to pay the entire fee up front, or in 3 installments with a $500 deposit at the time of booking.

    Rebates:

    Unfortunately, Mental Health Care Plans cannot be used for a rebate on any part of your assessment, as Medicare stipulates that these item numbers can only be used for psychological therapy. For clients aged under 25, there may be a Medicare rebate for the assessment session if you are referred for the assessment by a psychiatrist or paediatrician (not GP) under MBS Item 82000. There are no Medicare rebates available for adults aged over 25 years. Private health funds vary and it is best to check with your provider to see whether they will fund or partially fund the assessment appointments. Each participants NDIS funding package also varies so it is best to discuss with your support coordinator whether psychological assessment is part of your package.

    Referral info:

    You can self-refer for an assessment (no GP appointment or referral required!). Please contact the Therapy Hub to set up a free 15 minute intake call! 

    You can read more about Maddy here

    Some resources to check out

     

    What is Autism?

    What is Autism?

    Autism is a developmental disability that affects how Autistic people experience the world around them. Autistic people are born autistic and will be Autistic their whole lives. Some people are diagnosed with Autism following an assessment process, but you can be...

    Enquiry

    If you’d like to talk with us about how we can help you or to book in an intake phone call please contact us today

    (03) 9958 8772