Autism Assessments Queensland

Understanding Autism

Autism impacts individuals in unique ways, influencing communication, social interaction, and behaviour. At Psychological Assessments, we offer comprehensive autism assessments to help individuals and families understand their needs and access effective support.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive and interact with the world. It is characterised by differences in social communication, behaviours, and sensory experiences.

Symptoms and Behaviours Associated with Autism

Below is a list of symptoms, challenges, or behaviours commonly associated with this condition. Do you recognise these signs? We are here to help you understand and manage these challenges.

Autism shows up in different ways, and some people might not notice signs until they’re older. Others might show signs when they’re very young.

Depending on how much support someone needs, autism can be thought of in three levels:

Autism is a part of who a person is, and understanding these differences can help everyone work together better. Autism is not an intellectual disability or a mental illness – although some people on the spectrum may experience these conditions as co-morbidities.

Autism is simply a difference. Autistic people find social connections, joy, purposes, study, and job connections through their special interests and passions. They are most comfortable connecting with others who share their interests.

They can also connect with people who invest time and energy in getting to know their interests and connect with them on their own level.

Self-Assessment: Take the quiz

The questions below offer a starting point for helping you identify if you may have Autism and whether an assessment would be helpful. It is essential to realise that this test is not diagnostic and will not deliver a diagnosis. It is a tool to help you start your investigative journey by helping you identify possible symptoms. As other conditions can sometimes resemble Autism, it is important to get properly assessed by a professional.

Welcome to your Self-Assessment: Take the quiz

Do you (or your loved one) struggle to pay attention to tasks or activities?

Do you often forget daily activities or things you need to do?

Is being on time consistently a problem?

Is there trouble thinking things through before making decisions?

Is there a lot of fidgeting or difficulty staying still?

Is talking a lot or being unable to do quiet activities an issue?

Are organising tasks and planning activities difficult? Does it become too overwhelming when too much is going on, and you don’t know where to even start?

Do small, overlooked details often lead to mistakes?

Is sitting still for expected periods a challenge? Does moving around, pacing, or fidgeting with things make it easier?

Are you or your loved one easily sidetracked?

Why Get Assessed for Autism?

These assessments involve a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, behaviour, and medical history. By undergoing adult Autism assessments, you can receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalised support plan tailored to your needs.

Our comprehensive assessments are designed to provide you with the support and understanding you need to navigate life effectively. With a precise diagnosis, you can explore various support options, including therapy, support groups, and lifestyle adjustments, to enhance your quality of life.

An autism assessment provides:

Clarity on behaviours, challenges, and strengths unique to the individual.

Guidance to access tailored strategies, interventions, and services such as the NDIS.

Practical recommendations to improve quality of life at home, school, or work.

Making Assessments As Easy As 1-2-3

We believe in making the assessment process as straightforward and supportive as possible. We’ve been on your side, either for ourselves, a loved one, or through work, and we want to make sure this part of the journey is as easy as possible and that the information you receive along the way is easy to understand and implement—as easy as 1-2-3!
01
Let’s chat about whether an assessment is right for you and, if so, which one(s).
02
We’ll gather your information and complete the relevant assessments. Assessments typically involve a detailed evaluation process, including clinical interviews and standardised testing to identify individual strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement.
03
We’ll help you understand the assessment’s outcome (delivered as a report), what it/they mean, what strategies and supports are recommended, and what needs to happen next.

Who Should Consider an Autism Assessment?

If your child shows signs of delayed social skills, repetitive behaviours, or sensory sensitivities, an assessment can provide clarity and support.

Many individuals are diagnosed later in life. If you’re experiencing challenges with communication, social interactions, or routine changes, an autism assessment can help.

Autism assessments are often critical in accessing or renewing NDIS funding.

How to Prepare for an Assessment

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the assessment process.

We know an assessment can feel intimidating for children, so we do our best to make them feel at ease. You can help by explaining that they will be participating in different activities, all designed to help us understand how they learn and think—and that there are no right or wrong answers. Bringing a favourite toy or comfort item can also help your child feel more relaxed. Our goal is to make this process as positive as possible, and we are here to answer any questions before the visit.
Preparing in advance is helpful to get the most out of your assessment. Gather relevant documents, such as previous assessments, medical records, or school reports. Reflect on your current concerns and questions—you’ll have the opportunity to discuss these during your appointment. If you need any accommodations or prefer to bring a support person, please let us know in advance to ensure a comfortable experience.

What to Expect During the Assessment Process

Our assessments are designed to be comfortable, supportive, and thorough. We aim to create a calm and comfy atmosphere to make the experience as stress-free as possible. We hope children and adults find a safe, welcoming space to express themselves freely.

We’ll participate in various activities during the assessment to help our team understand cognitive, behavioural, and emotional characteristics. These might include drawing, puzzles, playing games, talking, or Autism assessments typically take 3–4 hours, depending on the complexity of the evaluation.

Benefits of an Autism Assessment

Getting assessed for Autism has the following benefits:
  • Clear Understanding: It can help to identify strengths, challenges, and how autism impacts daily life.
  • Tailored Support: Access personalised strategies and interventions to enhance social, educational, and emotional well-being.
  • Actionable Recommendations: Receive practical insights to create supportive home, school, or work environments.

Why Choose Psychological Assessments?

Client-Centered, Flexible Approach

At Psychological Assessments, we understand that every person’s needs are different. We adapt to your schedule and requirements, offering assessments in-clinic, in-home, or online.

Empathy and Expertise

Our highly qualified psychologists combine professional expertise with a real-life understanding of our clients' challenges. We take pride in creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where everyone feels respected and supported.

Clear and Practical Insights

Our assessments go beyond reports—they provide actionable steps that make a real difference. We write in plain English so that everyone involved—from parents to teachers—can understand the recommendations and effectively put them into practice.

Community Engagement

We believe in giving back to our community, advocating for vulnerable groups, and providing accessible services. We also support other professionals through supervision and specialised training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your top questions about our assessments answered.

An autism assessment evaluates social communication, behaviours, and sensory experiences to determine if they align with the diagnosis.

An assessment can provide clarity and support if you or your child face challenges with social interactions, routines, or sensory sensitivities.

Medicare offers rebates for autism assessments conducted by qualified healthcare professionals, including paediatricians and psychiatrists, for individuals under 25. These services are part of the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Services and may include assessments by allied health professionals like psychologists and speech pathologists.

Private health insurance coverage for autism assessments depends on the terms of your policy. Many policies cover psychological assessments, but the extent of coverage can vary. Contacting your insurance provider is the best way to confirm whether your policy includes coverage for autism assessments.

Yes, autism assessments are often covered by NDIS funding. Contact us to learn more.

Autism assessments typically take 3–4 hours, including observations, testing, and reporting.

How Can We Help?

If you recognise any of these signs, we are here to support you. Our team will understand your unique strengths and challenges by looking at how you think, interact with others, and handle daily tasks. We can offer personalised recommendations for assistance, including extra help at school, learning job skills, finding community services, or accessing the NDIS. We do all this with care and respect so you can feel more confident and independent every day.

Contact our friendly team today to discuss your needs.