Understanding Autism Assessments for Adults

Many adults reach a point where they begin wondering whether Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may help explain lifelong experiences related to communication, social interaction, sensory processing, routines, emotional regulation, burnout, masking, or feeling different from others.

Some people seek an assessment after:

• Their child is diagnosed autistic
• Learning more about neurodiversity
• Experiencing ongoing burnout or overwhelm
• Difficulties in work, relationships, or daily life
• Previous mental health supports not fully explaining their experiences

​Many adults seek an autism assessment to better understand whether they meet criteria for an autism diagnosis and to explore supports that may help in daily life.

​At Belong Health, adult autism assessments are completed by a Clinical Psychologist using a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to better understand a person’s strengths, experiences, support needs, and functional impact.

We support adults across Mandurah, Rockingham, Peel Region, and surrounding areas, with telehealth available across Western Australia.

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What Is an Adult Autism Assessment?

An adult autism assessment explores whether a person meets diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The assessment process may include:

• Clinical interviews
• Developmental history
• Questionnaires and screening tools
• Exploration of sensory processing, communication, routines, and social experiences
• Functional impact across daily life
• Cognitive assessment where appropriate
• Clinical interpretation and report writing

Assessments are tailored to the individual and consider the person’s unique experiences and presentation.

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Why Do Adults Seek Autism Assessments?

Adults seek autism assessments for many different reasons.

Some people are looking for:

• Greater self-understanding
• Clarity around lifelong experiences
• Support recommendations
• Workplace or study accommodations
• Understanding sensory or communication differences
• NDIS-related evidence
• Understanding overlap with ADHD, anxiety, or burnout

For many adults, assessment can help reframe experiences through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.

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Late-Diagnosed Autism in Adults

Some adults seek assessment later in life after years of feeling different, misunderstood, or exhausted from masking their experiences.

Late-diagnosed autism is increasingly recognised, particularly in women, ADHD presentations, and individuals who developed strong coping strategies earlier in life.

For some people, receiving an adult autism diagnosis can provide greater understanding, self-awareness, and validation of lifelong experiences.

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Autism in Adults Can Look Different​

​Autism presents differently from person to person.
Some adults may:

• Mask or camouflage social differences
• Feel exhausted after social interaction
• Prefer routines or predictability
• Experience sensory overwhelm
• Find communication or relationships difficult to navigate
• Experience burnout or shutdowns
• Feel they have spent years “trying to fit in”

Many adults, particularly women and people who have learned to mask their differences, may not have been identified earlier in life.

Learn more about emotional regulation support

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Autism, ADHD & Overlapping Experiences

Autism and ADHD can overlap, and some adults may experience traits of both.

Areas of overlap can include:

• Emotional regulation difficulties
• Executive functioning challenges
• Sensory processing differences
• Burnout and overwhelm
• Attention and organisation difficulties

A comprehensive assessment helps explore these experiences in more detail.

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What Does the Assessment Process Involve?

The process may include:

• Initial information gathering
• Clinical interviews
• Questionnaires and assessment tools
• Exploration of developmental and life history
• Functional impact assessment
• Clinical interpretation
• Comprehensive report and feedback session

​Where appropriate, input from family members or significant others may also be considered.

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Who Might Consider an Adult Autism Assessment?

You may consider assessment if you have:

• Felt different socially throughout life
• Experienced ongoing burnout or overwhelm
• Found communication or relationships difficult
• Strong sensory preferences or sensitivities
• Difficulties with routines, flexibility, or executive functioning
• Wondered whether autism may explain lifelong experiences

Assessment is not about labelling a person, it is about understanding experiences and identifying supports that may help.

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What Can an Adult Autism Assessment Report Be Used For?

Assessment reports may assist with:

• Personal understanding and self-awareness
• Workplace or study accommodations
• Therapy planning and supports
• NDIS-related documentation where appropriate
• Communication with other professionals

Reports support understanding and planning, but do not guarantee NDIS access, funding, workplace accommodations, or other outcomes.

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Does the NDIS Accept Adult Autism Assessments?

The NDIS may consider autism diagnoses from appropriately qualified professionals, including Clinical Psychologists.
However, the NDIS looks at more than diagnosis alone.

Evidence may also need to describe:

• Functional impact
• Daily living challenges
• Communication and social interaction
• Self-management and independence
• Support needs

​Each NDIS access request is assessed individually.

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Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

At Belong Health, we aim to provide assessments in a respectful, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming way.

The goal of assessment is not to “fix” a person, but to better understand:

• Strengths
• Differences
• Support needs
• Environmental factors
• Strategies that may improve participation and wellbeing

We recognise that language preferences differ, and some people prefer identity-first language (e.g. autistic person), while others prefer person-first language.

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Important Information

• Diagnosis is made only where criteria are met
• Information is gathered across multiple settings (home and school)
• Assessments are tailored to the individual
• Reports support understanding and planning but do not guarantee funding outcomes

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Not Sure Whether a Comprehensive Adult Autism Assessment Is the Right Next Step?
Belong Health also offers an Adult Autism Screening Assessment with our Clinical Psychologist for adults who are exploring whether Autism may be contributing to their experiences, communication style, sensory differences, or daily functioning.

This screening process is designed to help identify whether Autism-related traits may be present and whether a more comprehensive Autism assessment may be appropriate.

Many adults seek assessment later in life after:
• Ongoing feelings of being “different”
• Difficulties with social communication or relationships
• Sensory sensitivities or overwhelm
• Burnout, masking, or exhaustion in social situations
• A child or family member receiving an Autism diagnosis
• Longstanding anxiety, emotional regulation, or executive functioning difficulties

Important Information About Screening Assessments
• Screening assessments are not designed to replace a comprehensive Adult Autism assessment
• Screening assessments may help identify whether further assessment is recommended
• A screening assessment alone may not be sufficient for formal diagnosis, workplace adjustments, NDIS applications, or other formal documentation requirements
• Recommendations for next steps will be provided following review of the screening results

Who May Benefit From an Adult Autism Screening Assessment?
An Adult Autism Screening Assessment may be helpful for adults who:
• Have wondered whether they may be autistic
• Experience social communication differences
• Experience sensory sensitivities or overwhelm
• Find social interaction exhausting or draining
• Have difficulties with routine changes or executive functioning
• Have previously received other mental health diagnoses but still feel there may be an underlying neurodevelopmental explanation
• Want guidance regarding whether a comprehensive Autism assessment may be appropriate

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Fees & Funding
We aim to provide clear and transparent information so families can plan assessments with confidence.

Screening Fees
Autism Screening: 3 hours: $ 597.99
Combined ADHD & Autism Screening: 5 hours: $ 922.50

Comprehensive Assessment Fees
All assessments include clinical interviews, standardised assessments, scoring, interpretation, a comprehensive written report, and a feedback session.

​Autism Assessment
15 hours total
Total: $2,990.00

Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment
20 hours total
Total: $3,690.00
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Medicare (Mental Health Treatment Plan)
If you have a referral from your GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.

Clinical Psychologist rebate: approximately $136.35 per session

How Medicare applies to assessments
Medicare rebates apply to eligible face-to-face sessions that involve:
• Assessment sessions
• Clinical interviews
• Feedback and recommendations

​Medicare does not fund assessments as a packaged service. Rebates are applied per session attended.
Time spent on scoring, interpretation, and report writing is included in the overall fee but is not claimable through Medicare.

​Centrelink (Disability Support Pension – DSP)

A psychology assessment may be used as supporting medical evidence for Centrelink Disability Support Pension (DSP) applications.
Centrelink requires documentation from qualified health professionals, which can include a Clinical Psychologist. Our assessment reports include detailed information about:
• Assessment results
• Clinical interpretation
• Functional impact in daily life
• Recommendations

This information may assist in supporting a DSP application.

​Important to know:
• A psychology assessment is one part of the overall evidence required
• Centrelink assesses applications based on specific criteria, including diagnosis, functional impact, and ability to work
• Additional documentation (e.g. GP or specialist reports) is usually required
• DSP approval is not guaranteed based on one report alone

​DSP is available for individuals aged 16 years and over. For children under 16, families may instead access supports through the NDIS or carer payments.

​Private Health Insurance
Depending on your extras cover, you may be eligible for psychology rebates.

Typical rebates range from:
• $50–$120 per session

Please note:
• Medicare and private health rebates cannot be claimed for the same session
• Some families choose to use Medicare rebates first, then private health for additional sessions

​We recommend checking directly with your insurer for details of your cover.

NDIS
The NDIS does not fund diagnostic assessments.
However, funding may be used for:
• Functional assessments
• Therapy supports
Diagnosis is typically completed outside of NDIS funding.

Payment Information
To support a smooth assessment process:
• Payment is required on the day of each session
• Progression to the next stage occurs once previous sessions are finalised

​We will outline the assessment schedule in advance so you know what to expect.

Planning Your Costs
Families often use a combination of:
• Medicare rebates
• Private health rebates
• Private payment

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Not Sure Which Assessment Is Right?
If you’re unsure whether an Autism, ADHD, or learning assessment is appropriate, 
Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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free 20min connect Session
with our clinical psychologist

If you’re unsure whether an assessment is the right next step, we offer a Free 20-minute Meet & Greet call with our Clinical Psychologist.

Book Now

Not Sure if this may be Autism?

Differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, routines, emotional regulation, or daily life can show up in many different ways. It is not always clear whether these experiences relate to autism, ADHD, anxiety, burnout, trauma, learning differences, or another area of support.

Some adults may:

• Prefer routines, structure, or predictability
• Experience sensory sensitivities or overwhelm
• Find social situations tiring, confusing, or difficult to navigate
• Feel they have spent years masking or trying to “fit in”
• Experience burnout, shutdowns, or emotional exhaustion
• Notice challenges with attention, organisation, or executive functioning

​These experiences can overlap with ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and other neurodevelopmental profiles. A comprehensive assessment can help explore these patterns and provide clearer guidance.

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Related Supports

Some adults may also explore:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
  
• Positive Behaviour Support where appropriate
• Counselling
• Emotional regulation strategies
• Sensory processing support

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We Can Help You Work This Out

If you are unsure whether an adult autism assessment is the right next step, you do not need to figure it out alone.
Our team can:

• Talk through your concerns
• Help identify patterns in your experiences
• Explain possible assessment pathways
• Recommend the most appropriate next step
• Discuss whether autism, ADHD, or another assessment may be suitable

Speak with our team about your concerns
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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Frequently Asked Questions – Adult Autism Assessments 

Can adults be diagnosed with autism?
Yes. Many people are diagnosed with autism in adulthood after recognising lifelong patterns in communication, sensory experiences, routines, social interaction, or masking.

What does autism look like in adults?
Autism can look different for every adult. Some adults may experience sensory overwhelm, masking, burnout, social fatigue, communication differences, or a strong preference for routines and predictability.

Can women be autistic without knowing?
Yes. Some autistic women and girls may mask or camouflage their differences, which can make autism harder to identify earlier in life.

What is masking in autism?
Masking means consciously or unconsciously hiding autistic traits to fit social expectations. It can be exhausting and may contribute to burnout, stress, or anxiety over time.

Can adults have both ADHD and autism?
Yes. ADHD and autism can co-occur, and some adults may experience traits of both conditions.

What happens during an adult autism assessment?
An adult autism assessment may include interviews, questionnaires, developmental history, exploration of sensory and communication experiences, and clinical interpretation by a qualified professional.

Can a Clinical Psychologist diagnose autism in adults?
Yes. Clinical Psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder using evidence-based assessment processes.

How long does an adult autism assessment take?
Timeframes vary depending on the person and complexity of presentation. The process may include interviews, questionnaires, assessment sessions, clinical interpretation, and report writing across multiple appointments.

Can autism be mistaken for anxiety or ADHD?
Yes. Autism, anxiety, ADHD, burnout, and sensory overwhelm can overlap. A comprehensive assessment can help clarify the person’s presentation and support needs.

Can I access telehealth for an adult autism assessment?
Some parts of an adult autism assessment may be completed via telehealth where clinically appropriate. The most suitable approach depends on the person’s needs and location.

Is an adult autism assessment worth it?
An adult autism assessment may support self-understanding, workplace adjustments, therapy planning, identity, and understanding lifelong experiences.

Does the NDIS accept adult autism diagnoses?
The NDIS may consider diagnoses completed by appropriately qualified professionals, but access decisions also consider functional impact and support needs.

Can autism be missed in childhood?
Yes. Autism can be missed in childhood, particularly when a person masks difficulties or has a less obvious presentation.

Areas We Service ​
​Our Clinical Psychologist based in Rockingham, Western Australia, provides Psychology Assessments to clients across the South of Perth to Mandurah suburbs and surrounding areas.

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Anketell
Atwell
Baldivis
Banjup
Barragup
Bertram
Bibra Lake
Bouvard
Calista
Casuarina
Clifton
Cockburn Central
Coogee

Coolbellup
Cooloongup
Dawesville
Dudley Park
East Rockingham
Erskine
Falcon
Furnissdale
Garden Island
Golden Bay
Greenfields
Halls Head
Hamel

Hamilton Hill
Hammond Park
Herron
Hope Valley
Hopeland
Jandakot
Karnup
Keralup
Kwinana Beach
Kwinana Town Centre
Lakelands
Leda

Madora Bay
Mandogalup
Mandurah
Meadow Springs
Medina
Nambeelup
Naval Base
North Coogee
North Dandalup
Oakford
Orelia
Parklands
Parmelia

Peron
Pinjarra
Port Kennedy
Postans
Ravenswood
Rockingham
Safety Bay
San Remo
Secret Harbour
Serpentine
Shoalwater
Silver Sands
Singleton

South Lake
South Yunderup
Spearwood
Stake Hill
Success
The Spectacles
Wandi
Wannanup
Warnbro
Wattleup
Wellard
West Pinjarra
Yangebup

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 To secure your spot, please fill out the our enquiry form or phone us ​

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Belong Health's Resource Hub
To further support your development, visit our Resource Hub for additional activities, tips, and tools tailored for various needs and diagnoses.

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