Autism Assessments (ASD)
Comprehensive Autism Diagnostic Assessments

Belong Health offers Autism assessments conducted by a Clinical Psychologist using structured, evidence-based assessment processes.

These assessments are designed to build a clear understanding of social communication, behaviour, and developmental history, and to determine whether a person meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

​Our Clinical Psychologist services the Peel region (including Mandurah and surrounding areas) and Rockingham and nearby suburbs (within approximately 35 km), with both clinic-based and community assessment options available.

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What an Autism Assessment Is For

​Autism assessments may be helpful when there are ongoing concerns about:
• Social communication and interaction
• Understanding social cues
• Behaviour, routines, and flexibility
• Sensory sensitivities
• Emotional regulation and responses to change
• Difficulties at school, home, or in daily life

​Assessments are suitable for individuals with or without existing diagnoses, and may also be helpful where there is diagnostic uncertainty.

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Who This Assessment May Help

Autism assessments may be appropriate for:
• Children with differences in communication or social interaction
• Individuals who prefer routine or find change difficult
• Children who experience sensory sensitivities
• Individuals who find social situations confusing or overwhelming
• Families seeking a clearer understanding of their child’s development

Assessments explore both strengths and differences, not just challenges.

​Adult Autism assessments may be available depending on individual circumstances.
Our Clinical Psychologist will review your enquiry and guide you on whether this assessment is the right fit.

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Assessment Tools Used

Your assessment may include a combination of:
• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
• Parent ASD Diagnostic Interview
• SRS-2 (Parent & Teacher Questionnaires)
• WISC-V (Cognitive Assessment)
• ABAS-3 (Adaptive Functioning)
• Learning & Behaviour Questionnaires

Using multiple tools allows the psychologist to build a comprehensive and balanced understanding.

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Assessment Process
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1. Referral or enquiry received
2. Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist (accepted or alternative recommendations provided)
3. Parent and teacher questionnaires issued
4. Clinical observation and cognitive assessment (WISC-V)
5. Parent interview conducted
6. ADOS-2 assessment completed (in clinic)
7. Scoring, interpretation, and report writing
8. Feedback session provided (child may attend for part of session)

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Timeframes
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Timeframes vary depending on complexity and return of questionnaires.

​Typical timeframe:
• Autism Assessment: approximately 2–3 weeks from assessment to feedback

More complex presentations (e.g. additional developmental or contextual factors) may take longer.

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What the Report Includes
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• Summary of referral concerns
• Developmental and background history
• Results from all assessment tools
• Clinical interpretation
• Consideration of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria
• Strengths and areas of difference
• Practical recommendations for home and school

A feedback session is provided to explain the results and answer questions.

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Who Can Diagnose Autism?

Autism assessments at Belong Health are conducted by a Clinical Psychologist, who is qualified to assess and diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder using comprehensive assessment processes.

In many cases, this diagnosis is sufficient for understanding and planning supports.

In some situations, services such as the NDIS or schools may request multidisciplinary confirmation, and families may choose to provide the report to a paediatrician or psychiatrist for additional documentation if required.

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

Assessment Fees
All assessments include clinical interviews, standardised assessments, scoring, interpretation, a comprehensive written report, and a feedback session.
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​Autism Assessment
Approx. 15 hours total
$232.99 per hour
Total: $3,494.85

Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment
Approx. 20 hours total
$232.99 per hour
Total: $4,659.80
Timeframes and total hours may vary depending on the complexity of the presentation and how quickly questionnaires are returned.

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.

​Autism-Specific Medicare Pathway (Under 13)
For children under 13, a paediatrician or psychiatrist may refer for assessment of a complex neurodevelopmental condition (including autism).
This may allow access to:
• Up to 4 allied health assessment sessions
• Rebates of approximately $84–$150 per session
Eligibility depends on specialist referral.

​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

We are happy to talk this through with you so you can choose an approach that suits your family.

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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 3634 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, or behaviour can show up in many ways, and it’s not always clear whether these relate to autism or another area of development.
Some children may:

• Prefer routines or predictability
• Experience sensory sensitivities
• Find social situations more challenging

These experiences can sometimes overlap with ADHD or learning differences.

Learn more about Autism support & Early Signs

Explore signs of autism by age

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We Can Help You Work This Out

​If you’re unsure what type of assessment your child may need, you don’t need to figure it out alone.
Our team can:

• Talk through your concerns
• Help identify patterns
• Recommend the most appropriate assessment pathway

Speak with our team about your concerns
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us an email here

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Frequently Asked Questions – Autism Assessments 

What are the signs that my child may be autistic?
Children may show a range of differences in how they communicate, interact, and respond to their environment.
Some commonly observed signs include:

• Differences in social interaction or communication
• Difficulty understanding social cues
• Preference for routines or distress with change
• Sensory sensitivities (e.g. noise, textures)
• Focused or intense interests

Not all children will show the same signs. An assessment helps explore these patterns in more detail.

How do you get tested for autism?
An autism assessment involves a structured process completed by a qualified professional.
At Belong Health, this may include:

• Standardised assessment tools (e.g. ADOS-2)
• Parent and teacher questionnaires
• Developmental history
• Clinical observation

Information is gathered across multiple settings (e.g. home and school) before any conclusions are made.

What age is autism usually diagnosed?
Autism can be identified at different ages.
Some children are identified in early childhood, while others may be assessed later when social or learning demands increase.
At Belong Health, assessments are typically completed when:

• There are clear concerns, and
• The child is able to participate in structured assessment

Can a GP diagnose autism in Australia?
A GP can:

• Discuss concerns
• Provide referrals
• Help guide the assessment process

However, a formal autism diagnosis is usually made through a comprehensive assessment, often involving a Clinical Psychologist or a multidisciplinary team.

Can someone have autism and not know it?
Yes, this can happen.
Some individuals — particularly those with more subtle or “mild” presentations — may not be identified until later in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
Assessment can help provide clarity where there has been long-standing uncertainty.

What are signs of mild or less obvious autism?
Some individuals may show more subtle differences, such as:

• Difficulty with social communication despite strong language skills
• Challenges with understanding social expectations
• Sensory sensitivities
• Preference for routines
• Feeling overwhelmed in social environments

These differences may become more noticeable as expectations increase (e.g. at school).


Are autism assessments covered by Medicare?
In Australia, Medicare rebates may be available in some cases when referred through a GP under specific pathways.
Eligibility depends on:

• The referral type
• The child’s age
• The assessment pathway used

Our admin team can help guide families on available options.

Can I do an autism test online?
There are online screening tools available, but these are not diagnostic.
A formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified professional using validated tools.

What does an autism assessment involve?
Autism assessments involve gathering information from multiple sources, including:

• Standardised assessment tools
• Questionnaires
• Developmental history
• Clinical observation

This helps build a complete picture of how a person communicates, interacts, and functions across environments.

What happens after an autism assessment?
After the assessment:

• A detailed report is provided
• A feedback session is completed
• Results and recommendations are explained

The report can be used to support understanding, planning, and discussions with schools or other professionals.

Is there one main cause of autism?
Autism is understood to be influenced by a combination of genetic and developmental factors.
There is no single cause, and it is not the result of parenting, environment alone, or one specific factor.

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 ​

Enquire Now

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Belong Health's Resource Hub
To further support your child's development, visit our Resource Hub for additional activities, tips, and tools tailored for various needs and diagnoses.
Below are our Child Psychology Free Resources

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Home Therapy Packs
At Belong Health, we are dedicated to providing tailored support that meets the unique needs of each child. Developed by our Paediatric Occupational Therapists, our Home Therapy Packs are specifically designed to align with NDIS goals, offering flexible, practical, and engaging activities for children at home.
To further enhance your approach, consider our Home Therapy Packs, specifically designed to support communication development at home.

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