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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Autism Screening Assessment
For families who are unsure whether a comprehensive Autism assessment is the right next step, Belong Health also offers an Autism Screening Assessment with our Clinical Psychologist.

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

​The Autism Screening Assessment includes:
• Parent Learning and Behaviour Questionnaire
• Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System - Third Edition (ABAS-3)
• Social Responsiveness Scale - Second Edition (SRS-2)
• Clinical review and interpretation by the Clinical Psychologist

The screening assessment focuses on areas such as:
• Social communication and interaction
• Behaviour and emotional regulation
• Adaptive functioning and everyday skills
• Autism-related characteristics and patterns

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


Who May Benefit From an Autism Screening Assessment?
An Autism Screening Assessment may be helpful for:
• Families who are uncertain whether an Autism assessment is appropriate
• Children with emerging social communication or behavioural concerns
• Individuals where further clarification is needed before proceeding to a comprehensive assessment
• Families wanting professional guidance regarding next steps

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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: $750
Combined ADHD & Autism Screening: 5 hours: $1,190 ​

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

​Autism Assessment
Comprehensive Autism Assessment - Child $3,790
Comprehensive Autism Assessment - Adult $3,490

Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment
Combined ADHD and Autism Assessment - Adult $4,490
Combined ADHD and Autism Assessment - Child $4,690​

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 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, 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 3934 or send us an email here

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Frequently Asked Questions - Autism Assessments 

What are signs that my child may be autistic?
Children may show differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, routines, emotional regulation, or behaviour. Some children may experience sensory sensitivities, difficulty understanding social cues, distress with change, or focused interests.

How do you get tested for autism?
An autism assessment involves a structured process completed by a qualified professional. This may include standardised assessment tools, questionnaires, developmental history, clinical observation, and information gathered across multiple settings.

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, emotional, or learning demands increase.

Can a GP diagnose autism in Australia?
A GP can discuss concerns, provide referrals, and guide families through the assessment process. However, a formal autism diagnosis is usually completed through a comprehensive assessment involving a Clinical Psychologist or multidisciplinary team.

Can someone have autism and not know it?
Yes. Some individuals may not be identified until later in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, particularly where traits are more subtle or masking strategies are used.

What are signs of mild or less obvious autism?
Some individuals may experience subtle differences in social communication, sensory processing, routines, emotional regulation, or understanding social expectations despite appearing to cope well in some environments.

Are autism assessments covered by Medicare?
Medicare rebates may be available in some situations depending on the referral pathway, eligibility criteria, and assessment process used.
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Can I do an autism test online?
Online screening tools may help identify possible autism traits, but they are not diagnostic. A formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment completed by a qualified professional.

What does an autism assessment involve?
Autism assessments commonly involve questionnaires, developmental history, clinical interviews, standardised assessment tools, behavioural observation, and information gathered across home, school, or community environments.

What happens after an autism assessment?
Following the assessment, families usually receive a report, feedback session, and recommendations that may support home, school, therapy, workplace, or daily living environments.

Is there one main cause of autism?
Autism is understood to involve a combination of genetic and developmental factors. There is no single known cause.

What is an autism screening assessment?
An autism screening assessment is an initial process used to explore whether autism-related traits or developmental differences may be present and whether further comprehensive assessment may be recommended.

What is the difference between an autism screening assessment and a comprehensive autism assessment?
Screening assessments are shorter and designed as an initial exploration tool. Comprehensive assessments involve more detailed clinical assessment, developmental history review, standardised assessment tools, interpretation, and reporting.

Can an autism screening assessment provide a diagnosis?
Screening assessments are not designed to replace comprehensive diagnostic assessments and may not provide sufficient information for formal diagnosis.

What is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for autism?
A comprehensive autism assessment is a detailed clinical evaluation used to explore whether a person meets diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What is included in a comprehensive autism assessment?
A comprehensive autism assessment may include standardised assessment tools, developmental history review, questionnaires, clinical observation, interviews, and information gathered from multiple sources.

How long does an autism assessment take?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of presentation, assessment type, questionnaires, interviews, observation sessions, scoring, interpretation, and report writing.

Can adults be assessed for autism?
Yes. Autism assessments can be completed for children, adolescents, and adults depending on individual needs and presentation.
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Can autism and ADHD occur together?
Yes. Autism and ADHD can co-occur, and some individuals experience traits related to both conditions.
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Can telehealth be used for autism assessments?
Some components of autism assessments may be completed via telehealth where clinically appropriate.

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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Download Our Brochure

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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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