VPC provides autism assessments for young people aged 10 years and over and adults, at our Essendon clinic in Melbourne. Assessments are completed by a registered psychologist with training and experience in autism assessment.
An autism assessment aims to understand a person’s developmental history, communication style, social interaction patterns, sensory profile, strengths, challenges and support needs.
Following the assessment, you will receive feedback and a comprehensive written report outlining the findings and recommendations.
What Does an Autism Assessment Involve?
An autism assessment brings together information about a person’s development, current experiences, communication, social interaction, sensory profile and day-to-day functioning.
The assessment may include:
- A detailed developmental and clinical interview,
- Standardised questionnaires,
- Direct assessment and clinical observation, where appropriate,
- Information from parents, carers, teachers, partners or other people who know the person well, where relevant and with consent,
- Review of relevant reports or previous assessments, where available.
The psychologist considers the information as a whole to understand whether the person’s presentation is consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to identify their individual strengths, challenges and support needs.
Following the assessment, the psychologist discusses the findings and provides recommendations that may be relevant to therapy, education, work, daily functioning or other supports.
Autism Assessments for Young People and Adults
VPC currently provides autism assessments for individuals aged 10 years and over.
There are many reasons someone may seek an autism assessment. It may help to better understand longstanding differences in communication, social interaction, sensory experiences, routines, interests, emotional regulation or day-to-day functioning.
For young people, an assessment may assist parents and schools in better understanding the young person’s strengths, challenges and support needs.
For adults, an assessment may provide greater understanding of lifelong patterns of experience and help guide recommendations relevant to work, study, relationships, therapy or everyday functioning.
Following the assessment, the psychologist provides feedback and a comprehensive written report explaining the findings and recommendations.
The Autism Assessment Process and Fees
The autism assessment process usually involves four appointments and a comprehensive written report.
Session 1 – Initial Interview: $200, 50 minutes
The psychologist discusses the reason for the assessment and gathers relevant developmental and background information.
Session 2 – Cognitive Assessment: $450, 90 minutes
A cognitive assessment is completed as part of the overall autism assessment process.
Session 3 – Autism Assessment – ADI-R: $450, 90 minutes
The psychologist completes a detailed autism-focused assessment as part of the diagnostic process.
Session 4 – Feedback Session: $150, 50 minutes
The psychologist discusses the assessment findings and recommendations with you.
Comprehensive Report: $600
Total Assessment Cost: $1,850
The written report outlines the assessment findings and may include recommendations to support therapy, education, work, relationships, daily functioning or other relevant supports.
If both autism and ADHD are being considered, VPC also offers combined autism and ADHD assessments. For more information about the combined assessment process, visit our Assessments page.