Autism and ADHD Assessments
Chelsea at Connect Us Psychology offers assessments to both children and adults to explore Autism and/or ADHD. Chelsea practices through a neurodivergent-affirming lens, and aims to create a space that is welcoming and validating for all individuals. Chelsea believes that the assessment process should be collaborative, and values your input as an individual.
Assessment Options:
1. Autism assessment with comprehensive report
An Autism assessment consists of 2 x 1.5 hour sessions in person or via Telehealth. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires prior to the session. During the scheduled sessions Chelsea will ask you some questions about your/your child’s history across a range of different areas.
A report will be sent to you 6-8 weeks after your assessment, and a further 1 hour session will be held to discuss the report and any recommendations. This report can be co-signed by a Clinical Psychologist (availability permitting), and can be used to apply for NDIS funding if appropriate. Please note that this report alone may not be adequate to fulfil NDIS criteria, and Chelsea is happy to discuss this further if needed.
The fee for this service is $1650. This is payable in full prior to the report being released.
2. ADHD assessment with comprehensive report
To explore ADHD, 2 x 1 hour sessions, or 1 x 2 hour session, are completed in person or via Telehealth. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires prior to the first assessment session. It is important to note that this assessment will not provide you with access to medication, rather the assessment will be an exploration of your neurotype and how best to support your daily functioning. If you would like to explore medication for ADHD, Chelsea recommends you see a psychiatrist rather than using this assessment option. Chelsea is happy to support you with this if needed.
A report will be sent to you 6-8 weeks following the session, and a further 1 hour session will be held to discuss the report. This report can be co-signed by a Clinical Psychologist (availability permitting). Please note: a diagnosis of ADHD is typically not sufficient to apply for NDIS funding, however this can be discussed if you have questions about this.
The fee for this service is $1400. This is payable in full prior to the report being released.
3. Autism and ADHD assessment with comprehensive report
For those exploring both Autism and ADHD, 2 x 1.5 hour sessions are completed in person or via Telehealth (with allowance for a further session if needed). You will be asked to complete some questionnaires prior to the first assessment session.
A report will be sent to you 6-8 weeks following the session, and a further 1 hour session will be held to discuss the report. This report can be co-signed by a Clinical Psychologist (availability permitting), and can be used to apply for NDIS funding if appropriate. Please note that this report alone may not be adequate to fulfil NDIS criteria, and Chelsea is happy to discuss this further if needed.
The fee for this service is $2200. This is payable in full prior to the report being released.
4. Brief Autism/ADHD Assessment with letter and no report
As above (option 1/2/3), but rather than receiving a follow up report, you will receive a brief letter confirming your diagnosis (if applicable), along with recommendations. This option may not be sufficient for government agencies, and as such is best for individuals who want clarity regarding their neurotype without the need for a comprehensive report.
The fee for this service is $1200.
5. Autism/ADHD assessment for current clients
If you are a current client of Chelsea’s and wish to discuss undergoing a formal assessment please contact her directly regarding pricing and availability, as there may be reduction in costs depending on what has already been covered in therapy sessions.
Please note: prices are reviewed on 1 January each year. These prices are accurate as of Jan 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which assessment should I choose?
Various studies have shown the overlap of autism and ADHD to be quite high (i.e., often cited as around 80%). As such it is often recommended individuals consider exploring whether both neurotypes fit their experiences. The decision is entirely yours to make. Please note: if you decide to explore both neurotypes after booking in for an assessment to explore only autism/ADHD you may have an extended wait between appointments to accommodate for this. Chelsea is happy to discuss this with you further prior to your booking if this would assist.
Should I get a comprehensive report or a letter?
What is involved in the assessment process?
INTAKE
Initial Enquiry – please enquire via email or using the contact us form.
Upon enquiry you will be provided with further information about the assessment process and offered some possible dates for your assessment sessions.
Please note assessment sessions are typically held on Thursdays between 8am and midday (AEDT).
Once you have decided you would like to go ahead with an assessment an invoice will be sent through with the deposit amount ($200) and full amount outlined.
Once the deposit is paid we can secure your appointment.
Prior to your appointment you will be sent a questionnaire and some screeners via email. If you have any issues completing these you will be offered assistance to complete them in your first appointment.
ASSESSMENT
You will attend your assessment sessions in person or via Zoom (a link will be provided via email).
If you are attending in person you will find my office at 3/99 Tamar Street, Ballina NSW 2478. There is a waiting area where you are welcome to wait if you arrive early for your appointment. There is on-street parking in front of the office. There is a bathroom available near the office.
If you have any concerns about using Zoom please follow this link for assistance.
I will have read through the information you have sent through prior to our appointment.
During the appointment, we will have a semi-structured conversation about the areas you have covered in your paperwork. This may include areas such as: communication, sensory experiences, social experiences, school/employment, family relationships, friendships, and emotional regulation. I will ask about various areas that correspond with the diagnostic criteria for autism/ADHD to explore whether you meet these criteria. I will give you the choice of me asking questions to guide the conversation, or of you being able to direct the conversation in a way that works best for you.
You are able to use verbal communication or written communication – depending on what is preferred at the time.
If you are using Zoom you are welcome to turn off your camera at any point if you choose to do so, however I will need you to be visible via camera for a portion of the assessment to allow me to collect all required information.
You are able to take a break if you need to.
You are welcome to ask any of your own questions during the process.
REPORT
Following the assessment sessions I will write a report/letter covering the information we have discussed (this should be completed within six-eight weeks of our final appointment). I will communicate with you if there are any delays in completing your report.
Once the report is complete I will contact you to schedule a feedback session to discuss the report.
The report can be co-signed by a clinical psychologist and will be sent to you via email following the invoice being paid in full.
You are able to disseminate this report as desired.
FEEDBACK SESSION
Your feedback session will take place either in person or via Zoom.
This session will allow us to go through the report and you are able to ask any questions you may have.
What accommodations are available to me?
If you are attending in person, accommodations are available if needed/desired. These may include:
- Dimmed lighting
- Quiet environment
- Various seating choices
- Verbal or written communication
- Access to various fidget items
- Low scent environment
- Breaks available when needed
If you are attending via Zoom the following accommodations are available:
- Verbal or written communication
- Camera on/off – please note you will need to have your camera on for a portion of the assessment and this can be discussed if needed
- Breaks available when needed
- You are welcome to set up your environment in whatever way makes you most comfortable (e.g., attending the session in your pyjamas with plenty of fidgets around is totally fine!)
If you require any accommodations I have not listed please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate for this.
How do I pay for my assessment?
Once your deposit is paid your appointment slot will be confirmed.
The remainder of your balance can be paid in full or in instalments, whichever is easiest.
Your report will not be released until the invoice amount is paid in full.
What funding options are available to me?
- You can pay privately for your assessment;
- You may be able to access a rebate from your private health cover – it is recommended you contact them directly in relation to this;
- You are not typically able to use NDIS funding for assessment purposes and would need to clarify this with NDIS if this was your intention;
- You are not able to use a Mental Health Treatment Plan for assessment purposes. There is scope for individuals under the age of 25 to be referred for an autism assessment from their paediatrician or psychiatrist. That individual would then be eligible for a partial rebate for the assessment sessions – depending on the rebate rate at the time. Please see this link for more information.
Where to from here?
If you would like to book in for an assessment with Chelsea please send her an email via the ‘Contact Us’ page.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
