You will be formally identified as Autistic and/or ADHD if you meet the diagnostic criteria. If you do not meet these criteria, we will review the overall clinical picture during feedback, discussing your strengths and challenges, along with any other potential diagnoses that may be relevant.

Your assessment report will confirm whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism/ADHD. It will contain some information on your functional capacity, but this is not the main focus. As such, your report may not be sufficient by itself for an NDIS application.

If you would like to use your report to apply for NDIS you may need to have it co-signed by a Clinical Psychologist or paediatrician.

You may also need your report written using specific language required by NDIS. These things will incur additional fees (you can see these here). Please let me know if this applies to you so we can discuss in more detail.

Neurodiversity-affirming means recognising neurological differences as natural variations in human diversity, not deficits to be fixed. This means we focus on acceptance, support, and empowerment, which involves identifying both your strengths and challenges.

A psychologist cannot prescribe medication. As such, if this is something you’d like to explore, you will need to see a psychiatrist (or a paediatrician for children).

They will likely also need to conduct their own assessments to ensure they are prescribing appropriate medication. For this reason, I sometimes recommend going straight to a psychiatrist for an ADHD assessment if you are considering exploring medication.

• Affirmation of your neurotype.
• Accessing supports, accommodations, and adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992).
• Sharing with informal supports.
• Sharing with formal supports (e.g., GP, allied health professionals).

A formal diagnosis may impact the following areas:

• Legal matters.
• Healthcare matters.
• Employment in certain fields.
• Immigration.

It is important that you seek advice specific to your circumstances if you require more information regarding potential impacts, as this is not within my scope.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any availability for individual therapy at present. You are welcome to join my mailing list here, as this is where I will share any changes to my availability.

I also offer group programs, which may suit your needs. Alternatively, I may be able to provide some suggestions for other affirming practitioners with availability.

This depends on what you will be using the information for. If you would like to use the information to apply for any form of funding or support (if a diagnosis is provided) it is likely a report will better meet your needs.
If you are not planning on using the information for any official purposes a letter may be sufficient for your needs.

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 Mondays between 8am and midday (NSW time). 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.

• 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 (i.e., approximately $350) for the assessment sessions – depending on the rebate rate at the time. Please see this link for more information.

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.