Autism, ADHD & Cognitive Assessments

A neurodevelopmental assessment for Autism and Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity (ADHD) aims to evaluate key areas such as individual strengths, support needs, cognitive capacity, and diagnostic understanding for children, young people and adults. Our assessments focus on understanding natural variations in brain function and how they impact social interaction, communication, attention, behaviour, and sensory processing. Since autism and ADHD exist on a spectrum, each person presents their own unique traits and characteristics. Autism and ADHD frequently occur together, with research showing that around 30-50% of individuals diagnosed with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD. Both conditions share overlapping traits, such as differences in attention, sensory processing, and executive functioning, making it important to consider both in a comprehensive assessment. Recognising this overlap allows for a more accurate understanding of an individual’s neurotype and their unique strengths and support needs.

At Tend Mental Health, we offer comprehensive assessments for autism, ADHD, and cognitive functioning for both children and adults. Our process follows the gold standard of care to ensure an accurate diagnosis and informed therapy recommendations. Our approach is centered on respecting neurodiversity and supporting each individual’s unique neurotype.

Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Medication can be discussed with a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

Assessment options, fees and rebates that may apply are discussed below.

Autism & ADHD Assessments

Autism & ADHD assessments for young people (6-17 years) & Adults (18+)

An autism/ADHD assessment helps to better understand an individual's unique neurotype and support needs. For autism assessments, this also includes a functional capacity evaluation, which can assist with NDIS funding applications.

What' does it include?

Clinical interview with the individual and their parent/caregiver.
Liaison with teachers or other adult observers and key supports to gather further context.
Review of previous reports if applicable.
Autism assessment interview using the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2)
ADHD assessment using the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD (Young DIVA 2.0)
Behavioural screening questionnaires, such as The Connors, CAARS, or BASC, completed by the parent/caregiver and, when appropriate, the individual.
Executive function testing

Up to 1-hour feedback session to explain findings, recommendations, and next steps.
Comprehensive report, including results, recommendations for interventions, relevant diagnoses, and suggestions for further assessments or supports.

This comprehensive assessment process would typically include the following time commitments from a clinician:

Clinical interview with the individual and their parent/caregiver: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Liaison with teachers or other adult observers & Review of previous reports (if applicable): 50 minutes
Autism assessment interview using MIGDAS-2: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours
ADHD assessment using DIVA or Young Diva: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours
Behavioural screening questionnaires (scoring and interpretation): 50 minutes to 1 hour
Feedback session: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Comprehensive report writing: 2-5 hours

Total estimated clinician time: 10-15.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the individual's specific needs.

Cognitive Assessments

Cognitive assessments for young people (6-17 years).

A cognitive assessment helps identify an individual's learning strengths and differences, guiding the development of personalised learning strategies and recommendations.

What's involved?

Collecting background information through interviews with the individual, parents/caregivers, and teachers.
Conducting the assessment using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC-IV).
A feedback session to explain the findings, offer tailored recommendations, and address any questions.
Providing a detailed report to outline results and recommendations for learning support.

A cognitive assessment, including the steps outlined, typically involves the following time commitments from a clinician:

Initial interview: 50 minutes - 1 hour
Background information gathering and phone interviews: 50 minutes - 1 hour
Assessment session using the WISC-IV: 1.5-2 hours
Scoring and interpretation of results: 1 hour
Feedback session: 50 minutes - 1 hour
Report writing: 2 hours

Total estimated clinician time: 7 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the individual's specific needs.

Assessment Options

Standard Assessment Process — 6-8 Weeks

Format: Available both online and in-person for any age group.

Duration: Approximately 3-5, 50-minute sessions, spread out across 6-8 weeks.

Who It's For: Face-to-face sessions for children (6-14 years). Young people (15+) and adults can choose online or face to face sessions.

Process:

Questionnaires: Completion by the client and a familiar adult.

Information Gathering: Input from teachers or adult observers.

Session 1: Interview with the individual and, if needed, their parents or caregivers.

Sessions 2-4: Conduct assessments based on your needs (e.g., autism using MIGDAS-2, ADHD using DIVA 2.0, or cognitive assessments using WISC). For combined assessments, additional sessions will be required.

Feedback Session: A detailed session to discuss findings and recommendations.

Book

Rapid Assessment Process — 1 longer session

Format: Available online or in-person for those 15 years of age or above.

Duration: Completed in a single session of 2-4 hours (with breaks).

Process:

Questionnaires: Completed by the client and a familiar adult.

Information Gathering: Input from teachers or adult observers.

Clinical Interview: Focused on the client’s experiences.

Assessments: Conducted in a combined format based on your needs (e.g., autism using MIGDAS-2 or ADHD using DIVA 2.0).

Feedback Session: Discuss findings and recommendations.

Note: Cognitive assessments cannot be done online and will require an additional face-to-face session.

Psychological Assessment

Fees & Rebates

Autism Assessment with Comprehensive Report - All Rebate Information Is Below This Section

$1500 (full fee, rebates may apply to reduce this)

Includes clinical interview, review of background forms, formal measures, diagnostic letter, and full report.

Autism Assessment with Letter of Outcome Only

$950 (full fee, rebates may apply to reduce this)

Includes diagnostic assessment and outcome letter with recommendations; report can be added later for a fee.

Autism and ADHD Assessment with Comprehensive Report

$1800 (full fee, rebates may apply to reduce this)

Combined assessment with both autism and ADHD.

Autism and ADHD Assessment with Letter of Outcome Only

$1200 (full fee, rebates may apply to reduce this)

Includes diagnostic assessment and outcome letter with recommendations; report can be added later for a fee.

ADHD Assessment Alone with Comprehensive Report

$950 (full fee, rebates may apply to reduce this)

Includes clinical interview, review of background forms, formal measures, diagnostic letter, and full report.

ADHD Assessment Alone with Letter of Outcome Only

$650 (full fee, rebates may apply to reduce this)

Includes diagnostic assessment and outcome letter with recommendations; report can be added later for a fee.

Cognitive Assessment with Comprehensive Report

$1500 (full fee, rebates may apply to reduce this)

Includes cognitive assessments, review of background forms, formal measures, diagnostic letter, and full report.

Combined Autism, ADHD & Cognitive Assessment for Children & Young People with Comprehensive Report

$2500 (full fee, rebates may apply to reduce this)

Includes 4 clinical interviews (initial session, Autism assessment session, ADHD assessment session, cognitive assessment session), formal measures, diagnostic letter, and full report.

Feedback Session (Post-Assessment)

$139 out of pocket with a rebate if applicable - $280 full fee

Discussion of findings and recommendations.

Medicare Rebates for Psychology Assessment

Some psychological therapy and assessment services are eligible for partial rebates from Medicare. Here’s a summary of eligibility and processes.

Medicare Better Access Rebates

Eligibility: Requires a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from a General Practitioner (GP), Paediatrician, or Psychiatrist.

Coverage: Up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

Review: A follow-up by the referring professional is needed after the first 6 sessions.

Rebate Amounts: Clinical Psychologist: $141.85 per 50-minute session.

Assessments: The MHCP does not cover Autism Spectrum assessments or specific counselling for autism but does cover related mental health issues like anxiety and depression. However the Medicare Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Rebates may apply (as per below).

Medicare Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Rebates

Eligibility: For clients under 25 referred by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist.

Diagnostic Assessment Plan: Up to 4 sessions with a rebate of $141.85 per session.

Treatment Plan: After a diagnosis of autism, clients can access 20 sessions of combined therapy (psychology, speech, occupational therapy) with a $93.35 rebate per session.