**Your Guide to ADHD and Autism Assessments in Melbourne**

At ***Mind in Mind Psychology,*** we understand the journey through ADHD or Autism assessments can be filled with uncertainty and questions. Our team is here to offer clarity and support, ensuring that individuals and families receive the comprehensive care they need.

Understanding ADHD and Autism (ASD) Assessments in Melbourne

Having an accurate assessment and diagnosis of ADHD or autism is the first step toward accessing the correct support. Being able to understand a person’s unique developmental profile assists with their own self-awareness and leads to better coping.

An accurate diagnosis can also foster acceptance, support and improved communication with families, friends, educators and healthcare professionals.

Our ADHD and ASD assessments in Melbourne are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, providing a thorough understanding of their challenges and strengths.

Adult ADHD and Autism Assessments in Melbourne

Advancements in the recognition and diagnosis of neurodivergence have become more apparent over recent years. For many adults, signs of neurodivergence, including ADHD or autism, may have therefore gone unrecognised or been suppressed during their lives. Others may have been mis-diagnosed with conditions such as social anxiety, depression, OCD or BPD in an attempt to explain their traits.

Undiagnosed adults may also carry the weight of negative comments received during childhood, being labelled as ‘lazy,’ ‘overly emotional,’ or ‘weird.’ As our understanding of neurodiversity continues to evolve, there is an increasing number of adults recognizing traits of neurodivergence within themselves. In many cases, this self-awareness arises when parents begin to explore ADHD or ASD assessments for their children, prompting them to reflect upon their own experiences and characteristics.

Recognizing your neurodivergence can empower you to embrace your identity and seek strategies that enhance your quality of life.

Advantages of Seeking a Diagnosis of Autism or ADHD

Depending on the outcome of the assessment, and the diagnosis, some advantages of a formal ADHD and/or Autism diagnosis for Children include:

Access to Support: Possible funding through the NDIS, school resources, and tailored community programs.
Individualised Interventions: Facilitates therapies like speech, occupational, and behavioural support.
Educational Accommodations: Schools may be able to provide adjustments like IEPs, extra exam time, or flexible learning options.
Clarity and Understanding: Helps parents and teachers understand and support the child better.
Self-Awareness: Encourages the child to understand their strengths and seek appropriate help.
Reduced Family Stress: Offers understanding of challenges and access to parent support networks.
Financial Assistance: May unlock benefits such as Carer Allowance and Centrelink support.
Early Intervention: Enables timely therapies that improve developmental outcomes.
Legal Protections: Ensures anti-discrimination safeguards in education and beyond.
Improved Outcomes: Promotes independence and better long-term prospects through appropriate support.

Depending on the outcome of the assessment, and the diagnosis, some advantages of a formal ADHD and/or Autism diagnosis for Adults include:

Access to Support Services: Possible eligibility for NDIS funding, workplace accommodations, and tailored therapy services.
Improved Self-Understanding: Provides clarity about lifelong challenges and strengths, improving self-esteem and acceptance.
Better Mental Health Support: Helps professionals design appropriate mental health plans, addressing issues like anxiety or depression often linked to undiagnosed conditions.
Workplace Accommodations: May enable occupational adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Access to Financial Assistance: May open up options like Centrelink support or disability-related benefits.
Stronger Relationships: Improves communication with family, friends, and partners by fostering understanding and empathy.
Legal Protections: Enables protections in employment, education, and services under anti-discrimination laws.
Connection to Community: Access to support groups or networks of neurodivergent individuals for shared experiences and resources.
Tailored Life Strategies: Option to explore coaching or therapy to increase activities of daily living.
Personal Empowerment: Enables self-advocacy and a framework for explaining needs in various areas of life.

FAQs on ADHD and Autism Assessments in Melbourne

An autism assessment involves a series of evaluations to understand the individual's developmental history and presenting concerns.
• Child ASD assessments involve:
An intake and diagnostic interview with parents, school observation (if appropriate), review of school reports and other relevant assessments, diagnostic observation (ADOS or MIGDAS), forms for Teachers and Parents, a diagnostic report and feedback session
• Adult ASD assessments involve:
A diagnostic interview schedule, diagnostic observation (MIGDAS), diagnostic questionnaires and forms for self and informant. A diagnostic report and feedback session is also included.
• Child ADHD assessments involve
An intake interview with parents, school observation (if appropriate), review of school reports and other relevant assessments, cognitive assessment, diagnostic questionnaire and forms for teachers and parents. A diagnostic report and feedback session is also included.
• Adult ADHD assessments involve:
A diagnostic interview, a diagnostic questionnaire, and forms for self and informant. A diagnostic report and feedback session is also included.
• Combined ADHD/ASD assessment
Research shows that you are more likely to be autistic AND have ADHD. Somewhere between 40% and 70% of individuals diagnosed autistic also received an ADHD diagnosis (Rong et al., 2021). If you are interested in a combined ADHD/ASD assessment, please reach out.
The assessment’s duration can vary depending on the individual's specific need. We estimate between 4 hours - 7 hours for clients and/or parents to attend the clinic and/orTelehealth. This is followed by questionnaires which can be completed online. The psychologist will then score the assessments, collate all the information and interpret the results; preparing a formal report and list of recommendations. We will then contact you for a feedback session.
Our fees are determined by the amount of hours needed to complete the assessment by the psychologist at a rate of $240 per hour.
NB Diagnostic observations, cognitive assessments and learning assessments must occur in person
A number of our psychologists who have completed specialist training provide ADHD and autism assessments in Melbourne. They are trained to provide a supportive and neuro-affirming environment and approach throughout the assessment process.
Following the assessment, our psychologists will provide a detailed report with the results (including a diagnosis if relevant). We will also discuss recommendations for the next steps, which may include therapy, support services, and strategies to assist with daily living.