East Brisbane
Autism Assessments
Create positive support pathways with a comprehensive assessment
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication and repetitive behaviours. Autistic individuals may have unique ways of communicating, socialising, and processing the world around them.
Autism presents in a wide range of traits and abilities, making each individual unique and references a spectrum of abilities. Early signs may include challenges in social interactions, difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviours, strong interests, and a preference for routines.
At The Centred Home and Mind, we understand that early assessment and support can make a world of difference. Our comprehensive assessments and positive support pathways help build emotional understanding, develop social skills, and foster meaningful relationships. Most importantly, we empower autistic individuals to reach their goals - whether in education, relationship building, employment, or family life – by creating supportive environments where they can truly thrive.
Child and Adolescent Autism Assessment
Suitable for children and teenagers from 3-years through to 16-years of age. The ADOS-2 is the gold standard tool primarily utilised.
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Parent intake session to gain an understanding of the referral and a developmental history of the child or adolescent. Parent only for 12-years and under.
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Parent session reviewing in detail the Autism diagnostic criteria through the use of the ADI-R - Autism Diagnostic Interview.
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Completion of parent and teacher rating scales inclusive of Autism, anxiety, attention/focus, and adaptive behaviours.
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Completion of the ADOS-2, the gold standard tool utilised to assess children and adolescents in the domain of Autism. The MIGDAS is an alternative assessment tool available.
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Completion of a cognitive assessment to identify cognitive learning style and review executive functions. A WISC-V or WPPSI-IV will typically be utilised.
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The feedback session will entail a thorough review of the results and will identify the presence or absence of Autism, if suitable and applicable in relation to the DSM-5-TR.
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A written report will be provided with the creation of a positive pathway for support inclusive of allied health and medical supports, school and learning, home, and community engagement.
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A detailed quote can be provided at the time of enquiry. The assessment can be paid for in one fee, or alternatively it can be broken down into smaller fee instalments at the time of the appointments. Please note NDIS does not cover diagnostic assessments.
Adult Autism Assessment
The Adult Autism Assessment is suitable for people aged 17-years and older.
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Intake session to gain an understanding of the referral, appropriateness of the assessment and gain a current and developmental history of the adult.
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Completion of self-report and family member rating scales inclusive of Autism, anxiety, attention/focus, and adaptive behaviours.
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Completion of the MIGDAS. This is a structured assessment designed to evaluate skills and well-being, in relation to the autism spectrum diagnostic criteria. This allows for tailored support. The ADOS-2 (Module 4) is an alternative assessment tool available.
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Completion of a cognitive assessment to identify cognitive learning style and review executive functions. A WAIS-5 will typically be utilised.
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The feedback session will entail a thorough review of the results and will identify the presence or absence of Autism, if suitable and applicable in relation to the DSM-5-TR.
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A written report will be provided with the creation of a positive pathway for support inclusive of allied health and medical supports, workplace, learning and future education, home, and community engagement.
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A detailed quote can be provided at the time of enquiry. The assessment can be paid for in one fee, or alternatively it can be broken down into smaller fee instalments at the time of the appointments. Please note NDIS and Medicare do not cover diagnostic assessments.
Comprehensive Autism Assessment
Extensive Experience
We bring over 20 years of experience in neurodevelopmental care, providing expert assessment and support services from age 3 onwards.
Expertise in Female Autism Profiles
We have extensive experience and training in assessing and understanding the female presentation of autism, providing crucial support for often underdiagnosed populations.
Gold-Standard Assessment Tools
We comprehensively use recognised diagnostic tools including ADOS-2, ADI-R, and MIGDAS, ensuring thorough and accurate assessments across all age groups.
Personalised Support Pathways
We create detailed, neuro-affirming support pathways that connect families, schools, and healthcare professionals, ensuring comprehensive care and positive outcomes.
Family-Centred Support
Working closely with parents and families to support child or teenage development and create positive environments that foster growth and well-being.
Holistic Support Networks
We work closely with paediatricians, child psychiatrists, and schools, creating comprehensive mental health support networks for our clients.
Positive Outcomes for You and Your Family
Children & Adolescents
Tailored support strategies for success at home and school with detailed reports and recommendations
Expert guidance from Clinical and Educational and Developmental Psychologist’s experienced in child and adolescent neurodevelopment
Clear pathways for accessing educational support and adjustments
Adults
Understanding of personal strengths and unique learning and processing styles
Practical strategies for home, the workplace, education, and daily life success
Documentation to support the workplace, employment opportunities and educational accommodations
Amanda Hawes, Principal Psychologist
Common Questions
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We provide autism assessments across the lifespan, including children (from age 3), adolescents (up to 16), and adults (17+). We use age-appropriate assessment tools: ADOS-2 and/or MIGDAS for children/adolescents and adults.
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Yes, we have extensive experience in assessing and understanding the female profile of Autism, which can present differently from traditional diagnostic criteria. Amanda has over 20 years of experience in recognising the more subtle or "masking" presentation often seen in girls and women.
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Common indicators include differences with social communication and interaction, repetitive behaviours or interests, sensory sensitivities, preferences for consistency and routine, and specific strengths in certain areas like pattern recognition or detailed focus. For adults, this may include a history of social differences, social burnout, or feeling "different" without understanding why.
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Our assessments are conducted by Amanda Hawes, a Principal Clinical and Educational & Developmental Psychologist with over 20 years of specialised experience. Amanda is fully registered with AHPRA and has extensive training in gold-standard diagnostic tools including ADOS-2, ADI-R, MIGDAS, and WISC-V/ WPPSI-IV/ WAIS-5.
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Our assessments are thorough and include multiple components: intake interviews, detailed autism interviews, rating scales, cognitive assessments, and comprehensive feedback sessions. We examine social communication, sensory processing, cognitive abilities, and adaptive skills.
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We use gold-standard diagnostic tools including ADOS-2 for autism assessment, ADI-R for detailed autism interviews, and MIGDAS for adult autism assessment. These tools are internationally recognised as the most reliable for accurate diagnosis.
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Our clinic is located at 935 Stanley Street East, East Brisbane QLD 4169, just 8 minutes from the city with on-site and street parking available and lift access to the clinic room. Sessions are by appointment only. We are unable to offer walk-in support.
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Before the formal assessment, we'll ask you to complete questionnaires about developmental history, as well as mental health measures including anxiety and depression. This helps us tailor the assessment process to your specific needs and ensures we address all relevant areas.
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Absolutely. We provide personalised support pathways following diagnosis and can offer ongoing psychological support, connect you with appropriate specialists, and help coordinate with schools or workplaces as needed.
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We create a calm and supportive environment with clear communication about the process, flexible approaches, comfortable clinic setting, understanding of sensory needs, and regular breaks as needed. We understand that the assessment process itself can cause anxiety.
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We embrace a neuro-affirming approach that recognises autism as a natural variation in human neurology rather than a deficit. Our assessments focus on identifying both challenges AND strengths, with the goal of helping individuals understand themselves better and access appropriate supports.
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Yes, you're welcome to bring a trusted support person to help you feel more comfortable. For children, parent involvement is an essential part of the assessment process, and for adults, having someone who knows you well can provide valuable additional information.
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The assessment involves multiple sessions to maintain focus and comfort, typically 3-4 sessions spanning several weeks: • Initial consultation (60-90 minutes) • Assessment sessions (2-3 sessions of 60-120 minutes each) • Feedback session (60- minutes) Additional time is required for report writing between sessions.
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Contact us for current availability. We aim to provide timely access while maintaining thorough assessment standards. With our team expansion including Louise Allan, we're working to keep waiting periods as short as possible.
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We typically provide preliminary feedback at the final assessment session, with a comprehensive written report within 2-3 weeks. We understand the importance of timely results and work efficiently to provide you with clear information.
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Our process includes intake sessions, detailed interviews, rating scales, diagnostic assessments (ADOS-2 or MIGDAS), cognitive assessment when appropriate, comprehensive feedback, and a written report with recommendations. We gather information from various sources including direct observation and interviews.
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Yes, we create a positive support pathway that celebrates neuro-affirming difference and provides strategies for home, school/work, and community engagement. We can offer ongoing psychological support and help coordinate with other professionals.
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Yes, our comprehensive approach considers potential co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, learning disorders and intellectual differences, as well as the impact of trauma upon a person. This holistic view ensures we capture the full neurodevelopmental profile and provide appropriate support recommendations.
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Detailed quotes are provided upon enquiry. We offer flexible payment options including one-time payment or smaller instalments. The total cost reflects the comprehensive nature of our assessments, including multiple sessions, use of gold-standard assessment tools, and a detailed report.
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Please note that NDIS does not cover diagnostic assessments. In some circumstances, a Medicare rebate may able to be claimed under the correct Medicare plan. Private health insurance coverage varies by provider - please check with your insurance provider for details. We're happy to provide the necessary documentation for any potential rebate claims.
Take the first step toward clarity
Contact us for a detailed quote and flexible payment options to begin your assessment journey.