Choosing whether to get a diagnosis can raise many questions and feelings. These FAQs give clear, practical answers about what’s involved, how to begin, and what happens next. We’re here to help and provide clarity every step of the way.
For more detailed information about the types of assessments offered by Aspect, explore our Assessment Types page.
Autism is a developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. Every Autistic person is different to every other, this is why autism is described as a ‘spectrum’. Download this helpful factsheet that lists some early indicators and developmental milestones.
However, it is important to note that no single indicator necessarily signals autism – usually, a child presents with several indicators.
If you are concerned that your child may be showing early signs of autism, it is important that you consult with a qualified medical professional. This would be your General Practitioner, early childhood nurse, and/or Paediatrician in the first instance*.
*If your medical professional suspects autism or a neurological condition, they can provide a referral to Aspect Assessments. However, you do not need a referral to book an assessment.
If you have concerns about your child's development or suspect that your child might be Autistic, it is important that you consult with a qualified medical professional. This would be your General Practitioner, early childhood nurse and/or Paediatrician in the first instance.
For many families, the identification of a child’s developmental condition is a gradual process that occurs over many months or years. For some children, a clear diagnosis of a specific condition or disability (or multiple disabilities) is possible. For others, the diagnosis of a specific condition may not be possible or may be reliant on further tests and observations in future years.
If your child’s health care professional suspects that your child might be Autistic or ADHD, we offer a range of support services that may help, which include Aspect Assessments, early childhood supports and therapy.
Diagnosing autism can be difficult, because there is no single medical test – like a blood test – to assist with making a diagnosis. That’s why we prefer the phrase ‘assessment’, which more accurately describes the diagnosis process.
While a formal referral letter from a medical doctor is not required to access Aspect’s assessment services, it is helpful as it provides background information and assists in understanding whether there are medical causes or co-morbidities that may help to explain a behavioural presentation. It can also assist in informing future supports or services.
Please note that a referral letter from a private Paediatrician or Psychiatrist is required if you want to claim a Medicare rebate for an autism assessment (for people under 25 years old). Unfortunately, no Medicare rebates are available for ADHD, learning or cognitive assessments.
Consultation fees apply to Aspect Assessments. See our Fees Guide here.
The NDIS will not fund diagnostic assessments unless it has been directly requested by the NDIA. Autism review assessments and cognitive assessments can be funded in some circumstances and depends on your individual plan. Please contact your Local Area Coordinator to ensure you can claim the assessment fees.
Participants aged under 25 years may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on assessment fees (for autism assessment only). This rebate is claimable after the assessment (i.e. the individual, or their representative, must pay for the assessment in full and then make the claim for the rebate themselves).
In order to access this rebate, the individual must have been directly referred to Aspect Assessments by a private paediatrician or child/adolescent psychiatrist prior to the day of the assessment. In addition, the paediatrician or child psychiatrist must trigger the appropriate Medicare item (i.e. 110 through to 131) as part of the referral process.
Full payment is due 7 days before the assessment appointment. If payment is paid within 7 days of booking the appointment, then a 5% discount applies.
Yes, we conduct a range of assessments, including for ADHD. For more information on the types of assessments we provide, click on assessment types.
An autism or diagnostic assessment aims to determine whether someone is Autistic.
Review assessments are useful for individuals who have previously been diagnosed as Autistic, but are now wanting an updated assessment and additional information. They can provide important information that will be helpful in making decisions about work, further education or vocational studies.
A cognitive assessment helps to determine an individual’s learning capability. It identifies cognitive strengths and weaknesses and can assist with the development of individualised support and learning plans. Learn more on our assessment types web page.
Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) or pervasive drive for autonomy is generally considered to be a subtype of autism that is characterised by an overwhelming need to resist or avoid demands, which can lead to sensory overload and “meltdowns” or “outbursts”. We don’t diagnose or formally assess for PDA. However, given that we conduct a comprehensive assessment for autism, we are able to provide information about behaviours that someone is presenting with, and as such our assessment would capture behaviours commonly associated with the PDA profile.
You can read more about PDA in this information sheet.
At Aspect, autism assessments and review assessments are conducted by Clinical Psychologists, Educational and Developmental Psychologists, and Neuropsychologists with experience and post-graduate training in the diagnosis of autism, developmental and neurological conditions.
Aspect offers face-to-face assessments in Sydney (Chatswood and Ryde).
We are also able to conduct online assessments using a Telehealth delivery model to anyone living in Australia. Clients and their families can stay home and a clinician will conduct the assessment remotely via a digital device like a computer or tablet. Developed during COVID, this model has been so well received by parents and carers, especially in regional remote locations, that we are continuing to offer assessments online.
Please note, cognitive assessments can only be conducted in person.
The clinician conducting the assessment will usually be able to give feedback about the outcome of the assessment on the day. However, if more information is required (e.g. from school or therapists), we will ask for your consent to speak with the appropriate people. Gathering this information typically takes one or two weeks, depending on their availability. Our clinician will then call you to provide feedback and recommendations, as well as provide a written report (4 to 6 weeks).
At the end of the feedback session, or upon receiving the written report, you may have further questions for the psychologist. If this is the case, you should always contact them again, and have your queries addressed. Sometimes it can be hard to take in all of the information provided at once, so don't hesitate to contact the clinician if you need to.
For some people, receiving a diagnosis is beneficial in terms of understanding more about themselves and a part of their identity.
Individuals who receive an autism diagnosis often describe several positive outcomes:
People may also seek support and services from the NDIS, other government programs or through private health insurance* to assist with skills development. For example, some children may be eligible for supports, such as speech pathology and occupational therapy.
*Depends on your private healthcare provider.
An interpreter can be organised by Aspect which is included in the cost of the assessment.
In most cases, an assessment can be carried out, but you will need to discuss this in more detail when booking your appointment. Please be sure to indicate any details/concerns when completing the assessment intake form.
ASD is the acronym for autism spectrum disorder. At Aspect, we use the term autism rather than ASD. We also use the term ‘Autistic person’ to recognise, affirm and validate that individual’s unique identity, value and worth.
