Combined ADHD and Autism Assessment in Taringa

ADHD and autism share more than many people realise. They often occur together, and some of their traits can overlap, mask one another or pull in opposite directions, like craving novelty while also needing routine. If you've read about both and recognised yourself or your child in each, a combined assessment lets us look at the whole picture at once rather than one piece at a time.

At Valentia Health, we offer combined ADHD and autism assessments for children from 6 years old, teenagers and adults in our calm Taringa practice. There's currently no waitlist, and you'll be supported by a real person from your very first phone call.

When a combined assessment makes sense

A combined assessment can be a good fit if:

  • You've noticed signs of both ADHD and autism and aren't sure which explains what you're experiencing

  • A previous assessment found one, but some things still don't quite add up

  • You recognise yourself in descriptions of "AuDHD", the term many people use for being both ADHD and autistic

  • A teacher, GP or family member has raised both possibilities

  • You'd rather go through one process, and receive one report, than two separate assessments

If you're not sure whether you need a combined assessment or a single one, that's completely normal. An optional pre-assessment appointment gives you time with one of our psychologists to work out the best option together, so you only commit once you feel confident it's the right fit.

What the assessment involves

The combined assessment includes every element of both our ADHD assessment and our autism assessment, brought together so nothing is repeated unnecessarily.

  1. Pre-assessment appointment (optional). A conversation to confirm the combined assessment is the right fit, charged at our standard session fee.

  2. Clinical intake. We explore your history, development and daily life in detail.

  3. Diagnostic testing. Structured activities and conversations that explore communication, social connection, sensory experiences, attention and focus.

  4. Psychometric testing. Standardised questionnaires and tasks covering both ADHD and autism.

  5. Observer reports. With your permission, a parent, partner or teacher shares their perspective.

  6. Scoring and report writing. Your psychologist considers how ADHD and autism traits interact for you specifically.

  7. Feedback appointment. We go through the findings together and talk about next steps.

The whole process usually takes around 3 weeks from your first appointment to your feedback session.

What you'll walk away with

You'll receive one comprehensive report that explains whether ADHD, autism, both or neither are present, and why. Because both are considered together, the report can describe how they interact in your daily life, which is often the part people find most helpful. It also includes practical, strengths-based recommendations for home, school, study or work.

If ADHD is diagnosed and you'd like to explore medication, we'll guide you on how to take that conversation to your GP, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician.

What it's like to be assessed here

We've built our practice around making people feel comfortable, which matters even more when you're spending a few appointments with us. We'll always explain what's coming next, there are snacks and cold drinks in reception, our rooms are calm and quiet, and there's free parking out the front.

We're a neurodiversity-affirming practice, so you'll never be made to feel like something needs fixing. We're on Moggill Road in Taringa, an easy trip from Indooroopilly, Toowong, St Lucia and Kenmore.

FAQs

  • Yes. ADHD and autism commonly occur together, and since 2013 clinicians have been able to diagnose both in the same person. Looking at them together often explains experiences that neither one explains on its own.

  • If both are a possibility, a combined assessment means less repetition, one report and a lower total cost. If only one seems likely, a single assessment may suit you better, and we're happy to help you decide.

  • No, you can book a combined assessment with us directly. Any previous reports or school records you'd like to share are always welcome.

  • Yes. We assess children from 6 years old, teenagers and adults, and many adults come to us after recognising both ADHD and autistic traits later in life.

Call us to learn more or book

Fees

A combined ADHD and autism assessment is a fixed fee of $2,600, which covers every step above apart from the optional pre-assessment appointment. Half is paid at your first appointment and the remainder at your final appointment. Completing both assessments together costs less than booking them separately.

Assessments are generally not covered by Medicare under a Mental Health Care Plan, although some private health funds offer a rebate through extras cover, so it's worth checking with yours.