Autism (ASD) Assessments in Taringa

Sometimes there's a quiet sense, built up over many years, that you experience the world a little differently from the people around you. For parents, it might be noticing that your child finds certain sounds, routines or social situations especially hard, and wanting to understand why. An autism assessment can bring clarity, language and, for many people, a real sense of relief.

At Valentia Health, we offer autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessments for children from 6 years old, teenagers and adults. Our Taringa space is calm and deliberately un-clinical, our approach is neurodiversity-affirming, and there is currently no waitlist between you and the answers you've been looking for.

Who an autism assessment can help

Autism shows up differently in every person, and it's often missed or misunderstood, particularly in girls, women and adults who have spent years masking. You might be considering an assessment if you or your child:

  • Find social situations confusing or exhausting, even when you enjoy people's company

  • Feel deeply unsettled by unexpected changes to plans or routines

  • Are especially sensitive to sounds, textures, lights or smells

  • Have intense, absorbing interests that bring a lot of joy

  • Need a long time to recover after busy days or social events

  • Have always felt "different" without quite knowing how to explain it

You don't need to have it all worked out before you call. If you'd like to talk things through first, an optional pre-assessment appointment gives you time with one of our psychologists to decide together whether an assessment is the right step.

What the assessment involves

We move at a pace that feels comfortable, with plenty of breaks and room for questions. For children, we work closely with parents and carers at every stage.

  1. Pre-assessment appointment (optional). A chance to talk about what's been happening and confirm an assessment is the right fit, charged at our standard session fee.

  2. Intake session (1 hour). We explore your history, development and what daily life looks like now.

  3. Diagnostic testing (around 3 hours). Structured activities and conversations that help us understand communication, social connection, sensory experiences and patterns of behaviour.

  4. Psychometric questionnaires. Standardised measures that add detail to the picture.

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

  6. Scoring and report writing. Your psychologist brings it all together into one clear written report.

  7. Feedback appointment (1 hour). We walk you through the findings, answer your questions and talk about next steps.

From your first appointment to your feedback session usually takes around 3 weeks.

What you'll walk away with

Your report explains whether the findings meet the criteria for autism and why, and describes your or your child's individual profile of strengths, sensitivities and support needs. It also includes practical recommendations for home, school, study or work.

A diagnosis can open doors to support at school or work, and the report may be used as part of an application for NDIS or other funding where that's relevant. Just as importantly, many people tell us that understanding themselves this way brings a lot of self-compassion.

If you'd like support afterwards, our psychologists can help with things like emotional regulation, sensory overwhelm and adjusting to a new understanding of yourself or your child.

What it's like to be assessed here

We know that new places and new people can be a lot, so we try to make every visit as predictable and comfortable as possible. We're happy to explain exactly what will happen before each appointment, the lighting and furnishings in our rooms are soft and calm, and there's free parking right out the front. If something about the environment would make it easier for you, just let us know.

We're a neurodiversity-affirming practice and we welcome the LGBTQIA+ community. You'll find us on Moggill Road in Taringa, close to Indooroopilly, Toowong, St Lucia and Kenmore, and we'll do all we can to help you feel like you belong here from the moment you arrive.

FAQs

  • Yes. Many autistic adults weren't identified as children, especially women and people who learned to mask their differences. An adult assessment can help make sense of a lifetime of experiences.

  • No, you can book an autism assessment with us directly. Any previous reports, school records or notes from other professionals are welcome and can be helpful.

  • We'll explain what each session involves so you can talk your child through it beforehand. Bringing a comfort item, a favourite snack or something they enjoy can help, and we build in breaks whenever they're needed.

  • You'll still leave with a clearer understanding of what's going on. Your report will explain the findings and we'll talk with you about the support that would help most.

Call us to learn more or book

Fees

An autism assessment is a fixed fee of $1,950, 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.

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.