Adult Autism Diagnostic Assessment

A diagnostic assessment is designed to answer whether you may have autism. This process can be protective, offering a level of self-understanding that supports your identity.

At Bonacci Practice, we help you make sense of your story. Our neuro-affirming assessments provide a understanding of your history and experiences. We work collaboratively with you to explore how your lived experiences align with autistic traits.

What to expect from your assessment:

100% Telehealth: Complete your assessment securely from anywhere in Australia.
Complete picture: With your consent, we invite trusted individuals in your life to provide additional insights.
Collaborative approach: Your voice and lived experience remain central to the process.
Insights: Receive a comprehensive report to help guide your next steps.

Our online Autism assessment for clients Australia wide over 18 years old consists of 1 x 3-hour session via Telehealth. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires prior to the session. During the session, you will be asked a series of questions relating to your experiences. We will ask you to nominate a loved one to send some questionnaires to complete.

A report will be sent to you after your feedback assessment session.

Why consider an Assessment?

Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how people think, process information, and experience the world are a natural and valuable part of human variation. Rather than viewing Autism as a deficit, this perspective emphasies acceptance, strength-based understanding and support that honors individual differences.

Adults can live for many years without knowing they are neurodivergent. Seeking an assessment can be a transformative step if you:

Experience social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, or communication challenges.
Have always felt “different” or misunderstood.
Were misdiagnosed during childhood.
Struggle with attention, focus, or emotional regulation.
Are looking for self-understanding, validation or access to accommodations.

A formal assessment provides clarity regarding your cognitive pattern and a can be a foundation for self-acceptance and empowerment.

Book a Telehealth Assesment below.

Book an appointment

Ready to see if we are a good fit? Please call us on 0494 316 395 or email info@bonnacipractice.com.au

Assessment process

The Assessment process includes:

Book a discovery call or email us any questions prior to booking (optional)
Book an assessment appointment including 50% deposit.
When your assessment appointment has been booked, you will be sent an intake form and several questionnaires to complete. These can take time, please complete 48 hours before your assessment appointment.
The diagnostic session can take up to 3-hours to gain further information and explore whether your traits meet the formal diagnostic criteria for Autism.
2-3 questionnaires to be sent to a nominated person (partner, parent, sibling, close friend) to complete relating to social communication, autistic masking and mental health.
Report writing: We will take some time to review all the information we have, including information obtained during diagnostic interview, and test scores to reach a diagnostic conclusion and write. We will advise you once your report is complete.

The cost for this process is $1800*

Post Assessment Support

We can support you post assessment on an ongoing therapy basis to work through the outcome of your assessment (if you wish).

Grief is not uncommon with a late diagnosis of neurodivergence; in grieving the person you weren’t, the “what-if’s”, and the support you did not have access to. You may find that you start re-experiencing memories that suddenly start to now make sense – for example; being overstimulated at events or social situations and not understanding unspoken rules.

Please let us know if you would like to discuss how we can support you further.

Additional information

Whilst psychologists can diagnose Autism, and a diagnosis of Autism Level 2 or 3 may mean that you are eligible for support under the NDIS, this assessment only forms part of your NDIS application.

Other assessments by other professionals (for example by an Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist or a GP) are likely to be needed to have a diagnosis potentially accepted by the NDIA and funding provided by NDIS. There is no guarantee that you will receive NDIS funding.

Assessment FAQ's

Why do I need to fill in the pre-assessment pack?

The pre-assessment pack requests clients’ complete forms and screening questionnaires for ADHD and/or Autism to gather information on your mental health. This allows time to be saved in your assessment appointment.

When do I need to pay for my assessment session?

A 50% payment is required to secure your booking before the assessment session. The remainder is due before feedback session and report release.

Can I get a Medicare rebate on my assessment?

No. Medicare rebates do not apply to assessments.

Do I need to have other people fill in surveys about my behaviour?

Yes. This is a part of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and/or Autism. Without this information, the outcome of your assessment may be affected. Please contact our team before booking if you would like to discuss this further.

I don’t have access to primary school reports. Do I need to have these to complete an assessment?

No. Primary school reports can give information about ADHD related behaviours and your developmental history. We acknowledge that some people may not have access to these reports. As such, we will ask you to get two family members or friends (informants) to complete questionnaires and a person who knew you under the age of 18 to complete some questionnaires instead.

Please note: informants completing questionnaires on behalf of a client must be a person who was an adult at the time you were a child i.e. a parent, relative or family friend, or an older sibling.

What is benefit of undergoing an ADHD assessment with a psychologist?

The current healthcare system often has long wait times to see a psychiatrist. Psychologist can diagnose ADHD. A thorough assessment by a psychologist can shorten the diagnosis wait time. You will also receive a comprehensive report, feedback and personalised treatment recommendations for interventions.

Can you prescribe medication?

No. Psychologist cannot prescribe medication. At present only psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD (albeit there are plans to have GPs be trained in this area).

Both psychologist and psychiatrists are trained in diagnosis. Psychologists focus on behavioural intervention for ADHD and psychiatrist pharmacology.

What if I do the assessment and dont have ADHD and/or Autism?

If you do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and/or Autism, you will be supplied with a summary detailing this and suggestions for further treatment.

Seeking assessment does not guarantee any diagnosis.

Do you have waitlists for assessments?

No. You are welcome to contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.

If I am already diagnosed with ADHD, can I just be assessed for Autism? Or, I’m already a diagnosed Autism can I just be assessed for ADHD?

Yes. If you already have a diagnosis of one or the other, we can tailor the assessment to suit your needs.

How long is the assessment appointment?

This depends on the assessment. Our ADHD assessment is 1.5
hours; Autism 3 hours and combined 3-4 hours. We encourage movement breaks, fidget items, or other supports that may help you to feel as comfortable as possible
for the assessment session.