Every neurodivergence assessment is a bit different but they follow a pattern;

1. We usually begin by talking via email or the phone to make sure that I am the right fit for you.

2. I send you some questionnaires and instructions on how to share school reports with me.

3. We usually have at least three sessions together. I will ask questions about your childhood, school, work, relationships, sensory experiences and hopes for the future.

4. We will have a feedback session where I make a diagnosis or explain why I am not making one.

5. I will ask you to give me one round of feedback on my report or letter to make sure that it is a good description of you and your experiences.

6. You will be offered optional post-assessment support sessions with me.

Everyone needs a different number of sessions.

If we both think that you may either be autistic or have ADHD then we usually need 3 or 4 sessions.

If we both think that you may be both autistic and have ADHD (AuDHD), then we may need up to 5 or 6 sessions.

These numbers are a guide only and may change during the assessment process. We will clearly communicate with you about this throughout the process.

No, a referral is not necessary. You can self-refer for neurodivergence assessment or ask your GP or psychiatrist to refer you.

I will write a letter or report to your GP once the assessment is finished, so it is a good idea if they know that you are planning to do this assessment.

Yes, clinical psychologists are qualified to make formal diagnoses of autism and ADHD. If I make a formal diagnosis, I will write a formal report or letter that you can use to access support at university, work and in the community for the rest of your life.

Clinical psychologists can assess and formally diagnose ADHD but they cannot prescribe any medications. If you would like to try medication, you will need to see a psychiatrist after an assessment with us.

Psychiatrists need to complete their own assessment before prescribing medication, which can lead to doubling up. For people who suspect that they have ADHD, do not suspect that they are autistic and would like to try medication, seeing a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist can be a more time- and cost-effective option.

Assessment with a clinical psychologist might be a good fit for you if you;

1. Think that you might also be autistic (AuDHD)

2. Don't plan to try medication, and/or

3. Would like a thorough and reflective assessment that could identify targets for therapy and coaching

We try to have at least one in-person session during a neurodivergence assessment. This is best practice because it allows us to share a lot of non-verbal information and makes the assessment and diagnostic decision a lot stronger.

If an in-person session is not possible due to your location or other personal factors, we can make other arrangements. Please reach out to us if you would like to ask more about this.

Yes, absolutely.

You will have the option of having more sessions to explore your neurotype and what being neurodivergent or neurotypical means to you. Many people appreciate having a space to explore their thoughts and feelings about the assessment and diagnosis process with someone who already knows a lot about their experiences.

Medicare rebates can be used for post-assessment sessions if you have a Mental Health Care Plan.