Why people seek an autism assessment
Many autistic adults and teenagers reach an assessment after years of feeling out of step without knowing why. Common reasons include:
- Social situations feel confusing or exhausting, even when they go well
- Strong reactions to noise, light, textures or crowds
- A deep need for routine and predictability, and distress when plans change
- Intense, long-lasting interests
- Periods of burnout after holding things together at school, work or home
- Recognising yourself when a child or relative is diagnosed
- Therapy for anxiety or low mood that never quite fitted
If you're asking about a younger child, please call us to talk it through before booking.
Masking and late diagnosis
Many autistic people, especially women and girls, learn to mask: copying others, rehearsing conversations and hiding their reactions to fit in. From the outside things can look fine, while inside the effort is enormous. Masking is one reason autism is often recognised later in life.
In the assessment we ask about that effort, not only about what other people see. We'd like to hear about the strategies you use, what happens when you're alone after a busy day, and what was hard growing up.
What the assessment includes
- A developmental and diagnostic interview about your early years, school, friendships, sensory experiences and daily life now. If a parent or someone who knew you as a child can join or complete a questionnaire, it helps; if that isn't possible, the assessment can still go ahead.
- The ADOS-2, a structured, conversation- and activity-based observation of communication and social interaction, done in person.
- Standardised questionnaires for you and, with permission, people who know you well.
- A look at what else is going on, such as ADHD, anxiety, low mood or sensory needs, which often sit alongside autism.
A neuro-affirming assessment, at your pace
Autism is a difference in how a person experiences the world, with real strengths and real challenges. We use the language you prefer, explain each step before it happens and avoid surprises. Tell us what makes appointments easier, such as breaks, a support person, dimmer lighting or knowing the questions ahead, and we'll do what we can.
What happens, step by step
- Get in touch. Call us or send the form on this page. We explain the process and the fee, and what to bring.
- Forms and questionnaires. You complete our online client intake form and questionnaires, and we send questionnaires to people you nominate.
- Diagnostic interview. You meet your psychologist, often by video, to talk about your history and daily life.
- ADOS-2 and testing. You come to Springfield Central or The Gap for the ADOS-2 and any other testing.
- Scoring and report. Your psychologist brings the information together and writes the report. They give you a timeline at intake.
- Feedback session. You go through the findings together, ask questions and talk about next steps, with your written report.
Your psychologist confirms the estimated cost with you before testing begins.
Fee guide and MediPay payment plans
Assessments are charged at $230 per hour (as of July 2026). The guide fee below is an estimate; the actual cost depends on what is needed, and your psychologist confirms it with you before starting.
| Assessment | Usually includes | Guide fee |
|---|---|---|
| Autism (ASD) assessment | Intake, diagnostic interview, information from others, ADOS-2 and other testing, report, feedback | $2,700 |
Medicare doesn't cover assessments at Psych Connect. The NDIS doesn't pay for assessments to diagnose conditions such as ADHD or autism. If you're already an NDIS participant, your plan may cover a functional capacity assessment; check with your plan manager.
Flexible payment plans are available through MediPay (eligibility applies).
Payment plans are provided by MediPay Holdings Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence 474336), not Psych Connect. Applications are subject to MediPay's credit assessment criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply.
All our fees are on the fees page.
How people use their report
Your report sets out the findings, whether the criteria for autism are met, your strengths and the areas where support would help. People use it to understand themselves, explain their needs to family, ask for adjustments at work, university or school, and guide therapy. With your consent, a copy goes to your GP.
Wondering about ADHD too? Some people are assessed for both; see ADHD and autism assessed together.
Who does the assessment
Autism assessments are done by one of our two assessing psychologists, using a neuro-affirming approach.
Dr Sirous Momenzadeh (Clinical Psychologist)
Director and Principal Clinical Psychologist
PhD, MPsych (Clin)
More than 19 years of practice across public and private settings. His clinical focus includes trauma and PTSD, and the assessment of ADHD and autism in adolescents and adults.
Psychologist with an endorsement in clinical psychology (Psychology Board of Australia). AHPRA registration number PSY0000965905.
Farah Sobhanian (Psychologist)
Registered Psychologist
BA Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
More than 18 years in mental health with individuals, couples and families. She completes ADHD assessments and works with anxiety, trauma, grief and loss.
Psychologist with general registration (Psychology Board of Australia). AHPRA registration number PSY0001260612.
Read their full profiles on our team page.
Where: Springfield Central, The Gap or telehealth
- Springfield Central: inside Springfield Doctors, in the Ipswich region.
- The Gap: inside The Gap Village Doctors, in Brisbane's north-west.
- Telehealth: interviews and the feedback session can often be done by secure video; the ADOS-2 and other testing are done in person.
Not every practitioner works at every clinic on every day, so when you call we'll let you know who is available where. Both clinics are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; for Saturdays, please call to check.
Prefer to talk it through first? Call 0410 029 886, or see all our assessments.