Autism Assessments
In Your Home, at Your School, or in Our Rooms
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects with others, and experiences the world. It can also involve patterns of special interests and restricted or repetitive behaviours. Autism presents differently in every individual, and part of the assessment process is understanding each person’s unique profile—rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
We offer comprehensive autism assessments using the gold-standard ADOS-2 and ADI-R, delivered in the way that works best for your family. For children, this most often means we come to you—conducting the assessment in your home, regular therapy centre, daycare, or school, where your child is most themselves. For adolescents and adults, we offer flexible options across our Brookvale rooms, mobile visits, and telehealth components.
Halaina brings over a decade of experience working with children, families, and adults across clinical, educational, and research settings. This experience informs a careful, individualised approach to assessment that looks beyond surface behaviours to understand the broader developmental picture.
What the Assessment Involves
An autism assessment is completed over a series of appointments, allowing for a thorough and well-rounded understanding of the individual.
The process typically includes:
1. Initial Appointment
An initial session to understand your concerns, a brief developmental history, and current presentation. This helps guide the focus of the assessment.
2. ADOS-2 Assessment
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is a structured, play-based or conversational assessment that looks at social communication and interaction in real time. This is completed directly with the individual.
3. Developmental Interview (ADI-R)
A detailed parent interview (ADI-R) is completed to gain a comprehensive understanding of early development, behaviour patterns, and how things have evolved over time.
4. Observation in Everyday Environments
Where possible, we conduct observations in the individual’s everyday environment—such as at home, in daycare, or at school. This allows for a more natural and accurate understanding of how they interact and engage in familiar settings without the pressure of an assessment.
5. Questionnaires and Additional Information
Standardised questionnaires and information from parents, teachers, or other supports are regularly included to build a complete picture.
6. Comprehensive Report and Feedback
Following the assessment, a detailed report is provided. This outlines findings, diagnostic considerations, strengths and challenges, and tailored recommendations. A feedback session is also included to talk through the outcomes and next steps.
Who This Assessment Is For
Autism assessments are available across the lifespan.
You may be seeking an assessment if:
you’re a parent noticing differences in your child’s communication, behaviour, or development
your child or teenager is finding social situations, school, or emotional regulation particularly challenging
you’ve received feedback from a teacher, GP, or other professional suggesting further assessment
you’re an adult who has long wondered whether autism may explain aspects of your experiences, relationships, or way of thinking
Many people come to this process unsure of what they will find. The aim is not just to determine whether someone meets criteria for autism, but to develop a clearer understanding of their profile, strengths, and needs.
Fees and Structure
A comprehensive autism assessment at Sydney Child and Family Practice is completed across multiple sessions, as outlined above. It is a thorough clinical process — not a single appointment or a screening — designed to give you a clear answer and a practical path forward.
Standard fee: $2,500
Introductory fee: $1,950 (for assessments booked and commenced before 30 June 2026)
**Sydney Child and Family Practice is a newly established clinic, and we are offering introductory pricing to the first families who join us as we build our practice. The assessment itself - the time, the tools, the clinician, and the report - is exactly the same. This is simply a reflection of where we are in our first year, and an opportunity for families who are ready to begin now.A payment schedule can be discussed and structured across the assessment process. Medicare rebates may be available if you have a paediatrician or psychiatrist referral under the complex neurodevelopmental item numbers.
“Autism is not a disease to be cured, but a different way of experiencing the world to be understood.”
Enquire about an autism assessment
We will be in touch within two business days to arrange an initial conversation.
There is no obligation to proceed.
“The goal is not to label, but to better understand how someone experiences the world — and how to support them within it.”
Something to Know About Autism Assessments
Because every child and family is different, we offer flexibility in how and where the assessment is delivered:
Mobile assessments in your home, regular therapy centre, daycare, or school - our most requested option for children, and the focus of our service. Mobile assessments are available across Greater Sydney.
In-clinic appointments at our Brookvale rooms - often used for adolescents and adults, or for families who prefer a clinical setting.
Telehealth components used for parent interviews and feedback sessions where appropriate.
In most cases, a combination works best. The ADOS-2 itself is typically conducted in person (either at home or in clinic), while the parent interview and feedback session can be done via telehealth to reduce travel and time pressure on busy families.
Seeing a child in their familiar environment isn't just more comfortable—it produces more accurate clinical observations. Children behave differently when they're tired, anxious, or in an unfamiliar room. Assessing them where they are themselves means the report reflects who they actually are.
Why This Matters
No two individuals with autism present in the same way.
A comprehensive assessment is not just about identifying whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria—it’s about understanding how autism presents for that individual, what their strengths are, and what supports will be most helpful moving forward.
Our aim is to provide an assessment process that feels thorough, respectful, and genuinely useful—giving you clarity, direction, and practical recommendations for next steps.
What Happens After Your Assessment
The assessment process doesn't end when you receive the report. Many families tell us they've previously had assessments where they were handed a document and left wondering what to do next. We work differently.
Your assessment includes:
A comprehensive written report outlining findings, diagnostic considerations, your child's strengths and challenges, and tailored recommendations
A dedicated feedback session where we walk through the report together, answer your questions, and discuss what it means in practical terms for your child and family
Specific next-step recommendations, taking into account your child's interests, the services available in your area, and your family's context
Where helpful, suggested referrals to allied health (occupational therapy, speech pathology, paediatric care) so you have a clear path forward
Our goal is that you finish the process not with more questions, but with a clear understanding of your child—and a practical plan.