Autism Assessments for Children, Adolescents and Adults in Brisbane

At Redefini, an autism assessment brings together clinical interviews, behavioural observations, relevant background information and standardised assessment measures. This helps determine whether a person meets the diagnostic criteria for autism, identify their individual strengths and support needs, and consider whether further assessment may be helpful.

What Can an Autism Assessment Help Identify?

• The person’s individual strengths, differences, and support needs.

• Whether the person meets the current diagnostic criteria for autism.

• Whether signs of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or mood difficulties, may require further consideration.

• For children and adolescents, the assessment may include measures of adaptive functioning to better understand everyday support needs.

• Whether further assessment may be helpful for conditions such as ADHD, intellectual disability, learning or language difficulties, or other medical and developmental concerns.

What We Consider During Autism Assessments

In our autism assessment work, we consider the person’s developmental history, communication preferences, sensory experiences, relationships, routines, interests and everyday support needs.

No single measure, including the ADOS-2 or MIGDAS-2, determines whether a person is autistic. Redefini psychologists integrate information from interviews, observations, appropriate assessment measures and relevant background information.

We also consider masking and compensation. Some people may appear socially confident or cope well in structured settings while experiencing substantial fatigue, anxiety or difficulty behind the scenes. Our neuroaffirming approach aims to understand the person’s authentic experience rather than how closely they appear to meet social expectations.

Child and Adolescent Autism Diagnostic Assessment — $2,795

Adult Autism Diagnostic Assessment — $2,795

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Assessments

What is included in an autism assessment at Redefini?

An autism assessment at Redefini may include clinical interviews, behavioural observations, standardised assessment measures, questionnaires and a review of relevant developmental, medical, psychological, educational or occupational information. The assessment process is tailored to the person’s age, communication style, developmental history, circumstances and support needs.

Which autism assessment measures does Redefini use?

Depending on what is clinically appropriate, Redefini may use measures such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), and the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2). Other interviews, questionnaires and measures of social communication, behaviour, development, cognition or adaptive functioning may also be included.

No single measure determines whether someone is autistic. The psychologist considers information from multiple sources and uses clinical judgment to develop a comprehensive understanding of the person.

What is the ADOS-2?

The ADOS-2 is a standardised, semi-structured assessment that uses activities and conversation to observe communication, social interaction, play or imagination, and behaviours associated with autism. Different modules are available according to the person’s age, language and developmental level. It can be used with people ranging from young children to verbally fluent adults. WPS explains the ADOS-2 and its intended age range.

Is the ADOS-2 only designed for boys?

No. The ADOS-2 is not restricted to boys and can be administered to people of any gender. However, autism can present differently between individuals, and some girls, women and gender-diverse people may camouflage or mask their autistic characteristics.

At Redefini, ADOS-2 observations are considered alongside the person’s developmental history, lived experience, information from other settings and any evidence of masking. A diagnosis is not based on an ADOS-2 result alone.

What is the MIGDAS-2?

The MIGDAS-2 is a sensory-based, qualitative interview framework that helps the psychologist understand the person’s individual communication style, relationships, emotional responses, sensory experiences and interests. It can be used with children, adolescents and adults, including people with different levels of verbal communication. WPS describes the MIGDAS-2 and its formats.

Why might Redefini use the MIGDAS-2 as well as the ADOS-2?

The measures provide different kinds of information. The ADOS-2 provides a structured opportunity to observe particular behaviours, while the MIGDAS-2 helps develop a qualitative and individualised understanding of the person’s experiences.

Redefini may use either measure, both measures or other appropriate assessment tools. The psychologist selects measures according to the person’s needs and the clinical questions being considered.

Is Redefini’s autism assessment neuroaffirming?

Redefini aims to provide a respectful and neuroaffirming assessment experience. Autism is approached as a form of neurodivergence rather than as a collection of deficits.

The assessment considers the person’s strengths, interests, communication preferences, sensory experiences, daily challenges, and support needs. Redefini aims to use respectful language, reduce unnecessary demands, and provide recommendations that support the person’s well-being, autonomy, and participation.

In our clinical work, we help each client participate in ways that respect their communication preferences, sensory profile, pace and need for breaks. We consider masking, internalised presentations and information from different settings rather than relying on a single assessment tool or observation.

What if I am highly masking?

Masking or camouflaging can involve consciously or unconsciously hiding autistic characteristics, copying social behaviours, rehearsing conversations or suppressing natural movements and responses. This may make autism less visible during a single appointment.

Redefini considers possible masking throughout the assessment. The psychologist may explore the effort required to manage social situations, differences between public and private behaviour, sensory experiences, exhaustion following social interaction and the person’s developmental history. Information from people who know the person well may also be considered—with consent.

A person does not need to “look autistic” during the appointment to have their experiences taken seriously. Autism Association of Australia provides further information about masking.

Can highly masking women and girls be assessed?

Yes. Redefini assesses people of all genders and recognises that autistic characteristics may not always match traditional stereotypes. Girls, women, and gender-diverse people may have learned to imitate others, suppress visible differences, or develop strategies that make their difficulties less noticeable.

The assessment considers the person’s internal experiences, developmental history, sensory profile, relationships and the effort involved in appearing to cope—not only what is observed during an appointment. Autism Association of Australia notes that masking can contribute to autism being overlooked in girls and women. Read its guidance about autism in women and girls.

Who can have an autism assessment at Redefini?

Redefini provides autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. The process is adapted to the person’s age, developmental level, communication preferences, and individual circumstances.

Do parents, teachers, or other people need to provide information?

When appropriate and with consent, Redefini may request information from parents, carers, partners, teachers or other people who know the person well. This can help the psychologist understand the person’s development and experiences across different environments.

An assessment may still be possible when childhood records or suitable informants are unavailable. The psychologist will discuss what information can reasonably be gathered in the person’s circumstances.

How long does an autism assessment take?

An autism assessment generally involves multiple appointments. The total timeframe depends on the person’s needs, the measures selected, whether additional information is required, and how quickly questionnaires and relevant documents are returned. Redefini will explain the expected process and timeframe before the assessment begins.

Can an autism assessment identify other conditions?

The assessment may identify signs that other developmental or mental health conditions should be considered. These may include ADHD, anxiety, mood difficulties, intellectual disability, or learning and language difficulties. Further assessment or referral may be recommended where appropriate.

Will I receive a written report?

Yes. Redefini provides a written psychological assessment report explaining the assessment findings and recommendations. A feedback session is also provided to explain the results, answer questions, and discuss appropriate next steps.

How much does an autism assessment cost at Redefini?

The current fee shown for a child, adolescent, or adult autism diagnostic assessment is $2,795. Payment plans may be available. Medicare or private health insurance rebates may apply depending on eligibility and level of cover. Please confirm fees and possible rebates with Redefini before booking.

Can NDIS funding be used for an autism assessment?

NDIS funding may be available for eligible assessment or reporting services when the support is included in the participant’s plan and meets current funding requirements. Diagnostic assessments are not automatically funded. Please confirm eligibility with your plan manager, support coordinator, or the NDIA before booking.

Who conducts autism assessments at Redefini?

Autism assessments are undertaken by members of Redefini’s psychology team with relevant professional expertise. Our team includes registered psychologists and provisional psychologists practising under supervision. The clinicians involved and assessment methods selected depend on the referral question, the person’s age and presentation, and the information required.

How do I book an autism assessment with Redefini?

Select Book an Autism Assessment to make an enquiry or request an appointment. If you are unsure whether an assessment is appropriate, contact Redefini to discuss your circumstances and available options.