Autism Assessments in Melbourne

Professional, evidence-based support for children, adolescents and adults

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that influences how a person communicates, socialises, processes information, and experiences the world around them. For some, the signs are clear from an early age. For others, the challenges may only become more noticeable in adolescence or adulthood. Families or individuals who are concerned about development or behaviour can seek a professional to assess for autism.

At KB Psychology, Training and Consulting, we provide thorough and sensitive autism assessments in Melbourne to help individuals and families gain clarity, access the right supports, and build a pathway forward. Our assessments are designed to support people and their families. Our team is experienced in working with children, teenagers and adults across a wide range of settings.

We know that seeking an autism assessment can feel overwhelming, but the right evaluation can bring understanding, relief, and practical steps for improving daily life. The process is supported by a team of highly qualified and trained psychologists.

After your initial enquiry, you will be contacted to discuss the next steps and how you and your family will be supported throughout the process.

Introduction to Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact socially, and process information. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), diagnosing autism involves meeting specific criteria related to social communication challenges and restricted or repetitive behaviours. In Australia, the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism provides a best practice framework to ensure that assessments are thorough and consistent across the country.  KB Psychology, Training and Consulting adhere to these guidelines to ensure best practice approaches are adopted and best outcomes achieved.

Understanding autism diagnosis is essential for families and professionals alike. The assessment and diagnosis process is multidisciplinary, often involving psychologists, teachers and often other health professionals to evaluate a child’s development and behaviour. Comprehensive assessments include clinical observation, standardised testing, and input from parents or caregivers. Early and accurate diagnosis helps families access the right support and interventions, improving outcomes for children with autism and their families. By following established criteria and working with experienced professionals, families can gain a clearer understanding of their child’s unique strengths and challenges.

Why Seek an Autism Assessment?

There are many reasons a person might consider an autism assessment:

• Clarifying behaviours and experiences – understanding why certain challenges occur, such as difficulties with social interaction, sensory sensitivities, or rigid routines. Parents may seek an assessment to better understand their child’s development and address any concerns.
• Accessing tailored supports – schools, workplaces, and community organisations often require a formal diagnosis to provide appropriate accommodations.
• NDIS eligibility – a formal autism diagnosis is often necessary to access funding and support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
• Improved self-awareness – for adults, an assessment can help explain lifelong challenges and lead to improved self-acceptance and strategies for daily living.

An assessment is not about labelling—it is about understanding. With the right diagnosis, individuals and families can make more informed decisions about interventions, education, and life planning. The assessment process helps determine the individual’s functioning, strengths, and support needs, ensuring that both autistic individuals and their families are appropriately supported.

Preparation is Key

Being well-prepared for an autism assessment can make a significant difference in the accuracy and usefulness of the results. Parents play a vital role in this process by gathering information about their child’s development, behaviour, and any concerns they may have noticed. Keeping a record of milestones, challenges, and observations can help health professionals, such as psychologists and speech pathologists, gain a deeper understanding of the child’s needs.

A comprehensive needs assessment is often the first step in the assessment process, allowing the multidisciplinary team to identify both strengths and areas where support is needed. By sharing detailed information and collaborating with professionals, parents can help ensure that the assessment is tailored to their child’s unique profile. This thorough preparation leads to a more reliable diagnosis and enables the team to recommend effective strategies and supports that address the child’s specific challenges.

Our Autism Assessment Process

At KB Psychology, we use a multifaceted approach to ensure assessments are accurate, reliable, and personalised. In most cases, we conduct assessments using a combination of screening tools and standardised measures to gather a comprehensive understanding of the child’s strengths and challenges.

The team works together to determine if the individual meets the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of autism. This involves evaluating behaviours in relation to diagnostic criteria and overall functioning. Research supports the use of these evidence-based assessment methods to ensure best practices and accurate outcomes.

Following the assessment, families receive a comprehensive report summarising the findings and providing tailored recommendations.

Clinical Interviews

A psychologist will lead the clinical interview process. We begin with in-depth consultations to understand the individual’s history, developmental milestones, strengths, and challenges. These interviews help gather detailed information about the individual’s development. Parents, caregivers, partners, or teachers may be involved to provide additional perspectives.

Assessment Tools

We use internationally recognised tools, including screening tools used alongside standardised assessments, administered only by trained professionals:

• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition). The ADOS-2 involves structured and semi-structured tasks that allow us to observe communication, social interaction, play, and restricted or repetitive behaviours in a supportive environment.
• SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition). The SRS-2 is a questionnaire completed by parents, teachers, or the individual themselves. It provides valuable insights into social behaviours in everyday settings and helps measure the severity of autism-related challenges.
• MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition). The MIGDAS is an efficient method of systematically gathering and organising the information needed to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, adolescents and adults.
• CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd Edition is designed as a clinical rating scale for the trained clinician to rate items indicative of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) after direct observation of the child. The form is used with individuals of all ages and in both clinical and research settings.

Extensive research supports the validity and reliability of these assessment and screening tools in the early identification and diagnosis of autism.Complementary Measures

Depending on the individual, we may also incorporate cognitive assessments, behavioural observations, and rating scales to build a complete picture.

Feedback and Reporting

Following the assessment, we provide a comprehensive report and a feedback session. This includes:

• Clear explanation of findings
• Whether diagnostic criteria are met, including whether a clinical diagnosis of autism has been made
• Practical recommendations for supports, strategies, and interventions
• Guidance on next steps (e.g. NDIS application, school supports, therapy referrals)

Families are supported with personalised recommendations and guidance on accessing further services and assistance.

Telehealth Appointment

Telehealth appointments have become an important part of the autism assessment process, making it easier for families to access services without the need for in-person visits. During a telehealth appointment, health professionals can gather valuable information about the individual’s behaviour, development, and how they interact with others. The clinician will ask questions about the  person’s background, strengths, and areas where support may be needed, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.

This remote approach is especially helpful for families facing long waiting lists or those who live far from assessment centres. Telehealth appointments are designed to be flexible and accommodating, taking into account each persons individual needs and circumstances.

After the initial telehealth session, an in-person assessment may follow to provide a complete picture of  development and support needs. By using telehealth, families can access autism assessment services more conveniently and efficiently, ensuring timely support..

Autism Assessments for Children

Early identification of autism in children is crucial. It allows families, educators, child care providers, and healthcare professionals to implement supports that encourage development, social connection, and learning. Assessing a child’s development and functioning is essential for understanding their strengths and challenges. The assessment process helps determine whether a child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis. Parents who are concerned about their child’s development should seek a professional assessment.

Our child autism assessments include:

• Developmental history interviews with parents or caregivers
• Input from teachers, child care providers, or childcare providers
• Play-based observations with the child
• Input from child care providers
• Recommendations for school-based and home-based strategies

Autism Assessments for Adults

Many adults seek an autism assessment later in life, often after years of feeling “different” or experiencing challenges in relationships, work, or study. Autistic people may seek assessment at any age to better understand themselves and access appropriate support. An assessment can help:

• Provide clarity and self-understanding
• Identify strengths and challenges
• Suggest strategies for work, relationships, and daily living, including evaluating functioning in work and daily life
• Support NDIS applications or workplace accommodations

We approach adult autism assessments with sensitivity and respect, acknowledging that every individual’s journey is unique. After assessment, autistic adults are supported through referrals to resources, therapies, and community programs tailored to their needs.

Ongoing Support

Receiving an autism diagnosis is just the beginning of the journey for children and their families. Ongoing support is essential to help children with autism develop important skills and overcome challenges related to communication, social interaction, and, in some cases, intellectual disability. After diagnosis, families can access a wide range of support services, including therapies, educational programs, and interventions tailored to their child’s needs.

Health professionals such as psychologists and speech pathologists play a key role in providing ongoing guidance, helping families implement effective strategies at home, in school, and in the community. Support groups and online resources can also connect families with others who share similar experiences, offering encouragement and practical advice. By working closely with professionals and accessing available services, families can ensure their child receives the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

Future Planning

Planning for the future is an important step for families following an autism diagnosis. With the support of health professionals, families can begin to map out their child’s educational, social, and emotional needs, ensuring that the right supports are in place as their child grows. Developing an individualised plan that highlights the child’s strengths, challenges, and goals can help guide decisions about schooling, therapies, and community involvement.

Accessing funding and services, such as NDISand other support programs, is also a key part of future planning. Psychologists, speech pathologists, and other professionals can provide valuable advice and help families navigate the available resources. By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to planning, families can help their child build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their goals throughout every stage of life.

Why Choose KB Psychology for Autism Assessments in Melbourne?

• Experienced clinicians with training in gold-standard assessment tools
• Comprehensive process tailored to each client’s needs
• Child, adolescent and adult assessments available
• Research-based methods—our practices are informed by the latest research to ensure effective assessment and intervention
• Practical recommendations to guide and support autistic people and their families, as well as schools and workplaces
• Convenient locations in Chadstone, West Footscray, Mornington, and Mt Martha
• Supportive and respectful approach—we see the person, not just the diagnosis

Book Your Autism Assessment in Melbourne

Whether you’re seeking clarity for a child, teenager, or yourself, KB Psychology, Training, and Consulting can provide professional, accurate and compassionate autism assessments.

If you are concerned about your child’s development or your own, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Call us on 0449 102 199

After you make contact, you will be contacted by a team member to discuss your needs and arrange the assessment process.

We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from first enquiry to written report and beyond.

FAQs About Autism Assessments

What is the difference between autism and Asperger’s? The term “Asperger’s Syndrome” is no longer used in current diagnostic manuals. Today, individuals are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which recognises a broad spectrum of presentations and abilities.

How long does an autism assessment take? The full process can take several hours across multiple sessions, including interviews, observations, questionnaires, and feedback. Screening tools are also used as part of the assessment to help inform the process. A comprehensive report is provided, which details the findings and specifies whether a clinical diagnosis has been made.

Can adults be diagnosed with autism? Yes. Many adults are now seeking a diagnosis later in life, often after recognising traits in themselves or following a child’s diagnosis. An adult assessment can provide valuable insights and support, and is typically conducted by a psychologist or other qualified medical professional.

Is an autism assessment covered by Medicare or NDIS?.  Medicare may provide rebates for people under 25 years old when referred by a paediatrician, for some parts of the assessment, depending on referral pathways. A confirmed autism diagnosis is also an important step in applying for NDIS funding.

How soon can I book an assessment? Wait times vary depending on location and demand. Contact us directly to discuss availability in Chadstone, West Footscray, Mornington, or Mt Martha

Do I need a referral? A referral is not always required, but some Medicare rebates may require a referral from a paediatrician, or psychiatrist.