Autism Assessments

An autism assessment can help deepen your understanding of your child and can offer a guide to future areas of support. At the end of the assessment, our goal is to provide you with an individual and nuanced profile of your child’s pattern of brain style. This can be helpful to assist learning how to best approach life, including decisions around education, interventions and NDIS applications.
We offer autism assessments for adults too, which can offer the same outcomes for you or someone you wish to find support for.

What is the assessment process?

An autism assessment at Foundation Psychology will involve the following for Children (2+) and Adolescents (up to 20 years of age):

  • Initial intake session
  • MIGDAS-2 parent session
  • MIGDAS-2 child/adolescent session
  • Possible teacher MIGDAS-2 session
  • Childhood Autism Rating Scale – Second Edition Parent interview
  • Feedback Session

If you’d like more information about our ASD assessment services including fees and availability, please contact.

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For adults 20 years plus seeking an Autism, ADHD or neurodivergence assessment, see here.

What is included in an Autism assessment report?

An Autism assessment report will include the following information:

  • Background information including developmental history
  • Assessment results
  • DSM 5 – V TR diagnostic evaluation
  • Diagnostic outcome
  • Recommendations

What is the MIGDAS-2?

The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2) is a sensory-based process for gathering and organising the qualitative information needed to diagnose autism in children, adolescents, and adults. The process includes guidelines for gathering information from parents/caregivers and teachers, and for conducting a sensory-based interview with the individual being evaluated. The end result is a comprehensive behavioural profile that describes the individual’s distinct way of relating to the world, supplementing assessment scores and informing diagnosis and treatment planning.

What is unique about the MIGDAS-2 assessment process?

The MIGDAS-2 diagnostic interview process invites individuals to share their worldview through the entry point of preferred topics and sensory materials. The entry point is paired with reducing the social communication and task demands. As a result, the assessment process is designed to be a positive experience for the individual. An individual’s strengths are highlighted as part of the assessment process and form an important part of the overall understanding of the individual’s brain style. Each individual’s strengths and differences emerge during the assessment process, these skills and strengths can then be used to build a successful life.

Is this Assessment suitable for an application for the NDIS?

An assessment confirming Autism may make up part of the NDIS application process, but is not the only factor considered in applications to access the NDIS. Having a formal diagnosis of Autism is certainly a good place to start, and we can assist in other aspects of the NDIS process once the Autism assessment is complete.

What is the difference between the MIGDAS and the ADOS?

Both are standardised methods for assessing diagnosing Autism, with slightly different approaches. The ADOS-2 provides the structured, examiner driven social communication measure, while the MIGDAS-2 is a sensory-based interview and provides a more individualised assessment process.

Will ADHD be part of the assessment?

Yes, if indicated. ADHD and Autism co-occur often, making it important for the clinician to identify both during the assessment process. An ADHD assessment can be completed as part of or separately to the Autism assessment and will involve more assessment sessions.

Is an IQ test part of an Autism assessment?

Typically we will not administer an intelligence test while assessing for Autism, though in some cases this is indicated. A cognitive assessment called a WISC-IV can be completed as part of or separately to the Autism assessment, and will involve more assessment sessions.

The first steps in getting an assessment

To begin the assessment process, contact us and ask for an Autism Assessment, and we’ll book in the initial session.

You can also visit your General Practitioner, paediatrician or psychiatrist for a medical evaluation. You can also speak to your child and family health nurse.