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Assessments
Autism | ADHD| Intellectual Disability

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What do we offer?

 

Whilst South Yarra Psychology is predominantly a therapeutic practice that offers treatment for a wide range of presenting issues, we also offer formal assessments for:

 

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): available in person and online

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): available in person and online

  • Cognitive ability (IQ) / Intellectual Disability​ (ID): available in person only

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These assessments are carried out by a clinical psychologist (Rebecca Cole) who has completed extensive training in conducting psychological assessments. The assessment process is designed to help determine if you meet the internationally recognised diagnostic criteria for whichever condition(s) you book an assessment for. 

 

Assessment costs: Fees are based on the number of assessments you choose (e.g. ADHD plus ASD involves two assessments), as well as whether a comprehensive report is requested. ​​​Medicare rebates are not available for assessments. Private health insurance policies may offer a rebate (this depends on the policy/coverage). For further information, please see below. 

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Reports: A one-page summary of your assessment outcome is included in the cost of the assessment. You may choose to receive a more comprehensive report regarding your assessment outcome. A comprehensive report will outline whether or not you meet the diagnostic criteria of the condition(s) you chose to be assessed for. In recognising not everyone requires a comprehensive report, this is an optional service that incurs an additional cost (approx. $825 extra). If you wish to receive a comprehensive report, this needs to be advised at the time of booking the assessment. 

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Book a free phone call to discuss further

 

Book a free 10 minute phone call with one of our psychologists who can answer your questions and, if you'd like to proceed with booking an assessment, this can be done during the call.

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What does an assessment involve?

 

The assessment process consists of the following stages:

 

  • Completing questionnaires: These will be sent to you in advance of meeting with the assessing psychologist. The questionnaires need to be completed, before you attend your first assessment appointment. 

  • Attending a semi-structured 'interview' with the assessing psychologist. This can be done in person or online (except for intellectual disability assessments, which must be attended in person).

  • Attending a one-hour feedback session with the assessing psychologist. This can be attended in person or online. Shortly after this session you will receive a summary letter, which will state if a diagnosis applies (or a comprehensive report, if you chose this when you booked the assessment). 

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*ADHD assessments: If you're being assessed for ADHD, the psychologist will also meet with someone who is close to you (an adult, who knows you well in everyday life; a partner, a parent/guardian, a close friend), to obtain information from them in advance of your semi-structured interview. This is an essential part of the ADHD assessment process. 

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Who do we assess?

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To book an assessment, you will need to be:

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  • 16 years old or over (we do not assess children)

  • Fluent in English

  • Verbal (we are unable to conduct assessments on non-verbal individuals)

  • Able to attend an assessment in person or via video call (except intellectual disability assessments, which are only available in person).

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Assessment fees (includes 1-page summary report)

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  • ADHD assessment: $1,072.50

  • Autism assessment: $1,210

  • Combined ADHD + Autism,: $1,760

  • Cognitive assessment: $935

  • Intellectual Disability (ID) assessment: $1,485

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  • Optional comprehensive report: an additional $825 

    • The above fees include a 1-page summary report. Whereas a comprehensive report can be tailored to your needs (e.g. if you're seeking functional evidence for NDIS, academic support, or workplace accommodations)

    • Note: We do not complete NDIS applications, but a comprehensive report can support that process.

 

What don't we offer?

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  • We do not assess individuals under 16 years old.

  • We do not provide medication (you should consult with a psychiatrist if you are seeking medication). 

  • We do not write NDIS funding applications following ASD Level 2 + and/or Intellectual Disability diagnosis.​ However, we do offer an Adaptive Behaviour Assessment for the purpose of NDIS funding (if the assessor believes you have an ASD diagnosis of Level 2 or higher).

 

  • We do not offer assessments for:

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  • Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs): including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and/or Dysgraphia

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Neurocognitive Disorders (including disorders resulting from brain injury, stroke, or dementia)

  • Any other conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist when it comes to adult ADHD assessments?

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Both psychologists and psychiatrists can assess ADHD, but they typically approach it differently:

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  • Psychologists focus on understanding your life story and how ADHD manifests across various areas—work, relationships, mental health, identity, and more. They provide in-depth assessments, often including detailed interviews.

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  • Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Their assessments may be more medically focused and time-limited, often centering on diagnosis for medication purposes.

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What are the benefits of seeing a psychologist for an ADHD assessment?

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  • Thorough and holistic evaluation: Psychologists typically offer comprehensive assessments that explore your cognitive profile, developmental history, trauma background, and psychosocial context.

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  • Clear diagnostic feedback: You'll receive a definitive answer regarding whether you meet the criteria for ADHD, along with an explanation of how the symptoms present in your life.

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  • Personalised strategies: Psychologists provide tailored recommendations and resources beyond just medication, including behavioural strategies, therapy options, and environmental supports.

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  • Neurodivergent-affirming approach: Our Clinical Psychologist, Rebecca Cole, is trained to identify nuanced presentations (e.g., in women, non-binary individuals, and late-diagnosed adults) and offers support with sensitivity, warmth, and validation.

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  • Support for co-occurring concerns: Many clients have overlapping issues like anxiety, trauma, or autism. A psychologist can help disentangle these and offer integrated support.

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What are the benefits of seeing a psychiatrist for an ADHD assessment?

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  • Medication access: Psychiatrists can prescribe ADHD medication. If you're primarily seeking medication and already feel confident about your diagnosis, a psychiatrist might be the more direct route.

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  • Medical expertise: Psychiatrists can assess for and manage co-occurring medical conditions that may influence ADHD symptoms.

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Can I see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
 

Yes! Many individuals choose to see a psychologist first for a comprehensive assessment and then share that report with a psychiatrist to consider in relation to medication. Some psychiatrists are willing to prescribe based on a psychologist’s assessment, which can reduce duplication of cost and time.

 

I've had a bad experience before - what should I do?

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If you’ve previously felt dismissed, confused, or hurt by assessments, we understand. Our team is committed to trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming care. We take your lived experience seriously and aim to make the process collaborative, transparent, and empowering.

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