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ASSESSMENTS

Neurodivergent Testing Information


Our Approach


Neurodivergence (ND) is a term used to describe the natural variations in human neurology, particularly in the way people process information, understand, and respond to the world around them. Here at 12 Points Psychology, we recognise that neurodivergent individuals have a right to be accepted and valued for who they are, rather than being stigmatised. Further, we realise that trying to force yourself to act and function without acknowledging these differences (i.e., “masking”) can lead to stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and burnout. So rather than trying to "fix" or "cure" individuals with neurological differences, we advocate for creating a more inclusive society that accommodates and celebrates these differences, while helping our clients navigate those moments when the “neurotypical” world lets them down.


Benefits to Having a Comprehensive Assessment

  • Increased Self-Awareness: Understanding your neurotype can help you gain a better understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. This can help you better navigate social situations, relationships, and work environments that you may have found challenging.
  • Improved Communication: Understanding your neurotype can help you communicate your needs and preferences to others, and better understand their needs as well. This can therefore, improve your relationships and social interactions.•Improved learning and performance: Understanding your learning style and cognitive strengths can help you tailor your approach to learning and problem-solving, which can improve your performance and success in school and in the workplace.
  • Greater self-acceptance: Understanding your neurotype can help you accept and embrace your differences, which can lead to greater self-esteem, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. It can also help you overcome feelings of shame or inadequacy that may be associated with being neurodivergent.
  • Access to resources and support: Understanding your neurotype can help you identify and access resources and support services that are tailored to your specific needs, which can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
  • Comprehensive and customised recommendations: Fully exploring and assessing everything that makes you unique, is the most efficient way your support team can formulate the most effective and appropriate supports and/or intervention plans.


What assessments do we offer?

Comprehensive Autism assessments for children, teens & adults.

Comprehensive ADHD assessments for children, teens & adults.

Read on to learn more about each of these assessment types


Autism

Depending on your age, our neurodiversity-affirming Autism assessment consists of 3-5 sessions. During the initial intake session, you will be asked a range of questions about your current circumstance and any specific challenges you are facing. You will also be asked to complete a range of questionnaires.

  • If you are aged between 6-17 years old you will complete a cognitive test called the WISC-5. The WISC-5 will be used to assess your verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. This is not a test you need to study or prepare for and there’s really no way to “do it wrong” because the whole point is that it helps us work out relative strengths and weaknesses.
  • If you are over 17 years old, you are not required to complete a cognitive assessment as part of the diagnostic assessment. In subsequent sessions we will talk about the traits you display that may be related to autism using the MIGDAS-2 interview tool, which is considered the most neuro-affirming Autism assessment tool currently available. To gain the most complete picture of your neurotype, we will ask you about traits that have been present in adulthood and childhood, therefore it can be useful to have a parent, carer, or another safe adult who knew you during childhood (i.e., before you were 12 years old) attend some of the assessment sessions.

ADHD

Depending on your age, our neurodiversity-affirming ADHD assessment consist of 3-4 sessions. During the initial intake session, you will be asked a range of questions about your current circumstances and difficulties. You will also be asked to complete a range of questionnaires.

  • If you are aged between 6-17 years old you will also complete a cognitive test called the WISC-5. The WISC-5 will be used to assess your verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. This is not a test you need to study or prepare for and there’s really no way to “do it wrong” because the whole point is that it helps us work out relative strengths and weaknesses.
  • If you are over 17 years old you are not required to complete a cognitive assessment as part of the diagnostic assessment. In subsequent sessions we will talk about the traits you display that may be related to ADHD using a structured diagnostic interview – the DIVA-5. To gain the most complete picture of your neurotype, we will ask you about traits that have been present in adulthood and childhood, therefore it can be useful to have a parent, carer, or another safe adult who knew you during childhood (i.e., before you were 12 years old) attend some of the assessment sessions.


Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment


Depending on your age, our neurodiversity affirming AuDHD (Autism & ADHD) assessments consist of 4-6 sessions. During the initial intake session, you will be asked a range of questions about your current circumstances and difficulties. You will also be asked to complete a range of questionnaires.

  •  If you are aged between 6-17 years old you will be asked to complete a cognitive test called the WISC-5. The WISC-5 will be used to assess your verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. This is not a test you need to study or prepare for and there’s no way to “do it wrong” because the whole point is that it helps us work out relative strengths and weaknesses.
  • If you are over 17 years old, you are not required to complete a cognitive assessment as part of the diagnostic assessment.

In the subsequent session we will explore traits related to autism using the MIGDAS-2 interview tool as well as traits related to ADHD using a structured diagnostic interview - the DIVA-5. To gain the most complete picture of your neurotype, we will ask you about traits that have been present in adulthood and childhood, therefore it can be useful to have a parent, carer, or another safe adult who knew you during childhood (i.e., before you were 12 years old) attend some of the assessment sessions.


An important note about ADHD Assessments


Please note: at this time, psychologists are not able to prescribe medication for any condition or diagnosis. Therefore, if your main goal in getting an ADHD assessment is to trial ADHD medication, we suggest speaking to your GP about a referral to a suitably qualified psychiatrist who can complete their own assessment (they won’t prescribe based on an assessment done by someone else) and then prescribe you medication.

We tell you this to save you from having to undergo two separate assessments, but of course, it is totally up to you which mental health professional completes your assessment. 

However choose to provide this service because 1) many people have no interest in exploring medication options and 2) there can also be benefits to doing the assessment while you’re waiting to see the psychiatrist. For example, some people discover that once they get their diagnosis, they find it easier to navigate the neurotypical world because they have a better understanding of themselves and why they find certain aspects of life challenging. This sometimes means they no longer feel the need for medication to further understand or accept the origins of their needs or preferences.

Price Guide

Please note: this is a guide only and your individual circumstances may mean we need to
schedule more or less sessions with you to complete the most comprehensive report and
provide accurate recommendations.

Assessment

Fee

Autism:

For children & teens aged 6-16 years

 For an adult aged 18+


$2660 (you pay $532 per session)

$1962 (or $654 per session)

ADHD:

For children & teens aged 6-16 years

 For an adult aged 18+


$2380 (you pay $595 per session)

$1962 (you pay $654 per session)

Combined Autism & ADHD

For children & teens aged 6-16 years

 For an adult aged 18+


$3222 (you pay $537 per session)

$2520 (you pay $630 per session)

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are assessment costs covered by Medicare rebates, private health insurance or NDIS funding?Unfortunately, Medicare rebates cannot be used for assessment appointments. Private health funds vary and it is best to check with your provider to see whether they will fund or partially fund the assessment appointments. Each participants NDIS funding package also varies so it is best to discuss with your support coordinator whether psychological assessment is part of your package.

  2. What is in the report?
    Our comprehensive report contains a summary of all your assessment results and customised recommendations appropriate to your goals and preferred outcomes. It brings all the information together including observations, background history provided by yourself and others (e.g., your parents/family member), and test results to provide an overview of your neurotype and recommendations specific to your individual needs, strengths and challenges.
     
  3. Why does the assessment cost more than individual therapy per hour?
    Psychological assessment and diagnosis are a different set of skills compared to individual therapy and comprehensive assessments require the use of specialised test material that require ongoing payment to access. In addition, to ensure best-evidence-based and up to date practice is followed, your assessing psychologist needs to have ongoing supervision with an endorsed Psychologist who specialises in assessment and diagnosis. Despite this, we strive to provide a high-quality service for a reasonable price and are guided by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) when selecting appropriate fees for assessment and diagnostic service. You can check out the APS list of recommended fees for psychology services HERE.
     
  4. What happens after the assessment?
    Whether you receive the diagnosis you were expecting or not, after the time after an assessment can be quite daunting and overwhelming. At the same time, it can also be affirming and provide validation for past and current difficulties, so it can be difficult to know what to do next. So we're very happy to be able to offer short-term or ongoing sessions with one of our neuroaffirming therapists to help you make sense of your results or implement any strategies recommended in the report. As one of our assessment clients, if you do elect to see one of our therapists, your assessing psychologist will make a recommendation on who to see, or you can call our wonderful intake team directly via 03-8799-3907 or email intake12points@gmail.com and they'll help you find the right clinician for you.

  5. Should I see a psychiatrist instead of undergoing psychological assessment?
    That decision is completely up to you. Please check out the section above headed "An Important Note About ADHD Assessments" where we've outlined some of the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed choice.