An autism assessment is a comprehensive, diagnostic evaluation designed to determine whether a child or young person meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It explores social communication, interaction, behaviour, development, learning, and adaptive functioning to build a clear understanding of the child as a whole.

Autism assessments at The Daisy Clinic follow a structured, evidence-based process aligned with best-practice diagnostic guidelines.

Who conducts an autism assessment?

Autism assessments at The Daisy Clinic are conducted only by psychologists with specialist training and experience in autism assessment and diagnosis. Not all clinicians are qualified to complete autism assessments. These assessments require advanced training in standardised autism-specific tools, cognitive assessment, developmental history-taking, and diagnostic formulation. Families are always matched with a clinician who has the appropriate qualifications, experience, and scope of practice.

Who are autism assessments for?

Autism assessments are generally completed for children aged five years and above, though suitability is determined based on the child’s developmental level and presenting concerns. For children under five years of age, autism assessment is typically completed through a developmental assessment pathway, which is specifically designed for younger children and early developmental presentations. You can read more about this pathway here:

https://thedaisyclinic.com.au/assessments/developmental-assessments/

An autism assessment for children and young people aged five years and above may be recommended when a child or young person presents with:

• Differences in social communication or interaction
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities
• Sensory sensitivities or differences
• Differences in play, flexibility, or emotional regulation
• Developmental, learning, or behavioural profiles that raise questions about autism

What assessments are used?

Autism assessments involve multiple sources of information to support accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Assessment components typically include:

• A detailed parent interview, including a structured autism developmental interview (ADI‑R)
• Adaptive functioning questionnaires
• Behavioural questionnaires
• Autism-specific questionnaires completed across home and school environments
• Cognitive assessment to understand thinking and learning abilities
• Direct observation using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS‑2) or Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS-2).

The assessment battery is individualised based on the child’s age, developmental level, and presenting concerns.

Is this a diagnostic assessment?

Yes. An autism assessment is a diagnostic assessment used to determine whether a child meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with DSM‑5‑TR criteria. Autism assessments also support differential diagnosis, helping to distinguish autism from, or identify co-occurring conditions such as:

• Intellectual Developmental Disorder
• Language or communication disorders
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Behavioural disorders
• Anxiety or emotional regulation difficulties

What is involved and what does it cost?

Autism assessments at The Daisy Clinic follow a staged and transparent process, allowing families to understand findings and costs at each step and to pause the process if needed.

Step 1: Parent Interview and ADI-R

• Duration: Up to 2 hours
• Cost: $582.47

A comprehensive parent interview that includes developmental history, current concerns, and administration of the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R).

Step 2: Questionnaires

• Cost: $116.50 per questionnaire

Autism assessments include a minimum of six questionnaires, typically comprising:

• an adaptive functioning questionnaire (parent and teacher),
• a behavioural questionnaire (parent and teacher), and
• an autism-specific questionnaire (parent and teacher).

These questionnaires capture functioning across home and school environments and are a core component of autism assessment.

Step 3: Autism-Specific Observation

• Duration: Typically 1-1.5 hours
• Cost: $465.98

Direct observation and interaction using an autism-specific assessment tool. This will be either the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) or the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS-2), depending on the child’s age and developmental level.

Step 4: Cognitive Assessment Administration

• Duration: Typically up to 2 hours
• Cost: $582.47

A standardised cognitive assessment to understand the child’s learning profile and support diagnostic formulation.

Step 5: Written Report

At the conclusion of the assessment process, families can choose between two reporting options:

• Brief Summary Report: $465.98
  A concise written summary integrating findings from interviews, questionnaires, ADOS-2, and cognitive assessment, outlining diagnostic conclusions and practical recommendations.
• Comprehensive Autism Assessment Report: $1,397.94
  A detailed written report including full interpretation of assessment data, diagnostic formulation aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria, and strengths- and needs-based recommendations for home, school, and community.

Typical total cost

Based on the components outlined above, the typical overall cost for an autism assessment (excluding the optional comprehensive report) is $2,794.89.

A referral from a paediatrician may entitle families to a Medicare rebate for part of the autism assessment process. For this reason, it is always recommended that families obtain a paediatrician referral prior to commencing an autism assessment. Eligibility for Medicare rebates depends on the type of referral and the assessment components required. Our team will discuss rebate eligibility and any out-of-pocket costs with families before assessment begins.