Seeking clarity? We provide timely, comprehensive, NDIS-recognised Autism assessments so you can move forward with confidence
Considering an Autism assessment is an important step towards better understanding yourself or your child. At Nurtured Thoughts, we offer a warm, respectful environment that balances convenience with clinical excellence, so you feel supported and empowered throughout the process.
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Why Consider
An Autism Assessment
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Access to NDIS Support: A formal Autism assessment can help qualify you or your child for NDIS services. Our reports are fully recognised by the NDIS, schools, paediatricians, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers.
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Clarity and Understanding: Gaining a deeper understanding of how you or your child experiences the world can provide valuable insights into strengths, challenges, and the most supportive next steps.
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Evidence-Based Tools: We use validated, widely recognised instruments such as the ADI-R and MIGDAS-2 to ensure our assessments are accurate and credible.
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Universal Recognition: The methods used in our detailed reports are recognised and accepted by schools, workplaces, the NDIS, and medical specialists, helping you advocate effectively for the right accommodations and support.
• Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individual
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Why Choose Nurtured Thoughts
for Your Autism Assessment
All assessments at Nurtured Thoughts are conducted by Heather, our Clinical Psychologist Registrar. Heather specialises exclusively in psychological assessments, dedicating her time and expertise to delivering thorough, accurate evaluations.
Her focused practice ensures she remains up to date with the latest diagnostic guidelines, research, and best-practice methodologies. By working solely in assessments, Heather applies the most effective tools, delivers comprehensive evaluations, and interprets results to the highest professional standard.
This level of specialisation ensures that assessments are thoughtful, thorough, and provide a clear, reliable understanding of each individual’s unique profile. Whether the assessment is for Autism, ADHD, learning differences, or other concerns, you can feel confident knowing your care is guided by someone deeply immersed in the science and practice of psychological assessment.
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Online or In-Person—Your Choice
We offer both online and in-person appointments for your convenience
Under 16 Years
The intake (first) and feedback (last) sessions can be conducted remotely. However, the main assessment must be completed in person to ensure clinical accuracy and meet best-practice guidelines.
16 Years and Older
If preferred, the entire assessment process—including intake, assessment, and feedback sessions—can be completed remotely using secure, professional platforms.
Assessment Session (2 hours)
If proceeding, Heather will conduct a detailed two-hour assessment using standardised tools, structured activities, and discussions to gather a comprehensive understanding.
Questionnaires for Report
Questionnaires may also be completed by you and/or key people in your or your child’s life (such as family members, teachers, or partners) to provide additional perspectives. Heather will then dedicate approximately four hours to reviewing the information and preparing a detailed report.
Initial Intake Session (1–1.5 hours)
We begin with an intake session to explore your background, current concerns, and any experiences or traits that may be associated with autism. If it appears unlikely that a diagnosis will be confirmed, Heather will explain this at the outset, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
Feedback Session (1 hour)
Once the report is ready, we’ll schedule a feedback session to discuss the findings, answer any questions, and outline clear recommendations and next steps.
• Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individual
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The intake session helps determine whether a full assessment is likely to be beneficial. If Heather feels that a diagnosis of autism is unlikely, she will explain this during the session so you can make an informed decision about proceeding.
While no screening tool is 100% accurate, completing a brief questionnaire can help provide initial insights:
• RAADS-14 Questionnaire (Autism Screening)
Some individuals may score lower on screening questionnaires due to ‘masking’—a common and understandable strategy where people consciously or unconsciously adapt their behaviour to fit social expectations.Yes. Autism is often accompanied by other forms of neurodivergence or mental health experiences. For example, 50% to 70% of individuals who meet the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also meet the criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Anxiety, depression, and physical differences such as hypermobility are also common among autistic individuals.
Heather will explore with you whether assessing for ADHD would be beneficial as part of your Autism assessment.We usually book your feedback appointment about 3 weeks after your final assessment session. This allows time for any additional forms to be returned and for Heather to complete a thorough report.
If you require a faster turnaround, please let us know. In urgent cases—and if all forms are returned promptly—the process can sometimes be finalised within 1-2 weeks, or within 48 hours of receiving all required documentation.
Yes. We offer autism assessments for children aged 5 and above, as well as adults of all ages. Each assessment is carefully tailored to the individual’s age and needs.
No. As a Clinical Psychologist Registrar, Heather can provide official diagnoses but cannot prescribe medication.
If medication is needed (for example, for co-occurring ADHD, anxiety, or depression), we can recommend psychiatrists who are happy to see clients who already have a formal psychological diagnosis—saving you the need to repeat assessments.After your assessment, you will receive a detailed report and have a feedback session with Heather to discuss the results and next steps.
After an Autism Diagnosis:-
Learning more about how autism shapes your daily life and relationships can be empowering.
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Many people find that their overall well-being improves once they have a better understanding of themselves through a diagnosis of autism.
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Therapy can assist in reflecting on life experiences and planning for the future based on your unique strengths.
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We can assist with any documentation needed to access supports or accommodations.
Our reports include:-
An official diagnosis (including severity levels if relevant)
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An assessment of functional impact
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Support recommendations
For education or workplace accommodations, it’s best to contact your school, university, or employer directly. We are happy to assist with any necessary forms or letters.-