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Step Into A Life Where Autism Is Clearly Understood And Your Strengths Are Valued

Timely & Comprehensive Adult Autism Assessments from a Female Psychologist Who Truly Understands

Start your Autism journey by calling us on (07) 3056 0921 or submitting the form below. We'll do our best to respond within 3 business hours.

You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

Our ADHD assessments are led by a compassionate female clinical psychologist registrar who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD & Autism in women and understands the unique challenges that often delay diagnosis. She takes a thoughtful, neuroaffirming approach, valuing your individual strengths while helping you gain clarity and confidence. We combine clinical excellence with genuine care, so you can move forward feeling empowered and informed.

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Why Consider An Adult Autism Assessment

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  • It’s Not a Flaw, It Could Be Autism: If you’ve always felt different, overwhelmed, or exhausted from trying to fit in, you're not alone. Many adults silently mask autistic traits, blaming themselves for unexplained struggles. A neuroaffirming autism assessment provides clarity, validating autism as a valuable way of experiencing the world.

  • You Deserve to Be Seen and Understood: Whether you've always sensed something felt different or you're just beginning to piece things together, this is a supportive and affirming place to start. 

  • Access Meaningful Supports and Accommodations: A formal autism diagnosis can support an NDIS application, workplace or educational accommodations, practical strategies for daily life, and referrals for therapy or further professional support if desired.

• Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality

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Why Choose Nurtured Thoughts
for Your Adult Autism Assessment

If you’ve spent your life feeling misunderstood, exhausted by trying to fit in, or quietly wondering if you might be Autistic, you're not alone. 

 

At Nurtured Thoughts, assessments are conducted exclusively by Heather, our Clinical Psychologist. Heather specialises solely in psychological assessments, bringing deep expertise in how Autism presents uniquely in adults.

She stays current with the latest guidelines and research, ensuring every assessment is accurate, thoughtful, and comprehensive. You’ll receive clear, reliable results interpreted to the highest professional standard, providing validation, clarity, and practical support tailored specifically to your needs.

 

Heather’s approach is neuroaffirming, recognising Autism as a valuable part of human diversity. Her goal is to empower you with deeper self-understanding and effective strategies to navigate daily life confidently.

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• Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individuality • Contentment • Empathy • Growth • Integrity • Autonomy • Individual

Not all Autism Assessments are Performed Equally.

See below for our Detailed Step by Step Process. 

Total cost for all steps: $1950

Choose to have any of the following steps online, in-person (Graceville), or both

Initial Intake Session (1.5 hours)

We begin with an intake session to explore your background, current concerns, and any experiences or traits commonly associated with ADHD. 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.

Assessment Session (2 hours)

If proceeding, Heather will conduct a detailed two-hour assessment using standardised tools, structured tasks, and discussions to gather a comprehensive understanding of attention, executive functioning, and related areas.

Questionnaires + Report Writing (5 hours)

Questionnaires may also be completed by you and/or key people in your life (such as family members, teachers, or partners) to provide additional perspectives. Heather will then dedicate approximately 5 hours to reviewing the information and preparing a detailed report.

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

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. The intake session assists with determining whether to proceed with an assessment and whether other traits or factors should be explored. If this is indicated during the intake, Heather will explain this during the session so that you can make an informed decision about proceeding.

    For youth, the initial appointment is typically completed with parents/caregivers only. This appointment is 1-hour ($225.00).

    For adults, the initial appointment is 1.5hours ($335.00).

  • Yes. Autism is often accompanied by other forms of neurodivergence, mental health experiences and medical experiences. For example, approximately half of individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for Autism also meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

    Anxiety, depression, and physical differences such as hypermobility are also common among neurodivergent people.

    Heather will explore with you whether co-assessing would be beneficial as part of your Autism assessment including any additional costs to allow you to make an informed decision prior to engaging in the 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 due to other appointments that your report is required for, please advise Heather during your intake. In urgent circumstances (if all forms are returned promptly), the process can sometimes be finalised earlier pending availability.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • Many people find that their overall well-being improves once they have a better understanding of themselves through a diagnosis of autism.

    • Therapy can assist in reflecting on life experiences and planning for the future based on your unique strengths.

  • We can assist with any documentation needed to access supports or accommodations.

     

    Our reports include:

    • results from psychometric tools,

    • diagnostic statement per the DSM-5-TR,

    • assessment of functional impact to the individual, and

    • recommendations as appropriate to the individual.

     

    Your report can be shared with your school, university or employer directly. We are happy to assist with additional necessary forms or letters. These may incur an additional cost.

  • Our comprehensive reports utilise NDIS preferred assessments and include:

    • results from psychometric tools,

    • diagnostic statement per the DSM-5-TR,

    • assessment of functional impact to the individual, and

    • recommendations as appropriate to the individual.

     

    We cannot guarantee NDIS funding for you. There are several factors that relate to this; however, important ones to consider are;

    1. Your diagnosis may not be covered under NDIS funding (for example, ADHD is not covered under the NDIS even though individuals with an ADHD neurotype may be experiencing significant impacts on their day-to-day functioning)

    2. The NDIS makes determinants based on an individual’s level of functioning within their environments and other factors outside of your clinician’s individual report. If your diagnosis is one which may be covered under NDIS funding recommendations for the NDIS are included in your report.

    3. If you have additional diagnoses NDIS may also require reports from other clinicians. For example, if you have speech difficulty, NDIS may also require reports from a Speech Pathologist.

     

    We can assist with documentation needed to support applications for NDIS funding, educational adjustments, disability services, or workplace accommodations, however, Heather does not complete NDIS access request forms. Your report can be submitted as part of your NDIS access request or to other relevant services. We are happy to assist with other necessary forms or letters of support. These may incur an additional cost.

FAQs

  • Yes. The intake appointment assists with determining whether to proceed with an assessment and whether other traits or factors should be explored. If this is indicated during the intake,

     

    Heather will explain this during the session so that you can make an informed decision about proceeding.

    For youth, the initial appointment is typically completed with parents/caregivers only. This appointment is 1-hour ($225.00).

    For adults, the initial appointment is 1.5hours ($335.00).

  • Yes. ADHD is often accompanied by other forms of neurodivergence, mental health experiences and medical experiences. Common co-occurring conditions include Autism, anxiety, depression, and learning differences such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.

     

    Heather will explore with you whether co-assessing would be beneficial as part of your ADHD assessment including any additional costs to allow you to make an informed decision prior to engaging in the 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 due to other appointments that your report is required for, please advise Heather during your intake. In urgent circumstances (if all forms are returned promptly), the process can sometimes be finalised earlier pending availability.

  • While men tend to show more hyperactivity, women more commonly experience inattentiveness, overwhelm, and internal restlessness, symptoms that are often masked or mislabelled as anxiety or stress. Social conditioning and a tendency to overcompensate can delay diagnosis, sometimes until adulthood. An affirming, gender-informed approach is essential to accurately identify ADHD in women and provide appropriate support.

  • No.

     

    As a psychologist, Heather is qualified to assess and formally diagnosis ADHD, however, Stimulant and Non stimulant medications to support ADHDers can only be prescribed by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist.

    Should you wish to explore medication following assessment, Heather can recommend Psychiatrists or Paediatricians whom you can provide a copy of your report to.

  • 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 ADHD Diagnosis

     

    • Treatment usually involves a combination of behavioural strategies and, if appropriate, medication

    • Medication may help improve focus, allowing you to better adopt new coping mechanisms and strategies

    • Many people with ADHD benefit from ADHD coaching, structured skills programs, or therapy focused on executive functioning skills.

     

    Heather will provide tailored recommendations in your report based on your individual needs. We can then recommend a psychiatrist who can review your report and assess your suitability for medication.

  • We can assist with any documentation needed to access supports or accommodations.

     

    Our reports include:

    • results from psychometric tools,

    • diagnostic statement per the DSM-5-TR,

    • assessment of functional impact to the individual, and

    • recommendations as appropriate to the individual.

     

    Your report can be shared with your school, university or employer directly. We are happy to assist with any necessary forms or letters.

At Nurtured Thoughts, therapy is more than treatment, it’s a space to feel seen, understood, and supported. We take the time to get to know you, not just what you’re going through, but who you are. Our care is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in trust, empathy, and evidence. Because when therapy feels human, healing becomes possible.

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Start your mental health journey by calling (07) 3056 0921 or submitting the form below. We'll do our best to respond within 3 business hours.

You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. You might like to include what you’re seeking support for, what’s helped you in the past, or any concerns you’d like us to be aware of.

We do more than just listen. We help you make sense of it all

You don’t have to face it alone. When you’re ready, we’re here. Step into a warm, supportive space where your thoughts and feelings are understood, respected, and gently explored

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