Navigating the ADHD & Autism Assessment System

Hi, I'm Elysia Thomas, a neuroaffirming and multiply neurodivergent psychologist based in Melbourne. This is not a self-promotion blog post. It is a post with the aim to support cohesive information access for an often confusing area for individuals and families.

Please note: This information is applicable in Australia only, and may change without notice. It is factual to the best of my knowledge based on the system as it is right now, July 2025. It may not consider all perspectives and options.

Topics Covered

1. Accessing Assessments

2. Costs & Funding Options

3. Medication Pathways

4. Who Can Diagnose?

5. Choosing the Right Professional

6. NDIS Considerations

7. Cognitive Assessments

8. Internalised/Masked Presentations

   
   

1. Accessing ADHD & Autism Assessments

There is a high co-occurence of Autism and ADHD (ie. many people have both) so it is worth discussing having an assessment for both to avoid having to come back for a second assessment.

Children

• Step 1: Visit a GP for a referral to a paediatrician and/or psychologist. (Paediatrician assesses and can prescribe medication. Psychologists provide detailed diagnostic reports and/or ongoing support.)

• Generally both a paediatrician and a psychologist are required for children, however, some paediatricians will diagnose without a psychologist report.

• Psychologist assessments for neurodivergence (Autism ADHD etc) are not covered by Medicare. Sometimes you can get small rebates per session if you are referred by a paediatrician to a psychologist.

• Psychologist recommendations can be found on LOAPAC website (autistic and/or affirming psychologists) https://loapac.org/rap

• You can join Facebook groups like Yellow Ladybugs or local autism/adhd parent groups for paediatrician recommendations and general parent support.

Adults (including young people16+)

• For ADHD - if trialling medication is a priority, request a 291 Referral from GP → See psychiatrist directly.

• Comprehensive understanding and support to process assessment process, diagnosis and positive self-identity? See a psychologist for an in-depth report.

• Psychiatrists: Short reports (2–4 pages), focused on diagnosis & medication.

• Psychologists: Detailed reports (15–40 pages), including support strategies and functional assessments (useful for NDIS).

• Psychologist recommendations can be found on LOAPAC website (autistic and/or affirming psychologists) https://loapac.org/rap

• Psychiatrists can be accessed locally to you, or via reputable telehealth clinics such as Fluence Clinic.

2. Costs & Funding Options

Service Type	Cost Range	Medicare Rebate	No. of appointments
Psychiatrist (291)	$900–$2000	Approx. $450	1
Psychologist	$1200–$3500	Up to $300 (under 21 referred by paediatrician)	2-4

• Free/Public Options: Available via:

  • School (Dept. of Education)

  • Public clinics (e.g. Krongold, Amaze, Turner Clinic)

  • Waitlists often exceed 18 months.

3. Medication Access

• Only psychiatrists or paediatricians can prescribe medication.

• Psychologists cannot prescribe.

• See psychiatrist (adults) or paediatrician (children), in addition to or instead of a psychologist, if medication is a priority.

4. Who Can Diagnose?

• All registered psychologists (general, clinical, provisional, etc.) can conduct assessments and provide diagnoses.

There is a lot of confusion and misinformation around this topic, largely as a result of NDIS' rapidly changing recommendations and eligibility criteria. Sometimes for NDIS, there is a request for either a clinical psychologist to conduct the assessment, or for a paediatrician or GP (or another member of a multi-disciplinary team) to also agree with the diagnosis if a general or other type of psychologist conducts the assessment. This is not in accordance with the guidelines by AHPRA, AAPI, APS and other psychology organisations and it is hoped that NDIS will adjust their recommendations to reflect that all registered psychologists can diagnose.

It is recommended to seek diagnosis with a psychologist who is highly trained and experienced with ADHD and Autism assessments (including internalised presentations, trauma, and twice-exceptional/2e presentations). Not all psychologists choose this as their area of expertise. It can also be helpful to consider gaining an assessment with a psychologist who is neurodivergent themselves, or a psychologist who describes themselves as neuroaffirming. See LOAPAC website (autistic and/or affirming psychologists) https://loapac.org/rap

5. Choosing the Right Professional

Consider:

• Whether medication is needed (if yes, access psychiatrist or paediatrician)

• Experience with internalised/masked presentations, trauma and twice-exceptionality 2e (if relevant)

• Neuroaffirming approach

• Comfort and personal fit with the professional

6. NDIS & Diagnosis

• ADHD: Not eligible for NDIS.

• Autism diagnosis: May be eligible — case-by-case basis.

• NDIS prefers:

  • Functional assessments (included in psychology reports or by an OT)

  • Multi-disciplinary input (psychologist + psychiatrist/paediatrician/OT)

• For info, contact your NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or visit the NDIS website.

• Early intervention funding also exists for younger children without the requirement of a diagnosis, see NDIS website or LAC for more details.

7. Cognitive Assessments – Do You Need One?

• Not required for diagnosis of ADHD/Autism.

• Often recommended for:

  • Children (to support educational planning)

  • Those with academic challenges or giftedness

  • Adults in education or with suspected learning differences

• Tools used: WISC-V, WAIS, or others.

• Adds to overall cost but can also provide valuable insight.

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Wishing you all the best with your assessment seeking & a more easeful time navigating the system with this information.

Elysia Thomas

Psychologist

As mentioned above post is not intended for self promotion (my books are often full for assessments but you are welcome to contact me if you're interested). I do conduct neuroaffirming ADHD, Autism, Cognitive, CPTSD and eating disorder assessments (with a focus on 2e/gifted/internalised presentations) via telehealth for ages 12+ to Adult, or in person in Ringwood (VIC) for ages 6+ to Adult. For more information click here.