Question 1

I'm not yet sure about booking an assessment- is there an in-between step?

Accepted Answer

You are very welcome to phone me- I generally take calls around 4:15-4:45pm on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the meantime, here are two screening tests you can do before hand...

1. Autism 🤔

Please check out the tests below- this is helpful as a screening tool
https://www.cati-autism.com/ (https://www.cati-autism.com/)

2. ADHD 🤔

This test below is a great screener for ADHD (focus on part A results mostly)... but please go see a psychiatrist directly if you feel you're an ADHDer :)
https://embrace-autism.com/asrs-v1-1/

Question 2

Can you 'diagnose' me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am a clinical psychologist and I can provide an official Autism and ADHD diagnosis.

Please also note that the words 'diagnosis' and 'disorder' when mentioned in regards to Autism are not respectful- this is a different neurotype.

Question 3

Can you help me apply for the NDIS?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!

If you are autistic, and this has a significant impact on your functioning, then you should consider applying for funding via the NDIS.

I am very confident writing reports for the NDIS. I am a clinical psychologist as well, which is helpful when applying for the NDIS- they often want a report signed by a clinical psychologist.

Please note that my report does not guarantee that you will have access to funding via the NDIS. It is helpful, of course, to include other letters with any NDIS application, such as a letter from your GP, or psychiatrist (for example), or a personal impact statement, and carer's impact statement if relevant.

When you have a report with the extra section on functionality, I include a list of your functional impairments (from a psychological perspective), recommendations for funding, and WHODAS data.

Accessing NDIS support involves a complex evaluation of your daily functioning abilities and circumstances. These are factors that are outside my scope of influence. To build a stronger case, you might need to obtain specialized reports, particularly from an Occupational Therapist. The process isn't one-size-fits-all - requirements vary by state and can change depending on which Local Area Coordinator handles your case.

Please also note that I won't be able to help with NDIS-related matters following your assessment sorry.

It's essential that you conduct your own thorough research into the NDIS application process and requirements, as these can change over time. While I can provide general guidance, you are responsible for your own due diligence in understanding eligibility criteria, gathering necessary documentation, and meeting all requirements for your specific situation. I strongly recommend consulting official NDIS resources and seeking professional advice specific to your circumstances.

Please refer to this blog:
https://www.neurokinpsychology.com.au/post/autism-asd-assessments-and-ndis-funding

Question 4

Do you assess for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

In vast majority of cases, it is best to see a psychiatrist directly if you suspect ADHD.

I can do the autism assessment part for you, which includes an ADHD screener.

If you have the funds, it might help to have an ADHD assessment from a psychologist to give to a psychiatrist (it can make the process easier for you).

However, even with a report from me, a psychiatrist must do their due diligence when assessing you and go through a full assessment of their own, given they may prescribe you restricted medication (stimulants are a 'scheduled 8 drug').

If you strongly feel that you do not want to trial medication for ADHD,  I can explore this with you during an autism assessment.

It is such a pity to see many psychologists still offering an ADHD assessment service, even when it's very often the case a psychiatrist will do a full assessment themselves regardless. Yes, it can help 'pave the way' with additional data in some cases, but I feel in unethical for most cases.

Question 5

Can I have copies of my data from psychometric tests?

Accepted Answer

A number of the assessment tools used in our processes are copyrighted, and can only be administered by a mental health professional. We are bound by a professional obligation to protect these tests from being misused (please refer to our Code of Ethics). Therefore, the test records themselves cannot be shared with clients.

Your report is very comprehensive, so you won't be missing out!

Question 6

What about applying for the DSP?

Accepted Answer

An autism assessment report alone is usually not sufficient for a Disability Support Pension (DSP) application. To meet DSP requirements, you'll need:

1. An additional report detailing how you meet DSP criteria, with reference to relevant impairment tables AND
2. A supporting letter from a medical doctor.

For autism without intellectual impairment, assessors use Table 7.  To best demonstrate your eligibility, I recommend including:
 • An adaptive measure
 • An executive functioning measure

These help illustrate how your condition aligns with the table's criteria.

The report must demonstrate that your condition has been:
 • Diagnosed
 • Treated
 • Stabilized ('DTS')

While this terminology is not affirming, it's necessary for the application process.

I am able to offer a separate service to provide DSP reports.

For more detailed information on the DSP application process, please consult the guide at https://dsphelp.org.au/(https://dsphelp.org.au/)

Whilst I provide a thorough autism assessment report, please understand that Centrelink may require additional documentation for your DSP application. Due to the complexity of DSP assessments and the detailed tables that need to be completed, there is an extra fee beyond the standard assessment cost. Please also note that once your assessment is complete, i won't be able to provide further assistance with your DSP application process. I encourage you to research the DSP requirements independently to fully understand what's involved. This will help you make informed decisions about your application journey.

Note that I don't offer DSP letters to all clients- only if I feel comfortable that I have adequate data, and that you would meet the requirement (these letters are usually done by your treating psychologist).

Question 7

Can you do an Autism 'Diagnostic' Level Review?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

Have you received a 'diagnosis' of autism without a level of support needs assigned? Or have you had a 'diagnosis', but the level of support has increased?
The levels are 
 • Level 1  'Requiring support'
 • Level 2  'Requiring substantial support'
 • Level 3  'Requiring very substantial support'

I do a clinical interview with you and your caregiver or support person. This is coupled with completing a clinical scale to determine the level and an adaptive functioning assessment to ascertain the level of support required.  I then prepare a written report for you to provide to the NDIA (if applicable).

Fees
Private standard fee $2100
If requested under your NDIS plan, standard NDIS rates will apply.

Check out my blog on this topic as well which you might find helpful:

https://www.neurokinpsychology.com.au/post/autism-asd-assessments-and-ndis-funding

Welcome to your safe space
admin@neurokinpsychology.com.au

Take a look through our neurodiversity FAQs.

Welcome to your safe space admin@neurokinpsychology.com.au

Take a look through our neurodiversity FAQs.

Welcome to your safe space
admin@neurokinpsychology.com.au