FAQs - Assessment Services

A neuroaffirming approach recognises that every brain works differently and that these differences are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Instead of focusing on deficits or trying to make someone fit a narrow idea of what is "typical", a neuroaffirming perspective seeks to understand each person's strengths, challenges and lived experiences with respect and curiosity. In our assessments, this means:

• Taking the time to understand the individual as a whole person, not just the symptoms or concerns
• Creating a supportive and low-pressure environment where people can be themselves
• Respecting all communication styles, interests and sensory needs
• Using tools and methods that recognise different ways of thinking and learning
• Providing feedback and recommendations that build on strengths and affirm identity
• Avoiding language that pathologises or makes assumptions about what someone should be able to do

Our goal is to help each person gain clarity and confidence in who they are. A neuroaffirming assessment supports understanding, acceptance and practical strategies without judgement or pressure to change who someone is.

Yes, we provide assessments for both adults and children. We understand that seeking clarity about learning, attention or developmental differences can be important at any stage of life. While the assessment process differs depending on age and individual needs, our approach for everyone is strengths-based, supportive and tailored to the person's unique profile.

For adults, assessments can help with understanding learning styles, attention differences, social or emotional processing and planning for work, study or daily life. For children, assessments often focus on supporting learning, school adjustments and development. In all cases, we take the time to listen to your experiences, answer your questions and provide practical, affirming recommendations that suit your goals and context.

Our aim is to create a safe and respectful space where every person feels understood, valued and supported throughout the assessment process.

Many families and individuals come to us with a specific question, such as exploring Autism or ADHD. If you are unsure which assessment might be most helpful, we invite you to reach out for an initial informal chat. We take a collaborative, strengths-based approach, discussing your needs and options so that the assessment is tailored to you or your child. Our goal is to provide clarity and support at every step of the process.

Some aspects of an assessment can be completed via telehealth if preferred, while others work best in person. We'll work with you to create a flexible plan that suits your needs and feels comfortable, making sure the process is as convenient and supportive as possible.

Yes. Assessments are completed across multiple sessions to ensure we get a thorough and accurate understanding of you or your child. Each session helps build the full picture, so nothing is rushed or missed.

It is completely normal for children to feel nervous or unsure about an assessment. We aim to make the process as supportive and gentle as possible. We work with you to help your child feel safe and heard.

Some strategies that often help include:

• Talking in advance about what the assessment day will involve in a way that your child can understand
• Reassuring them that this is not a test to pass or fail, but a way to understand how they think and learn
• Bringing comfort items such as a favourite toy, book or another familiar object
• Practising calming techniques together, like deep breathing, so your child feels prepared if they feel uneasy
• Staying calm and positive yourself, as your confidence and reassurance can help them feel secure

We will also check in with you beforehand to understand any specific worries your child might have and can tailor the process to make it more manageable and affirming.

No referral is needed for an assessment. You can contact us directly to discuss your needs and organise appointment times that work for you. If you have any reports or documentation from other professionals, they can be helpful for the assessment process and you are welcome to share them, but they are not required to begin the process.

For Autism assessments for children, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if a referral from a paediatrician is provided. We can talk this through with you if it is applicable to your situation.

Assessment sessions are usually around one hour, though the length can vary depending on the type of assessment and the individual needs of the person being assessed. Sessions are planned to be manageable and comfortable, and we will discuss timing and scheduling with you to ensure the process works well for you or your child.

The total length of an assessment can vary depending on the type of assessment, the individual needs of the person and scheduling availability. It is usually best to schedule sessions close together, ideally within a week of each other where possible, to help ensure the assessment reflects typical behaviour and abilities, while still allowing flexibility to suit personal preference. We will guide you through the process and give you a clear idea of what to expect at each stage, so you feel supported and informed throughout.

We will let you know if there is anything you need to bring before the assessment session, but most of the time you don't need to bring anything at all. If there are any comfort items or sensory supports that help you or your child feel safe and calm, you are welcome to bring them. A snack or drink, particularly for younger children, can also help with comfort and focus. We aim to make each session relaxed and supportive, so please let us know if you have any specific needs.

Preparation can make the session feel less overwhelming for your child. Some helpful strategies include:

• Talking openly about what will happen during the assessment in age-appropriate language
• Reassuring them that the assessment is not a test to pass or fail, but a way for us to understand their strengths and needs
• Practising calming techniques together, like deep breathing, so they have tools to manage any nerves
• Encouraging a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast so they are rested and ready to engage

The most important thing is to approach each session with patience and reassurance. We work with both you and your child to create a supportive and positive experience.

Yes. Previous reports from other professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists or psychologists can be very helpful. They provide background information and can help build a clearer picture of you or your child. You are welcome to share any reports you feel are relevant, and these can be reviewed as part of the assessment process. If you are unsure whether something is helpful to include, we can talk it through together.

Assessment reports are thorough and individualised. They typically include a summary of the assessment process, observations, relevant background information and the results of any assessment tools used. If a diagnosis is relevant, this will be clearly explained in supportive and easy to understand language. The report also outlines strengths, areas where support may be helpful and personalised recommendations to guide next steps. The aim is to provide a clear and meaningful understanding of you or your child that can support decision making at home, at school and in other settings.

Assessment reports are completed to a high professional standard and can be used to support applications for access to a range of services. Different organisations (e.g., NDIS, the Department of Education) have their own requirements and often ask for additional information or confirmation from other professionals, depending on the reason for service access. If you plan to use the report for a particular purpose, please let us know so the assessment process can be aligned with the relevant guidelines as much as possible.

Yes. Recommendations are tailored to the individual's strengths, needs and personal goals so that they feel meaningful and achievable in everyday settings. For children and adolescents, this may include suggestions for classroom strategies, learning adjustments or supports that promote engagement and wellbeing. For adults, recommendations can focus on study supports, workplace accommodations, communication needs and strategies for daily life.

If you plan to use the report for school funding, workplace adjustments or NDIS purposes, please let us know during the assessment process. This helps ensure that the information gathered and the recommendations provided align as closely as possible with the requirements of the setting or program.

During the feedback session, we will review the findings together and provide the opportunity to discuss any points that need further explanation. After the feedback session, you will receive the report to review at your own pace. If you have any further questions or would like clarification about any part of the report, you are welcome to contact us. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and supported in understanding the results and recommendations.

If minor wording adjustments or factual clarifications are needed, these can usually be made. Substantial changes to conclusions or diagnostic outcomes cannot be made unless further assessment is completed. We are always happy to discuss any concerns and help you make sense of the information.

After the assessment is complete, we provide a detailed report and a feedback session to review the findings together. This session gives you the opportunity to ask questions, understand the results and discuss practical strategies and recommendations. We also offer follow-up support if needed, which may include additional consultations to help implement strategies at home, school or work or to provide guidance on next steps such as connecting with other services. Availability of follow-up sessions may vary, and we will work with you to arrange additional support wherever possible.

The focus of our follow-up is always strengths-based, practical and tailored to your individual needs, helping you or your child make the most of the insights gained through the assessment.

Our standard fee for privately funded assessments is $220 per hour. In some situations, a Medicare rebate may also be available for Autism assessments with a referral from a paediatrician. We understand that the cost of assessments can be a concern, and we are happy to discuss your individual circumstances to explore options that make the process more accessible. Please contact us to talk through funding, rebates or other ways we can support your access to assessment services.

We understand that assessment costs can be a significant investment. In some situations, it may be possible to arrange a payment plan to help make the process more manageable. Payment plans are considered on an individual basis, taking into account your specific needs and circumstances. Please contact us to discuss whether this might be an option for you or your family.

Eligibility for rebates or funding varies depending on individual circumstances. It is best to contact us to discuss the options relevant to you so we can ensure your needs are met. Sometimes other funding options may also be available, and we are happy to talk through these with you to help make the process as accessible as possible.

We do not offer online booking, as we find that speaking with you directly before scheduling an assessment helps ensure your needs are fully understood and the process is tailored to you or your family. By contacting us by phone or email, we can answer any questions, discuss the most suitable assessment options and find a time that works best for you. You can also use the online enquiry form, and we will contact you to guide you through the next steps.

You can contact us by phone or email to discuss your needs and schedule an assessment. Speaking with us directly helps ensure the process is tailored to you or your family. You can visit our Contact Us page to find our contact details or use the enquiry form and we will contact you.

Absolutely. We understand that for some people, the idea of an assessment can feel overwhelming or bring up a lot of questions. Our process is structured to give you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your needs, clarify what the assessment involves and explore which approach will best suit you or your family before booking. Our aim is to provide reassurance and support so that you feel informed, confident and at ease. You can visit our Contact Us page to find our contact details or use the enquiry form and we will contact you.