— Learn to embrace and leverage your unique thinking style!
ADHD & Autism Testing 🩺
Neurodivergent Assessments.
We can provide Psychological Assessments for Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Adult Autism, with comprehensive reports to either compliment your therapy journey with us, OR as a stand alone Diagnostic Report.
Email: admin@wellmindbody.com.au
Tel: 0422 598 949
What is Neurodiversity?
The term neurodiversity refers to the natural diversity of the ‘wiring’ of human brains. With the biggest recent shift in thinking being that there is no one ‘standard’ brain. In fact, we now know that it is normal and OK for people’s brains to process information differently
It is becoming increasingly recognised that people in neurodivergent groups such as autistic people, dyslexic people, and ADHDers bring significant strengths, however, as some styles of thinking and traits are more common than others, which have set behavioural and cultural “norms” over the past years, it can lead to neurodivergent people being particularly disadvantaged.
Why is recognising neurodiversity important?
Bringing greater acceptance to all humans is very important to us! Not only can neurodivergent people perform as well as neurotypicals – they bring significant and valuable skills to the workplace and to our society, such as creative thinking and bottom-up problem solving, and they add a different perspective that can drive the critical ‘diversity of thought’ behind high-performing organisations such as; Richard Branson (founder of Virgin), Barbara Corcoran (founder of Shark Tank), Bill Gates (founder of Microsoft), Elon Musk (love him of hate him founder of Tesla), Ingvar Kamprad (Founder of Ikea) & we can’t forget to mention Albert Einstein (developing the theory of relativity!) just to name a few.
Why do so many adults go through life undiagnosed?
Have you found that as the years have gone on your symptoms of ADHD or Autism have flown under the radar and haven’t been seen by the people around you?
Perhaps you’ve seen posts or Tik Toks talking about ADHD symptoms or Autism masking, and wondered whether this could be you?
In Australia it is estimated that approximately 815 000 people live with ADHD, and yet the recognition of ADHD in adults and how it presents differently to how it does in children is often misunderstood.
Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Our experience is that many people find being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be life-changing. Some people may not have had their ADHD assessed when they were children as it was missed by teachers or parents/caregivers, or perhaps it was assessed, however fears and stigma regarding the diagnosis led concerned loved ones to not pursue supports to enhance abilities and work with differences whilst at school.
As as adult once you have your diagnosis confirmed you may find you no longer focus on self-blame, which over the years has depleted your confidence and self-esteem, but rather focus on understanding how your brain works, highlighting its strengths, whilst also building up skills to improve your functioning in your home, work or university, and everyday life.
Adult Autism Diagnosis
Similarly, we provide autism assessments for adults of all genders, however, are also aware that female and gender-diverse people often go undiagnosed as their symptoms may present differently to what is commonly recognised in Autistic males.
Similar to ADHD, some people with Autism, or both ADHD and Autism, may have slipped under the radar of their teachers, parents, and doctors/health professionals and may recently started to wonder whether they are Autistic, or both Autistic and ADHDers.
A diagnosis of Autism may therefore be very affirming to identity and self-esteem, as it allows for a different understanding of experiences someone may have had in their lives, and works towards reinforcing wonderful strengths and abilities, while exploring strategies for navigating the challenges of living in a largely neurotypical world.
Diagnostic Process 🩺
How do we assess & test for Austism & ADHD?
Both our Adult ADHD and Adult Autism assessments have been developed using best-practice guidelines.
Our assessment packages include an in-depth clinical interview, validated psychometric measures, and a comprehensive psychological report.
The comprehensive report includes a detailed overview of symptoms, a thorough description of test results, interpretations of the assessments, followed by practical, evidence based recommendations for the next steps, which are easy to adopt so that you may commence using them in order to make immediate improvements in the quality of your life.
Referral (NOT Essential)
Your GP is your primary health provider, and it is always beneficial to have your GP involved in your health concerns. However, for the purpose of your ADHD or Autism assessment a GP referral is NOT required.
1.
Book an Appointment
Contact our friendly team on 0422 598 949 or via our online form below. Our team will provide you with a detailed explanation of the assessment process and provide estimated costs and time frames.
2.
Clinical Interview Session
Attend an in-depth clinical interview session with one of our practitioners who will ask questions related to assessing ADHD and/or Autism.
This Clinical Interview will also determine whether the next stage of assessments is applicable, or whether a diagnosis of ADHD &/or Autism is ruled out and your experience may be better explained by other diagnoses.
3.
Assessment Session
You will complete a range of validated psychometric measures assessing symptoms of ADHD or Autism.
4.
Report & Formal Diagnosis
Your psychologist will then take a deep dive, spending many hours reviewing your intake and assessment sessions thoroughly and will then formulate your written report.
5.
Feedback + Recommendations
A feedback session will be scheduled approximately 2-4 weeks after completion of the assessment. In this session, your psychologist will provide you with a written report and verbal explanation of the assessment results and recommendations.
How much does Autism & ADHD Testing cost?
ADHD Testing
Diagnostic Assessment Cost 🩺
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Comprehensive ADHD Assessment Package: $1800
Autism Testing
Diagnostic Assessment Cost 🩺
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Comprehensive Autism Assessment Package: $2800
Rebates & Funding
Private Health Rebates: Some private health providers may provide rebates for psychological assessments – please enquire with your personal health fund.
NDIS Funding: For those who are self-managed or plan-managed (National Disabilities Insurance Scheme) NDIS clients – please check with your support coordinator or plan manager regarding utilising your NDIS funds for psychological assessment. More information can be found on the NDIS Website.
What’s Next?
After finding out you are an amazing & unique Autistic person &/or someone with ADHD, it’s important to try & take proactive steps in learning how to best embrace your neurodivergence in this neurotypical world! Our team is more than happy to help you with your journey.
Highly Recommended (next step)
Ongoing Therapy
The practitioners at our practice can provide ongoing therapy for Adult ADHD or Adult Autism so as to assist with the recommendations outlined in your psychological report.
This may also involve therapy and interventions for co-occurring eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma, as these all can be present for someone by the time they are an adult living with undiagnosed ADHD and/or Autism.
Optional (next step)
Follow-up Feedback Session
You may wish to have a second feedback session after your initial feedback session as we understand that there may be a lot to process and understand following receiving your assessment results, diagnosis, and recommendations.
Optional (next step)
Consultation with Psychiatrist to prescribe medication 💊
Psychologists can diagnose ADHD and provide you with a written report and verbal feedback regarding your assessment results and how you meet criteria for the diagnosis. Should you wish to explore the possibility of medication in the treatment of your symptoms, then you will benefit from having a multidisciplinary team including your GP, to assist you with a referral to a Psychiatrist who specialises in Adult ADHD, and then the review of your psychological assessment results and report by a Psychiatrist who may confirm the diagnosis and prescribe medication where appropriate.
It is important to note that your ADHD or Autism does not need to be treated with medication, however, for some people exploring and trialing this option helps them to utilise the strategies they work on in their psychology sessions, or assists with the completion of their school/university/work requirements and tasks.