Comprehensive autism assessments for children, adolescents and adults at our psychology clinic in Werribee (Melbourne’s west). Telehealth is available for some components where appropriate.
Total fee: $2,200 (paediatric) – $2450 (adult)
Phone: 03 9123 1266
Email: enquiries@growthminded.com.au
Or submit an enquiry below and we will advise next steps and current availability.
Enquire about an autism assessment
Who provides the assessment
Autism assessments at Growth Minded Psychology are conducted by Julian O’Sullivan (Psychologist) and are tailored to the person being assessed and the referral question.
Why an autism assessment can help
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect social communication, relationships, education, work functioning, and day-to-day life. A careful assessment can help clarify whether ASD is present and provide practical recommendations for supports across settings (home, school, work and social environments).
Tools we may use: ADOS‑2 and ADI‑R (where clinically appropriate)
Depending on age and what information is available, your assessment may include a combination of:
ADOS‑2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition)
A structured observation session with the person being assessed.
- With children, this is primarily delivered through interactive, play-based activities.
- With verbal adolescents and adults, the session remains structured and interactive (age-appropriate) and typically includes conversational components and interview-style questions alongside tasks.
ADI‑R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised)
A structured interview focused on early developmental history and current behaviours relevant to ASD criteria. Where possible, it is completed with a parent/caregiver. If that is not available (particularly in adult assessments), Julian will gather developmental history through interview with the adult and other sources where possible.
Not every assessment requires every tool. Julian will recommend an approach based on the diagnostic question, age, and the information that can realistically be obtained.
Who this assessment is for
People enquire about autism assessment when they (or their child) experience things such as:
- longstanding social communication differences
- difficulty navigating friendships, relationships, or social expectations
- sensory sensitivities or strong need for routine/predictability
- difficulty coping with change
- challenges at school, work, or in daily functioning that may relate to ASD traits
- questions about whether lifelong patterns may reflect autism
We assess children, adolescents and adults.
What to expect (assessment process)
Your assessment is designed to be thorough and respectful. The exact structure varies depending on age and circumstances, but typically involves the following:
Step 1 — Interview / developmental history (Session 1)
Children: This is typically a detailed caregiver interview and developmental history session (often using the ADI‑R). Please allow up to 3–4+ hours.
It is usually best that young children do not attend this session (please arrange childcare if needed).
Adults: The first session involves an interview and developmental history. Where possible and appropriate, this is ideally completed with a parent/caregiver using the ADI‑R. If a parent/caregiver is not available, Julian will complete the interview with the adult being assessed and seek developmental history from other sources where possible (e.g., records/reports, or partner/family input with consent).
Step 2 — Direct assessment (ADOS‑2 session)
A structured observation session with the person being assessed (play-based for children; interactive + conversational components for verbal adolescents/adults).
Parents/caregivers: For younger children, a parent/caregiver is generally required to remain available during testing and may be involved at certain points.
Step 3 — Additional information (if needed and with consent)
Julian may contact other relevant people (e.g., educators/teachers) or review prior reports/records to better understand functioning across settings. This can help clarify whether traits impact the person’s ability to adapt across environments (which is relevant to DSM‑5 criteria).
Step 4 — Scoring, interpretation and report writing
Julian will integrate all available information, score assessment components, and prepare a comprehensive written report. This typically takes around 2–6 weeks after the final in-clinic assessment session (often 2–5 weeks).
Step 5 — Feedback session
A feedback appointment is provided to discuss findings, answer questions, and outline recommendations and next steps.
Fees and timeframes
Total fee: $2,200 (paediatric) – $2450 (adult)
Report timeframe: typically 2–6 weeks after the final assessment session at the clinic.
Medicare (under 18s): Medicare rebates may be available for the in-person assessment and feedback sessions where eligible, but not for the written report component. Please contact reception if you would like help clarifying eligibility pathways. Visit our fees section for more information regarding fees, rebates and funding available for our services..
Autism assessment for Wyndham suburbs (Tarneit, Truganina, Wyndham Vale and more)
Many people search for autism assessment by suburb. Our clinic is based in Werribee (Wyndham) and we regularly see children, adolescents and adults from across Wyndham—including the growth corridors around Tarneit, Truganina, Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes.
Autism assessment for Tarneit & Truganina
If you’re in Tarneit or Truganina, an autism assessment can help clarify whether autism is present and what supports may be helpful at home, school or work. Families often find it useful to plan ahead for the longer developmental history appointment (Session 1). Where clinically helpful (and with consent), we can also discuss whether school or kinder input would assist in understanding strengths and challenges across settings.
Autism assessment for Wyndham Vale & Manor Lakes
We also see many clients from Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes. If you’re weighing up assessment, we can outline what the process typically involves and what information is most helpful to bring (for example, relevant prior reports if you have them). Many people choose to travel to Werribee to access a clear assessment pathway and a written report with practical recommendations.
Autism assessment for Hoppers Crossing
People often contact us from Hoppers Crossing seeking a structured autism assessment and clear next steps. If you’re unsure whether autism assessment is the right fit (or whether another assessment pathway may be more appropriate), you’re welcome to enquire and we can advise next steps.
Autism assessment for Point Cook
We regularly see clients from Point Cook. If you’re specifically looking for Point Cook information, you can view our Point Cook page here: Autism assessment information for Point Cook.
Autism assessment for Laverton
We also see clients travelling from Laverton and nearby areas. If you’re looking for a structured autism assessment and clear next steps, we can advise what the process typically involves and what information is most helpful to bring (for example, prior reports if available, and school information for children where clinically helpful and with consent).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an autism assessment?
Call 03 9123 1266, email enquiries@growthminded.com.au, or submit an enquiry form and we will advise current availability and next steps.
Do you assess adults?
Yes. We assess adults as well as children and adolescents. Where possible, we prefer to include developmental history from a parent/caregiver; if that is not available, we complete an interview with the adult and use other sources where possible.
How many appointments are involved?
Most assessments involve:
- an interview/developmental history session
- an ADOS‑2 session
- report writing time
- a feedback session
Do I need a GP referral?
Referrals can be helpful but are not always required. If you are seeking Medicare rebates for eligible appointments (under 18s), specific referral pathways may apply. Please contact reception to clarify what applies to your situation.
How should I prepare my child?
Ensure your child is well-rested and comfortable. You can explain they’ll meet a psychologist who will do some activities/games and ask questions to understand how they learn and communicate.
Can parents be present?
Parents/caregivers are typically involved in the interview session and may be required to remain available during the ADOS‑2 for younger children.
Is funding available?
Coverage varies by insurer/funder. Medicare rebates may apply to some components for eligible under‑18s, but not to the report-writing component.
Enquire about an autism assessment
Growth Minded Psychology (Werribee)
Phone: 03 9123 1266
Fax: 03 7047 9933
Email: enquiries@growthminded.com.au
Address: 16 Market Road, Werribee VIC 3030
Enquire about an autism assessment
Areas we serve (Melbourne West and surrounding regions)
Our clinic is based in Werribee (Wyndham) and we regularly see clients from Melbourne’s west and nearby regions. Clients often travel to Werribee from across Wyndham, including Tarneit, Truganina, Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes.
Wyndham (Werribee and surrounding suburbs)
We also see clients from Laverton and surrounding areas.
- Werribee, Werribee South, Werribee Junction
- Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina
- Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes, Williams Landing
- Laverton, Laverton North, Little River
Clients from Point Cook
Many clients travel from Point Cook for autism assessments at our Werribee clinic. If you’re specifically looking for Point Cook information, you can view our Point Cook page here: Autism Testing & Assessment for Point Cook (conducted in Werribee).
Hobsons Bay
- Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North
- Newport, Williamstown, Williamstown North
- Seaholme, Spotswood, South Kingsville, Brooklyn
If you’re looking for Hobsons Bay details, visit our Hobsons Bay page here: Autism Testing & Assessment — City of Hobsons Bay
Brimbank
- Sunshine, St Albans, Deer Park (and surrounding suburbs) – see our Autism assessment for City of Brimbank (Sunshine, St Albans) page for more info.
City of Maribyrnong
Footscray, Yarraville (and surrounding suburbs) — see Autism Testing & Assessment — City of Maribyrnong (Footscray, Yarraville) for more details.
City of Melton
- Melton, Caroline Springs (and surrounding suburbs) — see our City of Melton autism assessment information here.
Moorabool / Bacchus Marsh area
- Bacchus Marsh and surrounding areas (separate page link if you have it)
Greater Geelong (some clients travel)
- Geelong and surrounding areas
ADHD Testing & Assessment — Werribee (Wyndham)
In addition to autism assessments, we also provide ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults at our Werribee (Wyndham) clinic (Melbourne’s west). If you’re looking for ADHD assessment information (including what’s involved, fees, timeframes, and telehealth options where appropriate), you can view our page here: ADHD Testing & Assessment — Werribee (Wyndham).
Not sure if your suburb is included? Please call or enquire and we’ll confirm.
Enquire about an autism assessment