Frequently Asked Questions
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The assessment process involves completing questionnaires pertaining to autism and or ADHD. These questionnaires may include both self-report and observer report questionnaires. The assessment also involves an interview with yourself and collection of developmental information either from yourself (if you can remember) or preferably from someone who knew you in childhood. With your consent I may also reach out to professionals you may be working with for information relevant to your assessment (e.g., psychologist or psychiatrist). The information is compiled into a report which I send you after you attend the optional feedback session.
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The interview part of the assessment usually takes between two to four hours.
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I provide assessments for Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults.
During the assessment process, I also consider whether there may be other conditions that could help explain your experiences, including possible differential or co-occurring conditions. Where appropriate, brief screening measures may be used to help identify whether additional factors may be present.
Due to the time-limited nature of the assessment, it may not always be possible to provide a definitive diagnosis for conditions outside of Autism or ADHD. However, if the assessment suggests that further evaluation may be helpful, this will be discussed with you and recommendations for appropriate follow-up assessment or support will be provided.
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Currently I am only able to assess adults (18 years or older) who do not have speech and language differences or identify or suspect they have an intellectual disability. I currently only conduct assessments via telehealth so you will need a computer/tablet with a secure and stable internet connection.
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Yes you can.
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Best practice when assessing for ADHD or Autism involves gathering some information about your development and behaviour during childhood. This can sometimes come from a parent, caregiver, or another person who knew you well growing up. However, I understand that this is not always possible. Some people may have limited contact with family members, may not wish to disclose that they are seeking an assessment, or may simply not have someone who can provide this information. In these situations, other sources of developmental information may be helpful, such as school reports, old documents, or personal records/diary entries from childhood or adolescence. These situations are considered on a case-by-case basis, and we can discuss available options during the assessment process.
It can also be helpful to have someone who knows you well currently (such as a partner, family member, or close friend) complete observer questionnaires or provide additional perspectives.
Importantly, the outcome of the assessment does not depend on observer reports alone. This information is considered as one part of the overall assessment, which integrates multiple sources of information to form a comprehensive understanding.
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Absolutely, in fact this can be quite helpful for your assessment.
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I understand that this can be a concern for some who are seeking an assessment. The assessment process is designed to provide greater clarity, not simply a diagnosis. If the results indicate that you do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD or autism, we will still take time to discuss the findings and explore possible explanations for the difficulties you may be experiencing. Where appropriate, recommendations may be provided for supports, strategies, or other forms of assistance that may be helpful. The goal of the assessment is to ensure you leave with a clearer understanding of your strengths, challenges, and potential next steps.
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No (although see below question)
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It may depend on the provider. It is recommended you check before booking the assessment.
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Unfortunately, payment plans are not available.
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I currently have immediate availability.
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I complete a detailed reports based on all the information gathered. Once the report is complete, I will contact you to schedule an optional 30-minute feedback session. If you do not want to attend the feedback session I will email you your report.
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Yes it can
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While the report is suitable as diagnostic evidence for NDIS applications, I cannot currently assist with NDIS access request forms. While we explore aspects of your functioning in the assessment, I do not conduct a full functional capacity assessment, hence additional evidence may be required. You may wish to discuss the form with your GP or seek a Functional Capacity Assessment from and occupational therapist.
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No. You don't need a formal diagnosis of Autism, ADHD or another mental health condition to access therapy. You are welcome to get in touch if you are experiencing difficulties or simply want support in understanding yourself and what is happening in your life.
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Therapy can be helpful for a range of concerns, including anxiety, burnout, difficulties with sleep, relationship or life changes, stress, emotional regulation, self-understanding and challenges associated with neurodivergence. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy.
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The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and talk about what has brought you to therapy. We can explore what you would like support with, what has been happening in your life, and what you hope to get from therapy. We can then work together to decide what might be helpful moving forward.
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That's okay. You don't need to arrive with a clear explanation or a specific treatment goal. Part of therapy can be working together to understand what is happening and identify what would be useful to focus on.
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I take a neurodiversity-affirming approach and adapt therapy to the individual. This may include considering sensory needs, executive functioning, communication style, emotional regulation, burnout, masking and the impact of environments and expectations. Therapy isn't about making you fit a particular idea of how you should function.