Autism and ADHD Assessments for Children & Adolescents

Understand Your Child with Evidence-Based Assessments

Supporting a child who may be autistic or have ADHD can be confusing. Behaviour, learning, or social challenges may raise questions, and it can be hard to know what the next step should be. Evidence-based assessments provide clarity, helping families understand their child's strengths, challenges, and needs.

Who Assessments Are For

Assessments are suitable for children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 who may show:

Challenges in social communication or forming peer relationships
Sensory sensitivities or unusual patterns of behaviour
Emotional regulation difficulties or persistent struggles at school or home
Difficulties with attention, focus, or hyperactivity

Early clarity supports better planning for school, therapy, and everyday life, helping families provide targeted support.

Autistic Young People

Autism can show up in many ways, from social differences and sensory sensitivities to intense interests or routines. It affects how your child interacts with the world and processes information. A formal assessment helps you and the school provide the right support.

ADHD in Young People

ADHD isn't just distraction or hyperactivity. It can appear as difficulty focusing, managing time, regulating emotions, or staying organised even when your child seems capable on the surface. Recognising these patterns helps you put practical strategies and supports in place.

Combined Assessments

For children and teens where traits of both autism and ADHD are present, giving a full picture for supports and strategies.

Support and Guidance for Your Child and Family

Every child experiences the world differently. Assessments help clarify how your child thinks, learns, and responds to their world, so support can be tailored in a way that actually works.

At Tara Psychology, assessments do more than identify challenges. They provide clarity, practical strategies, and guidance based on your child's strengths and needs. Families are supported throughout the process with clear communication and guidance at each stage.

Why Families Choose Tara Psychology

Comprehensive, evidence-based assessments completed with careful attention to detail

Neuroaffirming approach that respects each child's unique experiences

Clear, practical recommendations for home, school, and therapy

Collaborative care with families, schools, and other professionals

Have questions or want help deciding which assessment is right for your child?

Request a Call

Book an Initial Consultation

An optional initial consultation can be booked before a full assessment. Pre-assessment questionnaires are provided beforehand, and the session focuses on exploring your child's experiences, developmental history, and your goals. The fee is credited toward the full assessment if you proceed.

Book an Initial Consultation

Comprehensive Report

A detailed report including assessment methods, findings, functional capacity information, and specific recommendations. Ideal for funding applications (e.g., NDIS, Centrelink), school adjustments, or therapy planning.

Assessment fees vary depending on the type of assessment.

See Fees and Rebates for more information.

The Assessment Process

The assessment process is evidence-based, and tailored to your child's needs. It includes:

Initial consultation

Gather background information, parent concerns, and goals.

Pre-assessment questionnaires provided beforehand.

Clinical interview

Structured interviews with the parent and young person include the MIGDAS or DIVA-5 to provide understanding of the young person's strengths and support needs.

Includes observation if relevant.

Standardised measures

Evidence-based questionnaires to understand behaviour, social communication, attention, and sensory patterns.

Informant information

Collect observations from parents and teachers to build a full picture.

Feedback and report

Review results, discuss recommendations, and outline next steps.

Assessments In-person and via Telehealth

Assessments are conducted in Footscray, with telehealth options available for parent interviews and older teens.

Have questions about fees and how assessments work?

You can find answers in the FAQs on the Fees and Rebates page.

Send an Enquiry

Additional Considerations

Medication

Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. If you are considering ADHD medication, an assessment with a psychiatrist is required.

NDIS

For NDIS purposes, a comprehensive diagnostic report with evidence of functional impact is required. Please note that these documents do not guarantee funding as the NDIS assesses applications according to its own criteria.