Quick answer: An adult autism assessment at Emu Heights Psychology involves an online intake form, psychometric questionnaires, a diagnostic interview of about 1–2 hours (2–3 hours for a combined autism and ADHD assessment), and a feedback session. You can attend in person in Blaxland in the lower Blue Mountains, near Penrith, or by telehealth from anywhere in Australia. There are four options to choose from, depending on how much assessment and written detail you want.
Who is an adult autism assessment for?
Many adults start wondering about autism after years of feeling "different" without being able to explain why. You might notice that social situations leave you exhausted, that you rely on routines more than others seem to, or that noise, light or textures affect you strongly. For some people, the question comes up after a child or family member is diagnosed. For others, it follows burnout, or a long history of being treated for anxiety or depression without things quite making sense.
An assessment is for anyone aged 18 or over who wants a clear, formal answer about whether they are autistic, and a better understanding of how their brain works.
What happens during the assessment?
The process is designed to be as clear and low-demand as possible:
Enquire or book online. You can book directly or send an enquiry if you'd like help choosing an option.
Pay a 50% deposit to secure your appointment. The balance is due 48 hours before your interview.
Complete your intake pack. This includes a detailed intake form, initial questionnaires, and consent forms.
Complete psychometric questionnaires. These are self-report measures you can do in your own time.
Attend your diagnostic interview. This is a collaborative conversation about your experiences, at a pace that feels comfortable. If more time is needed, an extra session is offered at no extra cost.
Receive your letter or report, usually 2–4 weeks after your session, along with Your Neurodivergent Discovery Journey, a resource to help you make sense of your diagnosis.
Feedback session. Every option includes a feedback session to talk through the outcome (30 minutes for Brief and Focused, 50 minutes for Detailed and Comprehensive).
How much does an adult autism assessment cost?
All four options give you a formal diagnostic outcome based on DSM-5-TR criteria. The difference is how in-depth the assessment is and how much written detail you receive.
Brief (telehealth only): a 1-page outcome letter.
Focused: a concise 5–6 page summary with some recommendations.
Detailed: includes the MIGDAS-2 structured interview, a 7–15 page report with personalised recommendations, and a study or workplace support letter.
Comprehensive: everything in Detailed, plus a sensory profile and an executive functioning profile, with a 15–30 page report.
You can see current fees and compare every option side by side on our Autism & Combined Assessments page.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer for an adult autism assessment. If your assessment is for NDIS or Disability Support Pension purposes, we ask for a referral or supporting letter from your treating professional before booking, so we can check the assessment is likely to suit your needs.
Can I claim Medicare?
Currently, Medicare does not provide rebates for adult autism assessments for people aged 25 and over. If you are under 25, you may be eligible for some rebates, so it's worth checking with your GP. Some private health funds may cover part of a psychology appointment, so check with your insurer.
Is a telehealth assessment as valid as an in-person one?
Yes. A telehealth assessment uses the same diagnostic criteria, interview and questionnaires as an in-person assessment, and results in the same formal outcome. Many adults find being assessed from their own home more comfortable, which can make it easier to talk openly about their experiences. If you'd prefer to meet face to face, in-person appointments are available in Blaxland.
How do I choose the right option?
A simple way to decide is to think about what you'll use the outcome for. If you mainly want an answer for yourself, Brief or Focused may be enough. If you'd like recommendations to share with a workplace, university or GP, many people choose Detailed. If you want the fullest possible picture of your sensory and executive functioning needs, choose Comprehensive. And if you're not sure, send us an enquiry and we'll help you decide.
About the author
Kylie Wheeler is a registered psychologist and the founder of Emu Heights Psychology. She is a late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult (AuDHDer) and provides neurodiversity-affirming adult autism and ADHD assessments in person in Blaxland and by telehealth across Australia.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for an individual assessment or clinical advice.
