Comprehensive adult autism (ASD) diagnostic assessment against DSM-5-TR criteria. Detailed written report suitable for NDIS access requests, workplace adjustments, and self-understanding.
Adults aged 16+ only. Child autism assessment is not currently offered.
Adult autism assessment is a comprehensive multi-stage diagnostic evaluation that determines whether an adult meets the DSM-5-TR criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It draws on detailed developmental and current-functioning interviews, structured clinical observation, validated screening measures, and collateral information from people who know you well, where available.
Many adults present for assessment after years of being misdiagnosed, being told their difficulties were "just anxiety", or recognising themselves through media coverage of late-diagnosed autism — particularly in women. A formal diagnosis can validate lifelong experiences, unlock NDIS support, and inform workplace and relationship adjustments.
You recognised autistic traits in yourself after a family member was diagnosed, or through media accounts of late-diagnosed autistic adults
You have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, BPD, or ADHD but the picture has never quite fit, and treatment has had limited effect
A lifetime of masking has led to exhaustion, sensory overwhelm, and inability to maintain previously workable routines
You need a formal diagnosis to request reasonable adjustments under the Fair Work Act or to explain performance concerns
A diagnosis is required to support an NDIS access request for funded supports
You want a definitive answer to make sense of lifelong social, sensory, or relational differences
How you experience and engage in conversation, reading social cues, navigating group dynamics, and maintaining relationships across different contexts.
Long-standing patterns of focused interests, routines, repetitive behaviours, and rigidity in thinking or daily structure.
Sensitivities and seeking behaviours across sound, light, touch, taste, smell, movement, and interoception — and how these affect daily life.
Early childhood, school years, relationships, and the through-line of traits across your life — essential context for an accurate diagnosis.
How autistic traits show up in your work, relationships, and self-care today, including the cost of masking and the supports that already help.
Careful consideration of ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other diagnoses that frequently co-occur with autism or look similar on the surface.
Discussion of your reasons for seeking assessment, current concerns, and confirmation that a comprehensive assessment is the right next step.
Detailed interview covering early development, school years, relationships, sensory experiences, and current functioning. You can bring a family member if helpful.
A focused session designed to give the clinician opportunity to observe social communication, reciprocity, and other behaviours relevant to a DSM-5-TR diagnosis.
Completion of self-report measures covering autistic traits, sensory profile, and masking. Where possible, informant input from a partner, parent, or close friend.
All information is integrated against DSM-5-TR criteria. A comprehensive written report is prepared documenting findings, diagnosis, and recommendations.
Detailed walk-through of the report, the diagnostic conclusion, what it means for you, and practical recommendations for NDIS, workplace, and ongoing support.
Potentialz Unlimited currently offers autism assessment for adolescents and adults aged 16 and above only. We do not yet provide diagnostic assessment for autism in children under 16.
If you are seeking assessment for a child, your GP or paediatrician can refer to a specialised paediatric diagnostic clinic. We are happy to provide referral suggestions — please contact us.
From initial consultation to feedback session, expect 4-6 weeks total. The face-to-face time is approximately 4-5 hours across 3-4 appointments. Report preparation takes 4-6 hours of clinician time between appointments.
Assessment sessions may attract a Medicare rebate under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, but a comprehensive ASD assessment typically uses most or all of the annual Better Access allocation. We provide a clear cost breakdown at the initial consultation.
Yes. The diagnostic report is written to meet the evidence requirements for an NDIS access request, documenting the diagnosis against DSM-5-TR criteria and describing functional impact across the relevant life domains.
Yes, and we encourage it for the developmental interview. A partner, parent, or close friend who has known you for a long time can provide invaluable collateral information about early development and current functioning.
Prior diagnoses are useful information, not disqualifying. Many late-diagnosed autistic adults have a history of other mental health diagnoses. The assessment specifically considers differential and co-occurring diagnoses to give you a complete picture.
No. We currently offer autism assessment for adolescents and adults aged 16 and above only. For children, we can suggest referral pathways to specialised paediatric diagnostic clinics.
A "no autism" outcome is just as valid an answer. The report will document what was assessed, what was ruled out, and what alternative explanations may better fit your experiences — often opening the door to more effective support.
Comprehensive adult autism assessment with detailed written report and recommendations. Adults aged 16+ only.