Autism Assessments For Children.

Kind, thorough, child friendly assessments with clear next steps.

The Bigger Picture

Autism is a neurotype, not a problem to fix. An assessment sits inside your child’s whole story. We look at how they feel and function at home, school, and in the community, including masking, energy across the day, sensory load, communication style, play, and interests. We don’t reduce your child to a checklist.

We consider language and gestures, back‑and‑forth communication, social curiosity, flexibility with change, and executive skills like planning and switching tasks. We look at sensory profile and regulation, sleep and health, and co‑occurring needs like ADHD, language, learning, or anxiety. Culture and bilingual backgrounds are respected. Strengths like focus, memory, fairness, and creativity are part of the picture.

You receive practical supports, not just scores. A one‑page teacher profile, visual routines, transition plans, sensory strategies, and a calm response plan for overwhelm. You get a plain English report and we can brief the school and liaise with your GP or paediatrician. The aim is smoother days, better access to learning, and a child who feels safe to be themselves.

**When An Assessment Can Help.**

Common signs include:

Differences in eye contact, gestures, or facial expression
Language delay or unusual language such as scripts or echolalia
Deep interests and strong focus on favourite topics
Preference for routine and distress with unexpected change
Differences in play such as lining up or less pretend play
Sensory seeking or sensory avoiding in busy places
Movement differences like toe walking or clumsiness
Finding groups or friendships hard to read
Big meltdowns with overwhelm or shutdowns after school
Strong memory, detail focus, or early reading skills
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These are differences, not failings. Understanding them unlocks the right support.

What We Assess And How It Works.

What we assess:

Developmental history and clinical interview
ADOS‑2 play‑based observation
Parent and teacher questionnaires such as SRS‑2 and SCQ
Adaptive functioning such as Vineland‑3
Cognitive testing such as WPPSI‑IV or WISC‑V
Learning and language tools where indicated such as WIAT or CELF
Sensory profile where relevant
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How it works:

Intake session with parents or carers.
Questionnaires for home and school.
Assessment sessions with your child. Breaks and play built in.
Optional preschool or school observation when helpful.
Feedback session with clear recommendations.
A plain language report you can share with school and health providers.
Follow up to review progress and next steps.
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We also screen for co‑occurring needs such as ADHD, anxiety, language, and learning.

When helpful we coordinate with your GP, paediatrician, and educators.

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Helpful Answers For Parents.

Parents often feel uncertain about when to seek an autism assessment, what the process involves, and how the results can help. Below are some of the most common questions families ask us at Unbound Minds about autism assessments for children and adolescents.

Why would I seek an autism assessment for my child?

An assessment can provide clarity about your child’s development, explain the challenges you’ve been noticing, and guide access to supports at school, at home, and in the community. It can also help with funding pathways such as the NDIS.

What does the assessment process involve?

Our assessments are comprehensive. They usually include a developmental history with parents or caregivers, structured observation of your child, standardised assessment tools, and feedback sessions where we explain the results clearly and answer your questions.

How long does the assessment take?

The process typically occurs over 2-3 sessions. This allows us to gather information from different settings, observe your child thoroughly, and ensure our recommendations are detailed and accurate.

What happens after the assessment?

You’ll receive a written report outlining the findings, as well as practical recommendations for next steps. These may include strategies for home and school, referrals to other professionals if needed, or pathways to therapy and support services.

Can Unbound Minds provide a formal diagnosis of Autism?

Yes. Our psychologists are qualified to conduct comprehensive assessments and provide a formal diagnosis of Autism when appropriate. This diagnosis can be used to guide school supports, access funding such as the NDIS, and inform tailored therapy recommendations.

Take TheFirst Step.

Clarity doesn’t have to be confusing. With kind, neuroaffirming assessment, we can understand your child’s strengths, communication, and sensory needs, and what helps at home and school. You’ll get clear recommendations, a plain language report, and support to share it with teachers and your GP. Enquire today to start a pathway that fits your child and family.

Take The First Step ->

Unbound Minds provides general mental health information and professional psychological services. This website is not a substitute for personalised medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or require urgent support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or seek help from your nearest emergency service.