ADHD & Autism Assessment for Adults
· Central Coast & NSW ·
Clarity, Not Just a Label:
Many adults spend years wondering why certain things feel harder for them than for everyone else - before ever considering ADHD or autism as the reason. A proper assessment isn't about putting a name to something for its own sake; it's about finally understanding why, and what actually helps.
I've worked with adults navigating both first-time diagnoses and years of unanswered questions, and I take an evidence-based, unhurried approach - because getting this right matters more than getting it fast.
Getting to Know the Common Signs & Symptoms
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Persistent difficulties with sustaining attention and managing impulse control and activity levels - even when willpower isn’t an issue.
Common Difficulties:
Trouble sustaining focus or frequently losing momentum during tasks
Disorganisation, time blindness, or issues with missed deadlines
Restlessness or feeling constantly "on the go"
Impulsivity in decisions, spending, or communication
Emotional reactivity - frequent mood swings, frustration, or low stress tolerance
Feeling like you're not living up to your potential despite genuine effort
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
ASD often shows up as a lifelong sense of being "different," alongside challenges with socialising, emotional processing, and sensory sensitivity.
Common Difficulties:
Finding social interactions challenging, effortful, or exhausting
Strong preference for routine, predictability, or structure
Strong fixations on hobbies or specific interests
Sensory sensitivities (sounds, foods, texture) that others don't seem to share
Camouflaging or "masking" natural behaviours to fit in, especially at work or school
A pattern going back to childhood, even if it wasn't recognised at the time
Further Notes:
For a diagnosis to be considered, symptoms need to have been present from childhood (before age 12); have caused clinically significant impairment and/or distress; and be evident across more than one setting (e.g., at home, school, and/or work).
ADHD and autism frequently co-occur, and both can overlap with anxiety, depression, or burnout - which is part of why an accurate assessment matters, rather than relying on self-report checklists alone.
*These descriptions are intended as a guide rather than an accurate representation of diagnostic criteria.
What Does an Assessment Include?
Comprehensive clinical interview
A review of your concerns, developmental history, education, work functioning, mental health history, and daily functioning.Standardised psychometric measures
Use of validated questionnaires and measures designed to assess common symptoms and patterns across different settings (e.g., work, study, home).Collateral information (where available)
Input from a partner, family member, or other informant who knows you well to provide an external perspective on symptoms and functioning.Developmental evidence
Where possible, review of school reports or other records from childhood (before age 12), as ADHD & ASD are neurodevelopmental conditions that must be evident from an early age.
Costs & Getting Started
ADHD & ASD Assessment costs can often be both daunting and confusing.
My aim is to lessen unnecessary costs and keep the assessment process flexible so you don’t pay for what you don’t need.
Fees are structured to reflect:
Assessment interviews and administration time
Scoring and interpretation of psychometric measures
Report writing and feedback
A detailed fee outline, including expected timeframes and costs, will be provided before commencing the assessment so you can make an informed decision.
For transparency,the average out-of-pocket cost for clients ranges between $750-$1250, depending on a variety of factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at our FAQ or reach out anytime to info@forwardthinkingpsychology.com
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No - as clinical psychologists, we do not prescribe medication. We focus on psychological assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic support. If medication is being considered as part of your ADHD treatment plan, we can provide guidance and recommend a psychiatrist we trust to guide you with exploring medication options.
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ADHD & ASD assessments typically involve multiple components, including detailed interviews about developmental history, symptom patterns, and co-occurring conditions, as well as reviewing reports and questionnaires from you and, if relevant, family or work/school settings. This process usually takes several sessions - the exact length depends on your history and complexity - but it ensures the assessment is thorough, accurate, and useful for treatment planning or access to supports.
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Online screening tools and self-report questionnaires can provide a helpful guide, but they do not capture the full picture. A thorough assessment considers context, underlying causes of symptoms, common co-morbidities, and developmental history. Rushing the process or relying only on online tests risks an incomplete or inaccurate diagnosis, which can lead to incorrect or misguided decisions about treatment and support. An incorrect diagnosis can have serious consequences (especially in regards to medication decisions). Our approach ensures that any diagnosis is well-informed and evidence-based.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form - we’ll walk you through the relevant sign-up forms and answer any questions along the way. We also offer a 15-minute free consultation so you can get a feel for our services and therapists.