Autism assessment in Sydney
that brings clarity, on a timeline that works.
Comprehensive autism assessment for children, teens and adults at our St Leonards rooms. Using the gold-standard ADOS-2 and ADI-R, we deliver a clear, useable diagnostic report within 7 working days. No referral needed. No waitlist.
Autism assessment that brings clarity, not jargon.
Most families don't come to us in a vacuum. They come after months or years of wondering, watching, and waiting. The question isn't usually whether something is different. It's what is different, and what to do about it.
An autism assessment at Spectrum Assessments is designed to answer that. We use the same evidence-based instruments the ADOS-2, ADI-R, WISC-V or WPPSI-IV, and adaptive measures used by leading clinicians and researchers worldwide. The difference is what happens around the testing: warm rooms, an unhurried process, a feedback session that actually feels like a conversation, and a written report you can hand to a school, paediatrician or NDIS planner and have it land properly.
We see clients from across Sydney's North Shore, the Northern Beaches, and from around the country via referral. Most autism assessments are completed in person at our St Leonards rooms.
Who this is for
Common signs an autism assessment may help.
Differences in eye contact, facial expression, or shared social moments.
Strong interests that go deep rather than wide. Hours spent on a single topic.
Sensory sensitivities to sound, texture, light, movement, or food.
Communication differences such as highly literal language, scripted speech, or delayed speech.
A preference for routine, with distress when routines change unexpectedly.
Difficulty with friendships, group play, or reading social cues.
Repetitive movements (stimming) such as hand flapping, rocking, or pacing.
Burnout, masking, or exhaustion after social situations. This is especially common in adults and teens.
A long-standing sense of feeling different, without being able to articulate why.
What the assessment involves.
An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment explores how a child experiences the world, including their communication, social understanding, sensory preferences, and patterns of behaviour. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how individuals relate to others and process information.
Our assessment includes a structured, play-based observation using the ADOS-2, a detailed developmental interview with parents using the ADI-R, cognitive testing (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V depending on age) and adaptive behaviour measures to understand daily functioning and strengths.
Why assessment helps
An autism assessment provides clarity and understanding. It allows families and educators to access the right supports and interventions, helps children build on their strengths, and opens pathways to services such as NDIS funding, speech and occupational therapy, and social skills programs. Early, accurate diagnosis empowers families to advocate effectively for their child’s needs.
What the autism assessment process looks like.
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01
Initial enquiry & consultation
Reach out by phone or our enquiry form. We will talk through what you are noticing, what an assessment involves, what it costs, and answer any questions before you commit. No referral needed.
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02
Background & developmental history
Once you decide to proceed, we collect detailed background information including developmental history, school reports, and any prior assessments. This helps us tailor the sessions to your situation.
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03
Direct assessment sessions
Across approximately four 90-minute sessions, we conduct the ADOS-2 (a structured play-based observation), the ADI-R (a developmental interview with parents), cognitive testing, and adaptive behaviour measures. Sessions are split across days so children do not become fatigued.
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04
Analysis & written report
We integrate everything into a comprehensive written report. The report explains the diagnostic outcome, your strengths and challenges, and includes practical recommendations for school, home, and supports. Reports are typically delivered within 7 working days of your final session.
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05
Feedback session
We meet again to walk through the report together. This is a real conversation. We explain findings in plain language, answer questions, and discuss next steps. School summaries and NDIS-friendly versions are available on request.
What you receive.
Comprehensive diagnostic report
A clear, written report explaining the diagnostic outcome, cognitive and adaptive profile, and tailored recommendations. This is the document you will use with schools, paediatricians, and NDIS.
Feedback session
A face-to-face (or video) conversation walking through the report and what it means. Plenty of time for questions.
School-friendly summary
On request, a shorter summary written for teachers and learning support staff, with classroom-ready recommendations.
NDIS-aligned documentation
Where relevant, we prepare the report so it supports an NDIS access request without you needing to chase additional paperwork.
Direct school liaison
If helpful, we will communicate directly with your child’s school to make sure the recommendations are understood and implemented.
A practical pathway forward
Recommendations for therapies, strategies, support services, and any further assessments. All tailored to where you actually are.
Why families across Sydney choose Spectrum.
No waitlists
Most practices have months-long queues. We don’t. If you enquire today, we’ll typically be able to schedule within weeks.
No referral required
You’re welcome to come to us directly. Many do come via GPs, paediatricians or schools - but it’s not a prerequisite.
7 working-day reports
We don’t make you wait three months for a report. After your final session, you’ll typically have a comprehensive written report within a week.
In-person or telehealth
Visit us at our St Leonards rooms, or - for select assessments - complete the whole process from home, anywhere in Australia.
Gold-standard tools
WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-5, WIAT-III, ADOS-2, ADI-R, Conners 4. The instruments leading clinicians and researchers actually use.
AHPRA-registered, AAPi members
Every psychologist on our team is registered with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists.
Frequently asked.
Other assessments we offer.
Wondering about autism?
Let’s talk. No referral required.
Reach out to us. No referral required. We’ll talk you through what an assessment involves, what it costs, and whether it’s the right next step for your family.
