Thinking About an Autism Assessment? A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

The thought of an autism assessment begins with small moments. You might notice your child experiencing the world in a different way, communicating differently, or responding strongly to certain sounds, textures, or routines.

These observations often lead to questions. Could an autism assessment help us understand their behaviour better?

For families, an assessment is a way to learn more about how their child experiences the world, from social skills to speech and language. Below is a guide to what happens during an autism assessment and what you can expect along the way.

When Do Families Ask Questions?

Parents and caregivers are usually the first to notice differences in their child’s development or behaviour. Every child grows and learns at their own pace, but sometimes families notice patterns that make them curious about autism.

These differences may appear in areas such as:

• communication and language development

• social interaction and play

• sensory sensitivities or strong sensory interests

• repetitive movements or focused interests

Autism presents differently in every individual. Some children show clear signs early in life, while others may only show differences later as social demands increase.

The Raising Children Network explain that autism is identified by looking at patterns of behaviour and development over time, rather than relying on a single test or observation.

Step 1: Speaking with a Health Professional

The first step often begins with a conversation. Families may raise their concerns with a GP, paediatrician, speech pathologist, occupational therapist or another health professional who knows their child well. Maybe a child is struggling to navigate socially with their peers or withdraws from school due to anxiety.

During this conversation, the practitioner may ask about your child’s development, communication, play, and daily experiences. They may also talk about whether an autism assessment might be helpful.

Sometimes families are referred to professionals who specialise in autism assessment. These specialists may include psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists or paediatricians.

According to national guidelines developed by Autism CRC, autism assessments often involve more than one professional so that different areas of development can be considered together. Nurture Allied Health combines occupational therapy and speech pathology services so children are getting the support they need at all angles.

Step 2: Sharing Your Child’s Developmental History

Before the assessment takes place, families are asked to complete questionnaires or forms about their child’s development.

This stage helps clinicians understand your child’s experiences over time. Questions may cover things like:

• early milestones and development

• communication patterns

• social relationships and play

• sensory preferences or sensitivities

• behaviour patterns and interests

Your knowledge of your child’s history helps clinicians build a fuller understanding of how your child communicates, learns and interacts with others.

Step 3: The Assessment Appointment

During the assessment appointment, clinicians spend time getting to know your child and how they interact with the world around them.

Depending on the assessment approach, the clinician may use conversations, activities, or play-based interactions to explore areas like:

• communication and language

• social interaction and emotional responses

• sensory experiences and interests

Rather than focusing on a single moment, clinicians are looking for patterns that help them understand how the individual communicates, relates to others and experiences their environment.

This information helps determine whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria for autism outlined in the DSM-5.

Australia’s National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism, developed by Autism CRC in 2018, recommends that autism assessments involve a multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals. This may include psychologists, psychiatrists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists or paediatricians working together to reach an informed diagnosis. The guideline also notes that if an assessment is conducted by a single practitioner, it should be completed by a clinical psychologist.

At Nurture Allied Health, Vanessa works alongside Registered Psychologist Jordan Cheetham to form a collaborative assessment team, providing dual autism assessments that draw on the expertise of both professionals.

Step 4: Reviewing the Assessment Results

After the appointment, the clinicians review all the information gathered during the process. This may include questionnaires, observations from the appointment, and any relevant reports from other professionals (such as a Functional Capacity Report by an occupational therapist).

Sometimes clinicians will discuss their observations with other professionals involved in the assessment process. This helps create a clearer picture before a diagnosis is confirmed.

Families are invited to attend a feedback appointment where the results are explained. This conversation also gives families the chance to ask questions and talk about next steps.

What Happens After an Autism Diagnosis?

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring a mixture of emotions for families. Some parents feel relief after finally understanding their child’s experiences. Others may feel uncertain about what happens next.

A diagnosis does not change who a child is. It helps families understand their child’s strengths, communication style, sensory needs and supports going forward.

With this understanding, families can explore supports that may help their child thrive at home, at school and in the community.

Meet the Nurture Team!

A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach at Nurture Allied Health

At Nurture Allied Health, autism assessments are guided by a neurodiversity-affirming approach that values each person’s individuality and lived experience.

The Nurture team believes in presuming competence, respecting sensory differences and supporting body autonomy. Their work is grounded in strength-based and trauma-informed practices that prioritise the well-being of the individual.

Autism assessments at Nurture are conducted by their autistic founder, Vanessa, who received her own autism diagnosis as an adult. Drawing on both lived experience and professional knowledge, she aims to create an assessment environment where individuals feel respected, understood and supported.

What is part of the assessment process?

• questionnaires completed before the appointment

• a two-hour clinical interview

• discussion of developmental history

• an optional feedback appointment to discuss outcomes

Nurture uses the MIGDAS-2 assessment approach, a sensory-based diagnostic interview that allows individuals to engage naturally while exploring their interests. This approach focuses on understanding how someone experiences communication, relationships and sensory input in everyday life.

You can learn more about how assessments work by reading the Nurture blog: Adult Autism Assessments in Adelaide: Common Myths & What Really Happens

Book an Autism Assessment

If you are thinking about an autism assessment for your child or a family member, the team at Nurture Allied Health SA is here to support you with emotional regulation, sensory processing, learning difficulties, and specific support needs.

Nurture provides neurodiversity-affirming autism assessments in Adelaide, with appointments available at their Beulah Park and Salisbury clinics. Telehealth assessments are also available for individuals’ living interstate.

Their team offers compassionate, respectful assessments designed to help individuals better understand themselves while supporting families through the process. We always celebrate identity and nurture growth.

To learn more about our fees, funding, and rebates or to enquire about an assessment, contact Nurture Allied Health SA by calling (08) 8102 4209 or sending through an email at admin@nurturealliedhealthsa.com.au.

Refer to us.