Autism and ADHD assessment (AuDHD)
At Empowerment Psychology , Dr. Missy Wolfman and her team specialise in providing thorough, compassionate assessments for Autism, ADHD, and situations where both may overlap (sometimes called AuDHD). With growing recognition that Autism and ADHD often co-occur, it’s important to consider both together in assessment. Research shows that many individuals who meet criteria for one condition also experience traits of the other, and when this is overlooked, people may miss out on a full understanding of their strengths, challenges, and support needs.
One of our areas of expertise is recognising Autism and ADHD in girls and women, who often present differently from the stereotypes seen in boys. Many women learn to “mask” or camouflage their traits, leading to years of misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, or feeling like something just doesn’t quite fit. At Empowerment Psychology, we bring a nuanced and affirming approach to assessment—considering how symptoms show up in everyday life, the role of masking, and the unique ways that neurodivergence can affect identity, relationships, and wellbeing.
An AuDHD assessment helps clarify your neurodivergent profile so you can better understand yourself, access appropriate supports, and make informed choices about work, study, relationships, and mental health. At Empowerment Psychology, we take a personalised and evidence-based approach—looking beyond checklists to hear your story, consider your history, and explore how your brain works in everyday life. Our goal is not just diagnosis, but helping you flourish through insight, strategies, and validation.
AuDHD assessment for children and teens (5-17 years old)
What to Expect
We know that coming for an assessment can feel like a big step—for both children and their parents. At Empowerment Psychology, our approach is designed to be supportive, respectful, and child-friendly. Here’s what you can expect along the way:
A welcoming environment – We create a safe and comfortable space where your child feels heard and valued. Many children even enjoy the process, as it gives them a chance to share their experiences in their own words.
A team approach – You know your child best. We see the assessment as a partnership, working together with you, your child, and their teachers to build a full picture.
Clear communication – We explain each step of the process so you know what to expect and can prepare your child. After the assessment, we’ll take time to go through the findings and answer all your questions.
Compassion and understanding – Every child is unique. We take care to understand your child’s story, rather than just ticking boxes or relying on stereotypes.
Practical outcomes – At the end of the process, you’ll leave not only with a detailed report but also with recommendations, resources, and next steps to help your child thrive at school, home, and in the wider world.
Thank you for considering Empowerment Psychology for your child’s Autism and ADHD (AuDHD) assessment. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based process that helps you and your child better understand their strengths, challenges, and support needs.
When an Assessment May Not Be Suitable
To ensure accuracy and safety, there are situations where an ADHD and ASD assessment may not be appropriate right away. We may recommend delaying or referring for alternative support if your child is:
Currently using alcohol, cannabis, or other substances chronically
Actively experiencing psychotic symptoms
Engaging in restrictive eating, bingeing, or purging behaviours (assessment is best completed once weight is restored and eating patterns are stable)
In addition, for ADHD, symptoms must be present in two or more settings (e.g. home and school). This means your child’s school will need to be part of the process—through questionnaires, an interview, or a written description of your child’s learning and behaviour. School reports are also required to assess academic functioning.
Our Assessment Process
We use a holistic approach, gathering information from multiple sources to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis. The process includes:
Clinical Interviews – An in-depth initial session (80–120 minutes) with you and your child, using structured tools such as the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS-2) or other evidence based tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) or Brief Observation of symptom of Autism (BOSA) to explore symptoms, mental health history, and developmental background.
Developmental History Session – A 50-minute session with parents or caregivers to gather detailed information about your child’s early development and functioning.
Questionnaires – Psychometric questionnaires completed by parents, teachers, and (depending on age) your child. These provide valuable perspectives from different environments.
Feedback Session – A 50-minute session where we share findings, discuss any diagnosis, and provide tailored recommendations.
Resources – If an Autism or ADHD diagnosis is made, we will email you resources tailored to your child’s needs.
Comprehensive Report – An 8–10 page written report summarising the assessment, diagnosis, and recommendations.
Referrals – If appropriate, we can provide a referral to a private paediatrician or psychiatrist to discuss medical options (e.g. ADHD medication). Having a completed assessment often means your child can be seen sooner.
Fees
Assessment Package Fee: $2,500 (including GST)
This covers the entire process outlined above.
AuDHD assessment for adults (18+ years old)
At Empowerment Psychology, we provide comprehensive and evidence-based assessments for adults seeking clarity around Autism, ADHD, or both (AuDHD). Many adults come to us after years of feeling misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or wondering why life feels more difficult than it “should.” Our goal is to give you a clear picture of your neurodivergent profile and provide practical guidance for moving forward.
When an Assessment May Not Be Suitable
There are situations where an ADHD or Autism assessment may not be appropriate at this time. We may recommend delaying or referring for alternative support if you are:
Currently using alcohol, cannabis, or other substances chronically
Actively experiencing psychotic symptoms
In addition, a formal ADHD or Autism diagnosis requires evidence of symptoms before the age of 12. This means we need collateral information about your childhood development—such as school reports and/or input from someone who knew you well as a child (e.g. a parent, sibling, or guardian). Without this information, a psychologist-led diagnostic assessment is not possible.
Our Assessment Process
Our assessments draw on multiple sources of information to provide a thorough and accurate diagnosis. While each person’s pathway is unique, the process usually includes:
Clinical Interviews – Exploring your symptoms, developmental background, and mental health history in detail.
Psychometric Questionnaires – Completed by you, and where possible, by a parent, partner, or other significant person who can provide additional perspective.
Review of Records – Including school reports, medical notes, or past psychiatric reports that help us understand your history.
Your assessment plan will be discussed during the initial session and may be adapted depending on the complexity of your presentation and any co-occurring conditions (e.g. trauma, anxiety, or mood difficulties).
What’s Included in an Adult Assessment
Initial Assessment Session – An 80-minute session focused on your current challenges and history.
Developmental History Session – A 50-minute session (with you and/or a parent/guardian, if available) to understand your early development and functioning.
Psychometric Questionnaires – Completed by you and, if possible, collateral informants.
Feedback Session – A 50-minute session to share results, discuss the diagnosis (if given), and provide recommendations.
Resources – Personalised resources for ADHD and/or Autism emailed to you if a diagnosis is made.
Comprehensive Report – A detailed 6–10 page report summarising the findings and recommendations.
Referral Options – If ADHD is diagnosed, we can provide a referral to a private psychiatrist for medication assessment. Having a completed report often allows for faster access to appointments.
Fees
Assessment Package Fee: $2,500 (including GST)
This fee covers the entire assessment process outlined above.
What Clients Say About Our AuDHD Assessments (with consent)
“Nadjela had an excellent manner, very kind and thoughtful and approachable and easy to talk to.”
” Nadjela was very kind and patient with any questions I had, and all the questions she had for me during sessions were delivered clearly and were easy to understand/answer.
“I felt very anxious going into it, but Nadjela made me feel comfortable and supported during the sessions and throughout whole process. A very relieving and validating experience overall.”
“[Nadjela provided] accurate diagnosis with a friendly and empathic approach.”
“[Dana was] very thorough, very detailed, easy to follow process, efforts were made to ensure comfort during interviews. “
“I very much enjoyed being able to chat about these sorts of issues in a comfortable setting with a professional as it’s not something I’ve done much before. I felt safe to open up about myself.”
“The area felt nice, it wasn’t as scary as a doctors office would be, which was what was freaking me out going into getting a diagnosis. But I’m glad it had a more homey feel. It made it a bit easier for me to relax.
I also liked that eye contact didn’t have to be forced. Sometimes when going to see professionals it feels like I need to maintain eye contact or they’ll think its rude, but I felt very safe in those appointments to just let my eyes wander a bit if I was feeling uncomfortable.”