Autism assessments for women (13+ )
At 4Women Psychology, we provide Autism assessments designed specifically for women and girls. Autism can look different in females as many women develop subtle social coping strategies (known as masking or “camouflaging”), have quieter or internalised repetitive behaviours, or may be misinterpreted as simply anxious, shy, or perfectionistic. Because traditional diagnostic criteria were built around male presentations, many Autistic women reach adulthood without ever receiving an accurate explanation for their experiences.
For this reason, diagnostic delays and misdiagnosis are common in females. Women are often first labelled with anxiety, depression, or even personality disorders, while the underlying neurodivergence remains unrecognised. These pathways can be emotionally exhausting and can lead to years of feeling misunderstood. Our assessment process is designed to address this gap by using gender-informed tools, exploring lifelong patterns of masking, and considering how internalised traits may have hidden Autism.
Our approach is warm, validating and trauma-sensitive. Our clinicians are guided by a neuroaffirming framework which means the assessment is not deficits focused but is instead a collaborative process where your assessing Psychologist will explore your experiences, interests, discoveries, preferences, strengths and differences, the emotional cost of ‘fitting in’ to see if they align with an Autistic experience. We aim to provide a warm, friendly, and safe space to build trust and rapport to ensure the assessment process is a positive experience. During the assessment you can take as many breaks as you need and we encourage you to engage in any activities you feel are regulating or soothing such as fidgeting, doodling, crafting, standing and stretching etc.
The process and fees
Please note:
*The comprehensive report is suitable for NDIS but does not guarantee access as while we do explore functional capacity as part of your assessment, NDIS may require a separate functional capacity assessment (FCA) to determine eligibility in addition to diagnosis. FCA’s are typically provided by an Occupational Therapist. We also do not assist with NDIS access request forms or disability assessments. If accessing NDIS is the main purpose of your assessment, then we recommend seeking other services who specialise in this area. We also do not provide assessments for NDIS/NDIA tribunal matters where an application for access to the scheme (even if not for Autism) has been refused or is being disputed.
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Adolescent Assessments (13 to 17 yrs)
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Autism assessment with comprehensive report = $2,100
*A mental health care plan (MHCP) can not be used for assessments. Medicare rebates are available for individuals under 25 years, however the person needs to be referred by a pediatrician or psychiatrist and the referral must be for a 'complex neurodevelopment assessment' . See Medicare link (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-items-for-complex-neurodevelopmental-disorders-and-eligible-disabilities).
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Get in touch by to discuss available dates and times and ask any questions.
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Parents to complete consent form, young persons personal details, and background information form.
Invoice emailed and payment made as per payment options:
Full payment upfront at time of booking; or
50% payment is required at time of booking to secure your appointment and balance payment is due prior to completion of report (approx. 6-8 weeks).
Payment can be made by bank transfer or debit/credit card (fees apply).
Reports can only be issued when full payment is made.
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Completion of online questionnaires exploring Autism traits, camouflaging behaviours, sensory profile, interoceptive awareness, adaptive functioning, and executive function.
Questionnaires will be completed by the adolescent, parents or guardians, teachers or anyone else who knows the adolescent well.
Email any supporting documents if relevant e.g. school reports, previous assessment reports etc.
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Session 1. Parent interview to discuss developmental history via telehealth or in-person- 60 mins
Session 2. Interview with young person (support person can attend) - 90 mins
-16+ can be via telehealth or in-person.
-Age 13-15yrs only in-person. -
Attend a 60-minue feedback session to discuss findings, diagnoses (if applicable) and recommendations.
Report is emailed shortly after the feedback session.
Adult Assessments (18+ yrs)
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Autism assessment with comprehensive report = $1,900
*A mental health care plan (MHCP) can not be used for assessments. Medicare rebates are available for individuals under 25 years, however the person needs to be referred by a pediatrician or psychiatrist and the referral must be for a 'complex neurodevelopment assessment' . See Medicare link (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-items-for-complex-neurodevelopmental-disorders-and-eligible-disabilities).
-
Get in touch by to discuss available dates and times and ask any questions.
-
Complete consent form, personal details form, and background information form.
Invoice emailed and payment made as per payment options:
Full payment upfront at time of booking; or
50% payment is required at time of booking to secure your appointment, and balance payment is due prior to completion of report (approx. 6-8 weeks).
Payment can be made by bank transfer or debit/credit card (fees apply).
Reports can only be issued when full payment is made.
-
Completion of online questionnaires exploring Autism traits, camouflaging behaviours, sensory profile, interoceptive awareness, adaptive functioning, and executive function.
Informants (people who know you well) also complete some questionnaires. We will discuss in your appointment who you think is best suited.
Email any supporting documents if relevant e.g. school reports, previous assessment reports etc.
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Attend the session.
A comprehensive assessment is conducted to review your experiences and presentations against diagnostic criteria (DSM5-TR) which includes:Autism: 2 hour appointment via telehealth or in-person. Can be split into 2 x 1hr appointments if required. It is conversational in nature using a validated neuroaffirming interview measure (MIGDAS).
A support person can also attend the appointments if you wish..
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Attend a 30-minue feedback session to discuss findings, diagnoses (if applicable) and recommendations.
Report is emailed shortly after the feedback session.
ADHD screening in our Autism assessments
At 4Women Psychology, while we do not provide formal ADHD diagnostic assessments, if you are your assessing clinician feels that ADHD is indicated then we may incorporate ADHD screening as part of our autism assessment service. Here’s why:
ADHD and autism often co-occur, and the presence of ADHD symptoms can influence how autism presents.
Because first-line treatment for ADHD often involves medication, and these medications require a medical prescriber, a formal ADHD diagnosis must be made (or at least confirmed) by a psychiatrist (or, in some cases, a GP with prescribing authority in Queensland) in order to be prescribed ADHD medication.
By screening for ADHD during our autism assessment, we can identify signs of attention or hyperactivity difficulties and in your report recommend a referral pathway for a full ADHD evaluation.
This integrated approach means you avoid fragmented assessments, and saves you time and money. Especially considering Medicare rebates for ADHD assessments are generally available when done by a Psychiatrist, but no for Psychologist-led assessment reports.