Our autism assessments for adolescents are thoughtfully designed to be respectful, collaborative, and neuro-affirming. We recognise that adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by increasing self-awareness, social complexity, academic demands, and identity formation. Our assessment approach aims to understand the whole person—beyond diagnostic labels—by exploring strengths, challenges, and individual neurodevelopmental needs.

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Neuro-Affirming and Strength-Based Approach​

We approach every assessment from a strengths-focused perspective, aiming to validate and understand the adolescent’s unique profile of thinking, relating, and functioning. Our goal is to promote self-understanding, self-advocacy, and informed support, not to “pathologise” difference.

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We strive to create a safe, inclusive space where adolescents feel heard and respected. Where appropriate, we involve the adolescent in the assessment process through collaborative interviews, check-ins, and age-appropriate explanations of purpose and outcomes.

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Key Components of the Assessment

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1. Initial Consultation
A comprehensive intake is conducted with parents or caregivers to gather information about developmental history, current concerns, family context, mental health history, and daily functioning.

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2. Adolescent Interview and Engagement
Depending on age, insight, and comfort, adolescents are invited to participate in semi-structured interviews and self-report questionnaires to share their own perspectives on social experiences, sensory preferences, learning environment, and personal identity.

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3. Clinical Observation and Standardised Tools

We conduct clinical observations and may administer standardised tools such as:

• Autism related diagnostic tools

• Social communications questionnaires

• Adaptive functional and behaviour assessments

• Additional measures may be used to explore emotional wellbeing, executive functioning, attention, or co-occurring conditions ​

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​4. Questionnaires and Surveys

​Parents, caregivers, and school staff complete validated questionnaires to provide information across settings. These cover domains such as:

• Executive functioning

• Social and emotional functioning

• Sensory processing

• Adaptive skills

• School engagement

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5. Collaborative Input from Others

We gather relevant information from key stakeholders involved in the adolescent’s care and education, including:

• Teachers, year advisors, or learning support coordinators

• Allied health professionals (e.g., clinical psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists)

• Medical or mental health specialists

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This multi-informant perspective strengthens the reliability of findings and ensures a comprehensive understanding of functional impact across environments.

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6. Functional Capacity Assessment (NDIS requirements)
Where appropriate, a functional capacity assessment is completed to inform NDIS applications or plan reviews. This assessment identifies how neurodevelopmental differences affect the adolescent’s ability to participate and function across home, school, and community domains, and outlines recommendations for support and intervention.

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​Detailed Reporting and Targeted Recommendations

The final report provides a comprehensive summary of the adolescent’s developmental history, assessment results, and functional profile. It includes:

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• Diagnostic formulation (if applicable)

• Descriptions of neurodevelopmental strengths and challenges

• Adolescent voice and self-perspectives

• NDIS functional impact statements (if required)

• Individualised, practical recommendations for school, home, and community support

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Our reports are written in accessible language to support shared understanding between families, educators, therapists, and the young person themselves. We aim to empower adolescents and their families with clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward.