Autism Assessment
Understanding yourself or your child more fully
Why an Autism Assessment may be helpful
Many people who come to us for an autism assessment have spent years feeling that something about the way they experience the world is different — without ever having the language or framework to understand why. For others, it’s a child whose needs aren’t quite being met, or whose experience of school or social situations has been quietly confusing or painful. Wherever you’re coming from, seeking an assessment is a meaningful and often clarifying step.
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how a person experiences and interacts with the world. It shows up differently in every person — in social communication, in the way sensory experiences are processed, in patterns of thinking and behaviour — which is why the word “spectrum” matters. There is no single way to be autistic, and an assessment is about understanding your particular experience, not fitting you into a fixed category.
What Autism can look like
Differences that may be observed in autistic/neurodiverse people can include:
Social communication differences
Autism is often characterised by differences in social communication and interaction. You might find certain social cues difficult to read, struggle with the unspoken rules of conversation, or feel exhausted by social situations that others seem to navigate effortlessly. Sarcasm, humour, and implied meaning can be genuinely confusing, even for people who are highly intelligent and articulate.
Preferences for Routines
Many autistic people also find comfort in routine, specific interests, and predictability, and may experience certain repetitive behaviours as grounding or calming rather than problematic.
Sensory Differences
Sensory experiences can also be more intense — sounds, textures, lights, or tastes that others barely notice might be genuinely overwhelming, or conversely, certain sensory experiences might be actively sought out.It’s worth knowing that autism frequently appears alongside other conditions — ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and learning differences among them. A thorough assessment can help untangle what’s going on across the full picture, rather than addressing things in isolation.
A Note on Masking
One reason autism goes undiagnosed — sometimes for decades — is masking. Many autistic people, particularly women and girls, learn early to suppress or camouflage their autistic traits in order to fit social expectations. They may make eye contact, follow conversational norms, and appear entirely comfortable in situations that are actually costing them enormous energy. Internally, the experience can be very different — exhausting, confusing, and marked by a persistent sense of not quite belonging.
High-masking individuals often describe feeling like they are performing rather than living. The long-term consequences of sustained masking can include burnout, anxiety, depression, and a loss of connection with their own sense of self. If this resonates with you, it’s worth knowing that a skilled assessor understands these presentations — and that difficulty being “seen” in everyday life doesn’t mean a formal assessment won’t find
What an Assessment at BlueSky Psychology involves
Our experienced psychologists conduct comprehensive autism assessments using a combination of approaches, tailored to the individual’s age and specific concerns.
The process typically begins with a clinical interview — with the individual, and where relevant, with parents or caregivers — to gather a thorough developmental and personal history. This is followed by structured behavioural observations and a battery of standardised assessments, which may include the RAADS-R, the AQ-50, and the CAT-Q, among others. Cognitive and educational assessments may also be included to build a fuller picture of strengths and challenges. Where it would be beneficial, we collaborate with other professionals such as speech therapists or occupational therapists.
Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive written report explaining the findings clearly and in full, along with a feedback session to discuss what it all means and what next steps might look like. You’ll leave with genuine clarity, not just a diagnosis.
What Support is Available
An autism diagnosis — at any age — opens the door to support that is properly matched to who you are. Depending on the individual’s needs, this might include behavioural therapy, social skills support, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. Many autistic people lead deeply fulfilling lives, and with the right understanding and support in place, they are able to thrive in ways that feel authentic to them.
If you’d like to talk through whether an assessment is right for you or your child, we’d love to hear from you. Please call us on 08 8212 3944 or reach out by email at info@blueskypsychology.com.au. You’ll find us at Level 10, 108 King William Street, Adelaide.
Your Adelaide Psychologists
Our practice is dedicated to facilitating a safe container where you can explore your challenges and find your path to greater well-being. We have an experienced and diverse team who focus on establishing a safe and compassionate therapeutic alliance and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches for our counselling services. Treatment can be delivered in-person or via Telehealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of autism in adults?
Common signs in adults include difficulty reading social cues or maintaining conversations, a strong preference for routines and distress when routines change, intense focus on specific interests, sensory sensitivities (to noise, light, textures), difficulty understanding unspoken social rules, and feeling ‘different’ from peers throughout life. Autism presents differently in everyone.
Can you be diagnosed with autism as an adult?
Yes. Many adults — particularly women and those who have learned to ‘mask’ their traits — are diagnosed later in life. An adult autism assessment looks at your current experiences and developmental history to determine whether autism explains long-standing patterns in your social, sensory, and behavioural functioning.
What does an autism assessment involve?
The assessment typically includes a detailed clinical interview covering your current difficulties and developmental history, standardised diagnostic tools (such as the ADOS-2), input from a family member or someone who knew you in childhood (where available), and screening for co-occurring conditions. A comprehensive written report is provided.
Who can diagnose autism in Australia?
In Australia, autism can be diagnosed by a psychologist (typically a clinical psychologist) or a psychiatrist with experience in autism assessment. For adults, either pathway is valid. The key is finding a clinician with specific expertise in assessing autism across different presentations, including in women and gender-diverse people.
How long does an adult autism assessment take?
A full assessment usually involves several sessions totalling 4 to 8 hours of clinical contact, plus time for report writing. The entire process from first appointment to receiving the report typically spans 4 to 6 weeks.
Can you have autism and ADHD at the same time?
Yes. Research suggests that 40–60% of autistic people also have ADHD. This is sometimes referred to as ‘AuDHD.’ When both conditions are present, it is important that both are identified and considered in treatment planning, as they interact and can complicate each other.
Will an autism diagnosis help me access support?
A diagnosis can provide clarity, self-understanding, and validation. Practically, it can support applications for NDIS funding, workplace accommodations, and access to specialised services and community support. A detailed assessment report will include recommendations tailored to your needs.
Take the First Step
If you have questions about whether you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of Autism we’re here to help. Our central Adelaide location makes it easy to access the support you need.
Contact us today:
Phone: 08 8212 3944
Book online or call to speak with our team
BlueSky Psychology
Level 10, 108 King William Street
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000