Adult neurodivergence
assessment services

What is the difference between a clinical diagnosis and a self-identification?

 

A clinical diagnosis is a formal assessment completed by a registered psychologist or psychiatrist using standardised diagnostic criteria (DSM-5-TR or ICD-11). It involves comprehensive evaluation including clinical interviews, standardised questionnaires, developmental history, and functional assessment. This diagnosis becomes part of your medical record and enables access to NDIS funding, workplace accommodations, Medicare rebates, and formal support services.

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Self-identification is personal recognition of your neurodivergent traits without formal assessment. Many people self-identify after research, self-reflection, and connection with neurodivergent communities. This is valid and meaningful, particularly for those facing barriers to assessment such as cost, waitlists, diagnostic bias, or cultural inaccessibility.

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The key distinction is purpose. Self-identification helps you understand yourself, connect with community, and implement strategies. Clinical diagnosis is needed for formal documentation, such as NDIS support, workplace adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act, educational accommodations, or Medicare-rebated therapy.

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Neither is superior. Some find diagnosis validating and necessary, others find self-identification sufficient. Many engage with both at different times. Choose what best serves your wellbeing, autonomy, and practical needs.

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Can I get an ADHD / Autism assessment if I have another mental health condition?

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Absolutely. Co-occurring presentations are extremely common: many neurodivergent people also experience anxiety, depression, (C)PTSD, OCD, or eating disorders. However, assessment requires expertise because these conditions share overlapping symptoms including concentration difficulties, emotional dysregulation, social withdrawal, executive functioning challenges, and sleep disturbance.

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My role is to distinguish between lifelong neurodivergent traits and symptoms arising from mental health conditions by examining developmental history, symptom patterns across contexts, and how difficulties respond to treatment. Autistic social differences are typically consistent across the lifespan, while social anxiety-related avoidance fluctuates with stressors. ADHD inattention is pervasive, while depression-related concentration often improves with mood stabilisation.

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Many people have unrecognised ADHD or autism because symptoms were misattributed to mental health conditions, or because neurodivergence contributed to developing anxiety or depression from years of misunderstanding. Conversely, some discover their difficulties stem primarily from treatable mental health conditions. Both scenarios deserve appropriate recognition.

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A thorough assessment acknowledges complexity without dismissing possibilities. Many people genuinely have both presentations requiring integrated support. Diagnostic clarity sometimes emerges over time, and effective treatment often addresses multiple conditions concurrently. The goal is understanding your complete profile to access the most helpful interventions.

 

What does 'Neuro-Affirming' mean in a diagnostic context?

 

Neuro-affirming assessment shifts from deficit-focused pathology towards understanding difference and supporting thriving. It views neurodivergent traits as valid variations in human neurology with unique strengths, challenges, and support needs and not as broken versions of neurotypical functioning.

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A neuro-affirming assessor uses respectful language and acknowledges both challenges and strengths, recognising that difficulties often stem from environments designed for neurotypical brains. The process centres your subjective experience as crucial diagnostic information rather than relying solely on external observation or neurotypical standards.

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This approach recognises that masking and compensatory strategies do not negate neurodivergence. Many people, particularly women and gender-diverse individuals, develop sophisticated strategies to appear neurotypical at significant cost. My role is to examine the effort required to maintain behaviours, not just their visibility, understanding that you might perform well on tests while experiencing substantial daily struggles.

Neuro-affirming practice means collaborative exploration. I share my clinical thinking, invite your perspective, and recognises you as the expert on your internal experience. The diagnostic report should capture your reality, provide useful insights for accessing support, and affirm your inherent worth regardless of outcome.

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This does not mean lowering diagnostic standards. It means applying criteria thoughtfully while maintaining respect for neurodivergent people's autonomy, lived experience, and dignity. The diagnosis should serve you, providing a framework for understanding yourself and accessing support while honouring your experience.

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Click here for more information.

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Fees

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• Single adult ADHD assessments cost $1,500 (inclusive of clinical interviews, assessments, and report writing)

• Single adult Autism assessments cost $2,000 (inclusive of clinical interviews, assessments, and report writing)

• Combined autism/ADHD assessments cost $2,500 (inclusive of clinical interviews, assessments, and report writing)

• These private fees are often billed across multiple sessions. Clients may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for some of the consultation sessions if they have a valid referral and Mental Health Care Plan. Furthermore, specific rebates are available for children under 25 referred by a paediatrician or psychiatrist for some assessments. Assessments for NDIS funding may require an additional fee for a comprehensive functional capacity report.

• I recommended to first consult a GP (General Practitioner) for a referral to Behavioural Edge Psychology if you are eligible for a Medicare rebate.