Nat is a certified practicing Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. She has enjoyed 20+ years of supporting Autistic children in education and therapy settings. Nat has completed additional training in neurodiversity affirming Autism assessment and is trained in the administration of the MIGDAS-2.
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A speech pathology assessment forms an important part of a multidisciplinary diagnostic process, including a clinical psychologist and, in many cases, a paediatrician.
Autism Assessments
Sensory and interest based Autism assessments that meet kids where they're at.
Discovering more about your child’s brain type can be a positive and empowering journey. Through the assessment process, Nat will explore and bring to light the patterns that make your child the unique and beautiful person they are.
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The Autism assessment process is designed to be safe, affirming, and centred on each individual child, allowing their authentic strengths, traits, style and needs to be seen and understood.
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The assessment includes the MIGDAS-2*, a neurodiversity-affirming, sensory and interest based approach, that supports a deep understanding of each child’s social, sensory, communication, and thinking patterns through an individualised and child led process. This is supplemented by additional parent and teacher reporting tools and, if helpful, school observation. The valuable information gathered is then used to address to DSM-5's** diagnostic criteria.
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*MIGDAS-2 - Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, 2nd Edition
** DSM-5 - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition
Step 1: Parent / caregiver Interview
The process begins with an initial parent / caregiver interview session via telehealth or in your home. The session provides an opportunity to explore your child’s developmental history, current strengths, needs, and everyday experiences. You are invited to share your observations, questions, and insights, helping to shape a rich understanding of your child’s story.
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This conversation also gathers valuable information about your child’s interests, sensory preferences, and social and communication style, which informs and personalises the approach to the next stage of the process.
1 1/2 -2 hours
Step 2: Child Led session
Your child’s assessment session is held in your home and designed to be child-led, playful, and affirming, including sensory tools, toys, objects of interest, and opportunities for movement, to support authentic engagement. Nat comes prepared and ready to deep dive into your child's special interests and favourite topics of conversation.
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Using the MIGDAS-2 approach, Nat observes and interacts with your child in ways that honour their natural communication style and ways of being, rather than relying on rigid or structured testing formats.
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Nat understands that autism is often internalised and can present in ways that differ from mainstream stereotypes. She is experienced at recognising high-masking
presentations that are often misunderstood or missed, and strives to create a process where children and their parents feel deeply seen, heard, and supported.
2 Hours
Step 3: Parent feedback Session
Following the assessment sessions, all information is analysed and organised then mapped to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and used to build a comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming diagnostic report.
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Our final session focuses on exploring your child’s unique social, sensory, communication, and thinking patterns, building a rich understanding of their neurotype.
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Families are supported to feel confident in taking the next steps in exploring and celebrating their child’s neurotype in a neuroaffirming and strengths-based way.
1 hour
Additions to the Assessment Process
School Observation
Where appropriate, school observations can be included as part of the assessment process. Observing your child in their familiar school environment provides valuable insight into their social and communication style with peers and adults, and helps build a fuller understanding of how they navigate sensory, cognitive, and relational demands in everyday settings.
1 hour
Language Assessment
In some cases, an additional language assessment may be recommended to help build a fuller understanding of your child's communication profile. This ensures that any language needs are clearly identified and recommendations are individualised for your child.
Fees and Rebates
An autism diagnostic assessment encompasses direct assessment time, comprehensive clinical analysis, and the development of a detailed diagnostic report.
1 hour
Beyond the face-to-face sessions, extensive time is devoted to reviewing developmental history, interviews, observations, and assessment data to build a nuanced understanding of your child’s neurotype and to create a thorough, individualised report that reflects their unique social, sensory, communication, and thinking patterns.
SERVICE fee breakdown
Parent / Caregiver interview
Child led assessment session
Clinical Analysis and Report Writing
Parent feedback session ​
$1,440
​A language assessment and / or school observation may be recommended and charged at an additional rate. This will be discussed prior to assessment booking.
Medicare rebate
Families may be eligible for Medicare rebates under MBS Item 82005 for autism assessment in children and young adults aged under 25 years. To claim, your child will require a referral from their paediatrician. A detailed quote for services can be provided prior to commencing the assessment so that families can contact Medicare to confirm the rebate amount applicable to their circumstances.
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Private health insurance
Private health insurance rebates vary between providers and level of cover. For clients who are accessing private health rebates, the total assessment fee is divided across two invoices, issued under item number 330 and 360 (at $720 per invoice). Please contact your private health insurance provider to understand your rebate entitlements.
National Disability insurance scheme
NDIS funding cannot be used to cover the cost of an Autism diagnostic assessment. However, if your child is plan or self-managed, families may be able to claim the parent feedback session under Parent Coaching / Therapy. In this case, $193 will be deducted from the total assessment fee and invoiced separately for submission to the NDIS.
BLOG
Interested in learning more about neuro-affirming autism assessment and therapy? Check out the blog posts below.
