Nat is a certified practicing Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. She 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 strengths 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-V's** diagnostic criteria.
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*MIGDAS-2 - Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, 2nd Edition
** DSM-V - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition
Step 1: Parent / caregiver Interview
The process begins with an initial parent / caregiver interview session, providing 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 hour
Step 2: Child Led session
Your child’s assessment session is designed to be child-led, playful, and affirming. The environment is thoughtfully prepared with sensory tools, toys, objects of interest, and opportunities for movement, creating an inviting space that supports 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.
1 1/2 - 2 Hours
Step 3: Parent feedback Session
Following the assessment sessions, all information is analysed and organised then mapped to DSM-V 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 together, with their child, 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.
Follow ON Sessions
Follow on therapy sessions can be included to support your child in exploring their neurodivergent identity, fostering self knowledge and self confidence in their authentic self.
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Interested in learning more about neuro-affirming autism assessment and therapy? Check out the blog posts below.
