Autism Assessment for Adults | Rose Park Psychology

Many adults reach a point where they begin to wonder whether autism might explain experiences they have carried for a long time. Seeking an assessment is a considered step towards understanding yourself more fully, and we understand that journeys are travelled better together.

Rose Park Psychology has supported Adelaide adults since 2000. We approach adult assessment with respect and curiosity, recognising that you are the expert on your own life and that an assessment is a collaboration.

What Is an Autism Assessment for Adults?

An autism assessment for adults is a structured process that explores how you communicate, relate to others, process sensory information, and experience the world. It draws on your own history and perspective alongside standardised measures.

The outcome is a clear, balanced understanding of your profile and practical recommendations, whether or not that understanding includes a diagnosis of autism.

Why Adults Consider an Assessment

Adults often seek an assessment when they recognise long-standing experiences such as:

• A lifelong sense of being different, or of working hard to fit in socially.
• Exhaustion after social situations, sometimes described as masking and then recovering.
• Sensory sensitivities that shape your preferences for environments and routines.
• Deep, focused interests and a strong preference for predictability.
• A wish to understand yourself better, or to make sense of earlier experiences at work or in relationships.

For many adults, an assessment offers language and clarity that helps them be kinder to themselves and ask for what they need.

Our Approach

Autism assessments at Rose Park Psychology are completed at our offices by Guillermo Garcia Castillo a Clinical Psychologist, and by Caitlin Waldie, who offers autism assessments online. Your clinician will take time to understand your history and what you are hoping the assessment will help with.

A typical assessment includes a detailed personal and developmental history, structured assessment and conversation, and validated tools. Where helpful and with your consent, we may gather additional background information. We then provide a written report with practical recommendations, and can talk with you about neuro-affirming therapy and support if that would be useful.

Adult assessments are conducted according to the national guideline for autism assessment in Australia (Autism CRC, 2023) and use established tools such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), alongside cognitive and adaptive assessment.

Important Information

Funding and Medicare. If you hold a valid GP referral, a Medicare rebate may be available, but a referral is not needed to book. We do not publish fees online, so contact the clinic and we will talk you through the costs.

NDIS. If a diagnosis of Level 2 or Level 3 autism is reached, the NDIS generally accepts it as evidence of disability for access without further functional assessment. A Level 1 diagnosis can require additional evidence of everyday impact, and we can tailor the report to the NDIS access criteria. You can check the current NDIS access requirements on the NDIS website.

Who This Is Suitable For

This assessment is suitable for adults of any age who have questions about whether autism explains their experiences, or who are seeking greater self-understanding. If you are unsure whether an assessment is the right step, we are happy to talk it through with you first. No issue is too big or too small.

What to Expect

The assessment usually takes place across a small number of appointments. You can expect an unhurried, respectful process, clear communication, and a feedback session where we talk through the findings together. You will receive a written report you can share with your GP or other supports if you wish.

Why Choose Rose Park Psychology

• Supporting Adelaide adults since 2000, including later-in-life identification.
• A broad team with expertise across assessment and neuro-affirming therapy.
• A collaborative approach that treats you as the expert on your own life.
• Ongoing neuro-affirming therapy available after your assessment.
• Considered, genuinely useful reports written for real-world situations.

Related Pages

Related reading at Rose Park Psychology: psychological assessments, psychology for adults, neuro-affirming therapy, our team.

Speak With Our Team

To discuss an adult autism assessment or make a booking, call (08) 8333 0940, or email Email Us, visit our contact page, No concern is too large or too small, and we are glad to talk it over first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth being assessed as an adult?

Many adults find that an assessment brings valuable clarity and self-understanding, whatever the outcome. We are happy to talk through what an assessment might offer you before you decide.

Do I need a referral?

A referral is not required to book. If you already see a GP, we can share the report with them once you consent.

Will I receive a diagnosis?

You may or may not receive a diagnosis. Whatever the result, the value is in understanding your profile and having practical next steps, because a diagnosis only matters if it leads somewhere useful.

Is the assessment covered by Medicare?

Generally Medicare rebates do not apply. Please contact the clinic to discuss costs and what to expect.

Can the assessment be used for NDIS funding?

In many situations, yes. A Level 2 or Level 3 autism diagnosis is generally accepted by the NDIS as evidence of disability for access without further functional assessment, whereas a Level 1 diagnosis can need additional evidence of everyday impact. We can tailor the report to the NDIS access criteria and suggest verifying current requirements on the NDIS website. Please reach out to discuss your circumstances.

What is neuro-affirming therapy?

Neuro-affirming therapy recognises neurodivergence as a valid way of being rather than a problem to solve. For adults the focus is on self-understanding, working with your strengths, and finding approaches that suit your wiring instead of forcing you into a neurotypical mould. Many of our psychologists practise this way.

Can you also offer therapy after the assessment?

Yes. Many of our psychologists offer neuro-affirming therapy, and we can talk with you about ongoing support that suits your profile if you would find that helpful.

This information is general and should not be taken as personal psychological advice. Results differ between individuals. Please reach out to Rose Park Psychology to talk through whether an assessment fits your situation.