Autism & ADHD Assessment FAQs Answered

You might be wondering whether an assessment is the right step, whether you need a referral, what actually happens during the process, or where to start if you’re not sure what kind of support you need.

These are some of the common questions we hear about assessments at Very Helpful Chats!

How do I know if I should get an Autism or ADHD assessment?

Many people seek an Autism and/or ADHD assessment after noticing lifelong patterns in areas like attention, sensory experiences, social communication, routines, executive functioning, or feeling different from others.

Sometimes people come to assessment after years of wondering why certain things have felt harder, more confusing, or more exhausting than they seem to for others.

An assessment can help provide clarity, understanding, and recommendations for support. It can also help you better understand your strengths, needs, and what kinds of strategies or accommodations may be useful.

Do I need a referral for an Autism or ADHD assessment?

Nope! You can book an assessment without a referral.

Medicare may provide rebates for Autism assessments for people under 25 years old when they have a referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician. If you’re unsure what applies to your situation, our team can talk you through your options

What if I’m not sure whether it’s ADHD, Autism, or both?

That’s okay! Many people are unsure what best explains their experiences. Some people come in wondering about ADHD and later realise Autism may also fit. Others wonder whether their experiences are better explained by anxiety, sensory processing differences, executive functioning challenges, burnout, or a combination of things.

Your clinician can discuss your concerns in your first session and help you work out which assessment pathway may be most appropriate.

Can adults be assessed too?

Absolutely! Many people seek assessment in adulthood after years of wondering why certain things have felt harder, different, or more exhausting than they seem to for others.Understanding yourself can be helpful at any age.

Do you complete NDIS assessments?

Yes, we do! If you are applying for the NDIS, we generally recommend a Comprehensive Needs Assessment. This explores your support needs and may be used as part of an access request. If you are already an NDIS participant, we offer Functional Capacity Assessments. These can help identify your support needs, provide recommendations, and support funding reviews.

If you’re unsure which assessment is right for your situation, our team can help guide you through the options.

Should I start with therapy or an assessment?

It’s completely up to you. There is no single “right” place to start. Some people begin with therapy because they want support first, others choose to complete an assessment first because they want clarity before deciding what support might help.

The best option depends on your goals, needs, and what feels most useful for you right now

Thinking about an assessment?

If you’re considering an assessment, you’re welcome to explore our assessments or complete our intake form to get started.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Part of the process is helping you work out what support might fit.