Assessment

Taking notice of a lived experience for clarity.

Millstream Psychologists specialise in comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment.

Autism Assessment

Millstream Psychologists hold specialist autism training qualifications with a Graduate Certificate in Autism Diagnosis (GCAD). Assessing children, adolescents, and young adults.

ADHD Assessment

Millstream Psychologists assess children for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Disorder (ADHD).
For more information on ADHD, watch these videos:
ADHD Explained & ADHD in Girls.

Educational Assessment

Millstream Psychologists assess for educational differences in children, adolescents & adults. Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), Dyslexia, Dysgraphia & Discalculia.

Speech & Language Assessment

Children & adolescents.
Coming Soon.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is marked by deficits in social communication and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviours. It takes specialist skills to assess and diagnose ASD.

  • Assessing Children aged 12+ the multidisciplinary team consists of a specialist Psychologist & Paediatricain.
  • Assessing Children younger than 12 years, the multidisciplinary team consists of a specialist Psychologist and Speech Pathologist, and Paediatrician.
 
Why assess with Millstream Psychology? 
Millstream Psychology assessors:
  • Hold specialist autism training qualifications with a Graduate Certificate in Autism Diagnosis (GCAD) from UWA.
  • Follow National ASD Assessment Guidelines.
  • Attend daycares or schools for observations and interviews with Teachers or Educators.
  • Liaise with your child’s specialists, including speech pathologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and paediatricians.

 

Millstream Psychology ASD Assessment Process

Pre-Assessment Process – Initial parent-only consult  $240 (60 min) or $290 (90 min).

This appointment is to discuss and explore presenting concerns in detail with the aim to provide a service plan which may include assessment or treatment.  There is no obligation to proceed with services after this time.

Assessment Process

  • 16 – 20 hours in total
  • School or Daycare visit 
  • Teacher or Educator/s Interview
  • Parent Clinical Interview (ADI-R)
  • Child in-clinic assessment (ADOS-2 & cognitive assessment)
  • Specialist Liaison
  • Educational/Specialist report review
  • Differential diagnostic consideration
  • Multidisciplinary liaison
  • Comprehensive report preparation
  • Feedback appointment

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is marked a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. 

Millstream Psychology Assessment Process

Pre-Assessment Process – Initial parent-only consult  $240 (60 min) or $290 (90 min).

This appointment is to discuss and explore presenting concerns in detail with the aim to provide a service plan which may include assessment or treatment.  There is no obligation to proceed with services after this time.

Assessment Process

  • Parent Clinical Interview
  • Child In-Clinic observations
  • Cognitive assessment
  • Teacher Interview
  • School report review
  • Specialist report review
  • Specialist liaison
  • Differential diagnostic consideration
  • Comprehensive report preparation
  • Feedback appointment

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)

In Australia, 2-3 children in each class experience learning difficulties. Related difficulties can disrupt how individuals learn, remember, understand & express information. Difficulties with reading & spelling are the most common, although they can occur in written expression, spoken language and mathematics. Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) are related to Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.

Millstream Psychology Assessment Process

Pre-Assessment Process – Initial parent-only consult  $240 (60 min) or $290 (90 min).

This appointment is to discuss and explore presenting concerns in detail with the aim to provide a service plan which may include assessment or treatment.  There is no obligation to proceed with services after this time.

Assessment Process

  • Session One – Cognitive Assessment
  • Session Two – Achievement Assessment – Part One
  • Session Three – Achievement Assessment – Part Two
  • Teacher interview
  • School report review
  • Specialist report review
  • Specialist liaison
  • Differential diagnostic consideration
  • Comprehensive report preparation
  • Feedback appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) National Assessment Guidelines were updated in 2023.

Under the updated guidelines, a Clinical/Educational & Developmental/ Neurodevelopmental Psychologist can conduct a Lead Practitioner Diagnostic Evaluation in collaboration with a medical practitioner.

When assessment complexity is present, a consensus team is initiated, including a specialist Speech Pathologist.

Former assessment recommendations required a multidisciplinary consensus ASD paediatric, psychology and speech pathology assessment for children under the age of 12 years.

Millstream Clinicians can assess for autism under the new and former guidelines. 
You will require:
  • A referral from a GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist for an autism assessment.
  • A medical review to rule out medical conditions, currently from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist offering ASD Assessment services. In the future, GPs will be able to assist with this.

 

Goodall, E., Dargue, N., Hinze, E., Sulek, R., Varcin, K., Waddington, H., Whitehouse, A. J. O., Wicks, R., Allen, G., Best, J., Eapen, V. Evans, K., Hiremath, M, Hinze, W., Lawson, W., Toby, S., & Trembath, D. (2023). A National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia: 2023 Update. Autism CRC. Brisbane 
Medicare Rebates may apply under the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) Package when a Paediatrican refers a child under the age of 13 years. This is only applicable for select assessments completed directly with the individual.

Medicare rebates do not apply for GP referrals. Check with your Private Health Care provider for rebates.

Under HCWA funding, a referring psychiatrist or paediatrician will usethe following Medicare Item Codes:
  • Paediatrician item codes 135.

Children under age 16 years:

  • School Observations
  • Teacher & School Psychologist Interview 
  • In-clinic Gold Standard Assessment (ASD and Cognitive Assessment)
  • Differential assessment for mental health & other neurodevelopmental conditions
  • Parent Clinical Interview
  • Report Preparation

Adolescents age 16+ years:

  • No school observation is engaged

Adults:

  • If insufficient early childhood information is available, the assessment cannot occur.

Single assessor assessment occurs for adults only in the absence of complex mental health considerations, otherwise a psychiatric assessment is engaged for a confirmed ASD diagnosis.

  • Comprehensive In-Clinic Assessment (ASD and Cognitive Assessment)
  • Comprehensive In-Clinic Interview with Partner or Other
  • Comprehensive Family Clinical Interview for early childhood information
  • Differential assessment for mental health & other neurodevelopmental conditions
  • Review of School Reports
  • Review of early childhood videos
  • Collaboration with the psychiatrist, GP & other specialists
  • Report Preparation
 

Please Note: Whilst other clinics may not always support a cognitive assessment being completed as part of the ASD assessment process, Millstream Psychology views this as necessary to inform diagnostic criteria relating to intellectual functioning.

Assessment Fees

  • Due to the comprehensive processes followed, the assessment fee is capped based on an hourly rate.
  • Book a 15 minute no fee phone call online to discuss your unique assessment considerations with a Clinical Psychologist.