Why Choose a Clinical Psychologist for Your Autism Assessment?(And Why It Matters for NDIS and School Support)

Are you considering an autism assessment for yourself or your child? Choosing the right professional can make a big difference—not just in the quality of your experience, but in how quickly you can access the supports you need.

Here’s why booking your autism assessment with me, a Clinical Psychologist, is a smart choice:

Key Benefits of a Clinical Psychologist Autism Assessment

• Recognised by the NDIS

  • Reports from Clinical Psychologists with appropriate endorsement are accepted by the NDIS as sufficient evidence for autism diagnosis. Often there is no need for a second opinion from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

  • This means faster access to NDIS funding and supports, without the long waitlists for medical specialists.

• Meets National Guidelines

  • The Australian National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism recognises Clinical Psychologists (with relevant endorsement and experience) as qualified to provide single-practitioner diagnostic assessments.

  • These guidelines are endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), ensuring your assessment meets the highest standards of best practice.

• Saves You Time and Money

  • Avoid extra appointments and costs associated with getting additional sign-off from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

  • Streamlined process means you get answers and support sooner.

• Comprehensive, Individualised Assessments

  • Assessments are holistic, family-centred, and strengths-focused, following national best practice to understand both challenges and strengths.

  • Reports include both diagnostic evaluation and a comprehensive assessment of support needs—essential for school and NDIS applications.

• Expertise You Can Trust

  • As a Clinical Psychologist, I am trained and experienced in autism assessments across all ages and presentations, ensuring your experience is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your needs.

What Does the National Guideline Say?

“A Lead Practitioner Diagnostic Evaluation should be conducted by one practitioner meeting at least one of the following: a medical practitioner with specialist registration or a psychologist with practice endorsement in clinical, educational, developmental or neuropsychology, experienced in autism assessments.”— Autism CRC, National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the NDIS accept my report? Yes, as a Clinical Psychologist with the required endorsement, my reports are accepted for NDIS access without usually needing a second opinion.

• Is a paediatrician or psychiatrist required? Not for most cases. Only if the assessment indicates the need for further medical input.

• Is this pathway recognised for school supports? Both the NDIS and Department of Education recognise assessments from Clinical Psychologists for autism diagnosis and support applications. However, it is important to note that the WA Education Department does NOT follow the national guidelines for autism assessment and still requires families to provide two separate assessments. I usually suggest my report and a paediatrician letter confirming the diagnosis.

Ready to Book Your Assessment?

Choosing a Clinical Psychologist streamlines your pathway to diagnosis and support. If you’re seeking clarity, validation, and access to the right supports for yourself or your child, I’m here to help.

Contact me today to get started on your autism assessment journey—no unnecessary delays, just compassionate, expert care.

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