Autism Queensland recognises that language is personal and respects every autistic person’s right to determine how they wish to be described.

Where an individual’s preference is not known, AQ generally uses identity-first language, such as ‘autistic person’, across its resources and communications. Where a different preference is expressed, AQ and its staff aim to use the person’s preferred terminology. Some previously published materials may contain different language and will be updated through ongoing reviews.

In diagnostic, clinical and formal contexts, AQ may use ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)’, consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) and Australia’s National Guideline for diagnosing autism.

A comprehensive and interdisciplinary assessment to explore, or review, an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis (‘autism diagnosis’) in line with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). A referral letter from a general practitioner (GP), paediatrician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist is recommended.

Alongside the initial clinical intake interview, assessment analysis and reportings, and follow up appointments or recommendations, the assessment package may include:

• Diagnostic/stakeholder questionnaires & detailed developmental case history.
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) assessment.
• Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2) assessment.
• Functional assessment such as Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3) or similar.
• Childhood Autism Rating School, Second Edition (CARS-2).

Depending on the recommended package and client needs, our practitioners may suggest additional assessments (e.g. cognitive or language), other diagnostic questionnaires, school or community observations, home visits etc.

Cost: Between $2,500–$3,500. The prices AQ charges for NDIS-attributable services are aligned to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Guide. NDIS pricing is subject to change, see the NDIS website for more information or learn more here.

Please note: Diagnostic guidelines recommend that an autism diagnosis be formally confirmed by a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist. Completed assessments must therefore be provided to an appropriate specialist for final review and formal diagnosis (where applicable).

A comprehensive and interdisciplinary assessment to explore, or review, an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis (‘autism diagnosis’) in line with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). A referral letter from a general practitioner (GP), psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist is recommended.

Alongside the initial clinical intake interview, assessment analysis and reportings, and follow up appointments or recommendations, the assessment package may include:

• Diagnostic/stakeholder questionnaires & detailed developmental case history.
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) assessment.
• Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2) assessment.
• Functional assessment such as Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3) or similar.

Depending on the recommended package and client needs, our practitioners may suggest additional assessments (e.g. cognitive or language), other diagnostic questionnaires, workplace or community observations, home visits etc.

Cost: Between $2,200–$3,500. The prices AQ charges for NDIS-attributable services are aligned to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Guide. NDIS pricing is subject to change, see the NDIS website for more information or learn more here.

Please note: Diagnostic guidelines recommend that an autism diagnosis be formally confirmed by a psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist. Completed assessments must therefore be provided to an appropriate specialist for final review and formal diagnosis (where applicable).

Suitable for clients where a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist has requested only an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) or Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2) assessment to contribute toward their Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis (‘autism diagnosis’) process. A referral letter from this paediatrician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist is recommended.

Alongside these standalone assessments, this package also includes an initial clinical intake interview, assessment analysis and reportings, and may include additional follow up appointments or recommendations as required.

Cost: Between $1,600–$1,900. The prices AQ charges for NDIS-attributable services are aligned to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Guide. NDIS pricing is subject to change, see the NDIS website for more information or learn more here.

Please note: These standalone assessments are not a formal autism diagnosis but are provided as an option for paediatricians, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists to form part of their diagnostic process. Diagnostic guidelines recommend that an autism diagnosis be formally confirmed by a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist. Completed assessments must therefore be provided to an appropriate specialist for final review and formal diagnosis (where applicable).

A comprehensive assessment to explore an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis (‘ADHD diagnosis’) from a psychologist, in line with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). This assessment package can be completed in conjunction with an autism assessment or standalone.

Alongside the initial clinical intake interview (if not already complete as part of an autism assessment), assessment analysis and reportings, and follow up appointments or recommendations, the assessment package may include:

• Diagnostic/stakeholder questionnaires.
• Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in young people aged 5 – 17 years (Young DIVA-5).
• Conners 4th Edition (Conners 4) rating scale.
• Functional assessment such as Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3) or similar.

Cost: Approximately $1,850 as a standalone assessment. The prices AQ charges for NDIS-attributable services are aligned to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Guide. NDIS pricing is subject to change, see the NDIS website for more information or learn more here.

A comprehensive assessment to explore an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis (‘ADHD diagnosis’) from a psychologist, in line with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). This assessment package can be completed in conjunction with an autism assessment or standalone.

Alongside the initial clinical intake interview (if not already complete as part of an autism assessment), assessment analysis and reportings, and follow up appointments or recommendations, the assessment package may include:

• Diagnostic/stakeholder questionnaires.
• Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults (DIVA).
• Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales (Brown EF/A).
• Functional assessment such as Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3) or similar.

Cost: Approximately $1,850 as a standalone assessment. The prices AQ charges for NDIS-attributable services are aligned to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Guide. NDIS pricing is subject to change, see the NDIS website for more information or learn more here.

Bespoke assessments can guide therapy goals, recommend individualised supports, or assist with funding applications (including the NDIS). Following an initial clinical intake interview, bespoke assessments are tailored to the individual’s needs and may be conducted by an individual practitioner or a multidisciplinary team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and psychologists. Examples of assessments may include:

• Functional assessments
• Speech, language, or literacy assessments
• Cognitive or learning assessments.

Cost: Assessments, reporting, and any follow up appointments as recommended are calculated using a standard hourly rate depending on the involved practitioner/s. The prices AQ charges for NDIS-attributable services are aligned to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Guide. NDIS pricing is subject to change, see the NDIS website for more information or learn more here.