Autism Assessment

Clarity. Confidence. A practical plan forward.
Our Autism Assessment helps families understand a child’s strengths and support needs, identify whether autism criteria are met, and translate findings into clear next steps at home, school, and in the community. Assessments are available in‑clinic (Derrimut), at home or school across Melbourne’s west and north, and via telehealth across Australia—so you can choose what works best for your child and family.

Who this is for

Parents, carers, and educators who have noticed differences in:

• Social communication and connection (e.g., back‑and‑forth conversation, play with peers).
• Flexibility and routines (e.g., preference for predictability, difficulty with change).
• Sensory experiences (e.g., sensitivity to sound, touch, light; sensory‑seeking).
• Emotional regulation and school participation (e.g., big feelings, overload, fatigue).
  If these patterns feel familiar, an assessment can bring clarity and guide appropriate supports. (Aligned with best‑practice, neurodiversity‑affirming Australian guidance.)

What the assessment involves

We follow the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia (2nd ed., 2023)—delivering a comprehensive, strengths‑focused and neuroaffirming process.

1. Intake & goal‑setting
   A clinician meets with you to understand your child’s developmental history, current supports, and your goals. We’ll also decide on the most suitable setting (clinic, home/school, or telehealth).
2. Multi‑method assessment
   Depending on age, communication profile, and referral questions, we combine:

• Structured, play‑based/observational tools (e.g., ADOS‑2) to observe social‑communication, flexibility, and behaviours.
• Caregiver interview and questionnaires (e.g., developmental history; educator input) to capture functioning across settings.
• Screeners for co‑occurring needs (e.g., anxiety, attention/executive functioning), with optional cognitive/learning/adaptive assessments where relevant, consistent with guideline recommendations to assess broader needs and share outcomes promptly.

1. Everyday functioning across SLCN’s eight developmental areas
   We map strengths and priorities in communication, play, daily living, motor, executive functioning, social cognition, social‑emotional skills, and academic skills to ensure recommendations are practical and holistic.
2. Plain‑language feedback & written report
   You’ll receive a clear explanation of findings (including whether autism criteria are met), a strengths‑and‑needs profile, and a tailored support plan you can share with your child’s school, paediatrician, and other therapists. The Guideline emphasises timely, collaborative sharing of outcomes and support options—we uphold that throughout.

What you’ll walk away with

• Clarity about your child’s neurodevelopmental profile and support needs, not just a label.
• Actionable recommendations you can use at home, school, and in the community—aligned to daily routines and SLCN’s coaching‑based, family‑centred approach.
• A comprehensive report to inform school supports (e.g., individual education planning) and, where appropriate, referrals for funding pathways and allied health services.

Our approach

• Flexible delivery: clinic, home/school visits in Melbourne’s west & north, or telehealth Australia‑wide.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: we coordinate with parents, educators, and other health professionals to keep the process simple and family‑friendly.
• Evidence‑based & neuroaffirming: aligned to the Autism CRC National Guideline (NHMRC‑approved); we use gold‑standard tools such as ADOS‑2 administered by trained clinicians.

After the assessment: next steps

Depending on your priorities, we can support you to:

• Implement recommendations through parent coaching and targeted therapies so strategies fit naturally into your family routines.
• Partner with your child’s school on realistic classroom adjustments and social‑emotional supports.
• Connect with the right services (e.g., speech pathology, psychology, occupational therapy, social groups) available through SLCN.

Availability & bookings

Appointments are available now across settings. Book online or contact our team on 03 80 880 527 or info@slcn.com.au to discuss which assessment pathway is right for your child.

Why families choose SLCN

Parents tell us they value the clear steps, calm, child‑led sessions, and practical plans grounded in everyday life. Our model helps you take a hands‑on role in your child’s development—so skills learned in sessions are used where they matter most: at home, at school, and in the community.