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(08) 8361 9724
Locate Us 145 Tynte Street
North Adelaide 5006

Child Autism Diagnostic Assessments in Adelaide

We offer timely assessments for children, with currently no waitlist and for a reasonable cost. Our experienced clinical psychologist provides thoughtful, thorough evaluations to help you access the support your child needs without delay.

Who will be performing the assessment?

I’m Clara Mittiga, a Clinical Psychologist with ten years’ experience working with children. I hold a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Bachelor of Psychology (Honours – First Class), both from the University of Adelaide. To further specialise in supporting children with Autism, I have trained with Autism SA to perform Diagnostic Assessments.

Child Autism Diagnostic Assessments in Adelaide

We offer timely assessments for children, with currently no waitlist and for a reasonable cost. Our experienced clinical psychologist provides thoughtful, thorough evaluations to help you access the support your child needs without delay.

Who will be performing the assessment?

I’m Clara Mittiga, a Clinical Psychologist with ten years’ experience working with children. I hold a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Bachelor Degree in Psychology with First Class Honours, both from the University of Adelaide. To further specialise in supporting children with Autism, I have trained with Autism SA to perform Diagnostic Assessments.

Child Autism Diagnostic Assessments in Adelaide

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on child psychology, working in private practice at Davies and Robertson Psychology alongside my public sector role with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). My background also includes experience as a Psychologist within the Department for Education, which has enriched my understanding of how to support children in diverse settings.

I’m passionate about connecting with children and their families, understanding their unique goals, and helping them take meaningful steps towards a fulfilling future. My approach to Autism Diagnostic Assessments is kind, genuine, playful, and professional. By fostering a warm and supportive environment, I strive to ensure every family feels heard and empowered throughout the process.

I would love to help you work out if your child’s unique mix of behaviours can be described as Autism. As a mum of three young children, I have lived the journey of a parent watching their child move through stages of development and the joy, challenges and questions that it brings.

As your child’s patterns of behaviour and preferences show themselves as they develop, their uniqueness as a person becomes clearer.

You see your child’s successes and celebrate them and you see the things that don’t come easy to them. For some children a diagnosis of Autism helps to explain the challenges and can lead to a deeper understanding, compassion and new ideas for approaching challenges.

Photo of a young family playing board games together on the floor of their home

Get in touch

I am here to answer any questions you may have about the diagnostic assessment process. I can give you further information over the phone or send you an information pack.

If you are considering an Autism Diagnostic Assessment, call Clara directly on 0451 271 660 or use the contact form at the bottom of this webpage.

What is involved?

My approach is informed by the Autism SA training framework and The National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Australia. The Guideline provides a standardised, evidence-based framework for professionals to promote accurate and consistent Autism diagnoses. I follow the process outlined below to provide families with the clarity and support they need.

Part 1: Before your assessment appointment

The comprehensive assessment involves collating relevant information from any current professionals you have involved in your child’s care. If your child has any relevant educational, medical or allied health (e.g. Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Psychology) assessment reports I’ll ask that you provide a copy of them for the Autism Diagnostic Assessment. You will also be sent questionnaires for completion prior to your assessment appointment.

These include:

  • A developmental history questionnaire for caregivers
  • Educational setting questionnaire for an educator
Part 2: Caregiver Interview

The assessment also involves a detailed discussion with caregivers focusing on your child’s development as well as their current social skills, communication and behaviours. The interview is guided by the DSM-5-TR criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. We allow 2 hours for this interview and it can be completed via Telehealth (video call) or in person (if preferred).

Part 3: Clinic assessment appointment

On the day of the clinic assessment appointment, I will meet with your child for a play-based session for the purpose of direct observation and assessment of your child’s social skills, communication and behaviours. This appointment lasts 1 hour.

Part 4: Feedback

Once an outcome is reached I will discuss the result with you, explaining the rationale and providing recommendations for next steps to take in supporting your child. An easy-to-read interim report is provided immediately, to help you get started in arranging supports, and subsequently a final report.

Part 5: Report

You will receive a comprehensive written report that summarises the assessment and includes personalised recommendations. In cases where a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is made, the report can be evidence of a disability for school support and/or an NDIS application.

In the report I will support your communication to the NDIA about your child’s needs by presenting the assessment information with the NDIS access requirements in mind. I aim to convey how Autism impacts your child’s participation in everyday activities and recommend supports that are likely to help your child reach their goals and be effective in increasing their capacity, independence and community participation.

These principles are key considerations for what makes supports ‘reasonable and necessary’ under the NDIS. However, it is important to bear in mind that the NDIA is solely responsible for determining eligibility to NDIS funding. Eligibility is based not only on your child’s diagnosed disability, but also on their functional capacity, which is their ability to participate in daily life activities compared to other children of a similar age.

You will have the comprehensive report approximately four weeks following the assessment.

Additional services

Depending on your child’s needs it may be helpful to have additional assessment information about your child for accurate diagnosis, planning supports and to contribute to your child’s NDIS application. Together with the Autism Diagnostic Assessment, I can also provide:

8 year-old patient boy during therapy consultation
  • A cognitive assessment (IQ test) to understand your child’s intellectual ability and any areas of strength or weakness.
  • An adaptive functioning assessment to understand what skills of daily living your child can carry out independently and the areas where supports are needed.
  • An extended feedback consultation where you have more time to digest the report and the outcome and ask questions that may help you plan the next steps.

At the time of referral we can discuss your child and family’s needs and tailor the assessment process to suit you.

Post-diagnosis review consultation

When a child is diagnosed with Autism, I want for them and their family to experience “wrap around” support that is coordinated and individualised to their unique needs and circumstances. At any point during their journey post diagnosis, especially when navigating new developmental stages and changing needs and services, families should have a place to turn for help. Unfortunately, families can feel like they are left on their own to figure things out after they are sent their diagnostic assessment report. That’s why for my diagnostic assessment clients, I offer review appointments at any time post diagnosis for help to understand your child’s current needs, problem-solving challenges and planning next steps. Contact me at any time to schedule an appointment.

Shot of a young mother hanging outside with her son

Fees

Autism Diagnostic Assessment $1850

Additional services (optional)
  • Cognitive Assessment $950
  • Adaptive Functioning Assessment (parent and teacher perspectives included) $350
  • Extended Feedback Consultation (50 minutes) $255
  • Post-Diagnosis Review Consultation (50 minutes) $255

Contact Us

If you would like to discuss an Autism Diagnostic Assessment for your child, please contact me, Clinical Psychologist Clara, directly on 0451 271 660.

If I’m unable to take your call please leave a voice message and I will return your call within 24 hours.

Alternatively, you can email me your enquiries through our contact form below.

Contact Form

Want to schedule an assessment or want to know more? I’m here to help. Reach out today for a friendly chat and take the first step toward understanding your child’s needs. No question is too small—let’s start the conversation.