Frequently Asked Questions

Children from 5 years old through to adults.

1. Initial Consultation (90 minutes)

We’ll go through information about your or your child’s developmental history, current functioning, strengths and challenges. You’ll be asked a broad range of questions to determine if an assessment is required and, if so, what type.

We screen for ADHD, autism, learning issues and emotional difficulties in all initial consultations, which is particularly helpful for those who are unsure as to what type of assessment they’re requiring.

This information will support the development of a personalised assessment plan and quote which will be provided to you after the session. There’s no pressure to continue with the assessment once these have been provided.

If you decide to proceed with an assessment, the information gathered during this session will go into the assessment report.

2. Questionnaires

The assessment will include the completion of a range of questionnaires appropriate to the diagnoses being explored.

For adult assessments, questionnaires will be provided to you and an “observer”, such as a parent, partner or close friend. For child and teen assessments, parent and teacher questionnaires will be provided and, depending on the age of the young person being assessed, self-report questionnaires can also be provided.

Questionnaires are generally provided through online links sent via email. Some schools require questionnaires to be provided in PDF format and this can also be arranged.

3. Testing Sessions

Based on your personalised plan, you or your child will attend one or two sessions using evidence-based assessments (see a list of tools used here). Sessions usually run for 1–2 hours. If a child requires two testing sessions, these are often scheduled on different days to reduce the impact of fatigue on their behaviour and performance. For adults requiring two testing sessions, these may be scheduled for the same day with a break provided in-between.

More information specific to your testing session/s will be provided in your personalised assessment plan.

4. Report Preparation

A comprehensive but easy-to-follow report will be written (15–30 pages) detailing background information, in-clinic observations, testing results, strengths, challenges, recommendations for next steps and tailored support strategies (including suggested accommodations for educational settings and/or the workplace).

The turnaround time for reports is between 2 and 6 weeks.

Importantly, our reports explicitly address the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria, explaining exactly how you or your child meet criteria for any diagnoses. This is particularly helpful when the report is to be provided to other specialists or used as evidence to support an application for NDIS funding.

Please note: NDIS approval cannot be guaranteed. Each application for NDIS funding is assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the impact of disability on daily functioning and participation. The final decision on eligibility rests with the NDIS.

5. Feedback Session (60 minutes)

Once the report is paid for and completed, we go through the report with you (online or in-person). During this session, the results of the assessment will be clearly explained and you’ll leave with a better understanding of how you or your child meets diagnostic criteria, strengths and challenges, support needs and next steps.

This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and leave feeling empowered to advocate for yourself or your child and access appropriate supports and accommodations.

If you’re 18+ and seeking an ADHD or autism assessment, your assessment can be completed entirely online (Australia-wide). For children and teens, the testing sessions must be in person, but initial and feedback sessions can be online.

The process is very simple – you just need access to a computer or phone with a camera so that we can video chat. You’ll be sent a link to click on at the time of your appointment and there is nothing to download.

It’s extremely important for the sessions that you can be seen (as facial expressions and body movements are being observed as part of the assessment), so voice-only sessions are not possible.

It’s extremely helpful if you can email through any relevant reports or school report cards at least a few days before the initial consultation (so they can be looked at before your session). Please email them to hello@thethoughtgarden.com.au

It’s up to you. Some older children and teens like to share their perspective. Younger children are welcome too and we have toys available. Watching how your child plays with the toys and interacts with the adults in the room is a wonderful opportunity for observation. It is important to note that if your child has a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder referral (see “Can I get a rebate for my assessment?” section below) they need to be present at all assessment sessions, including the initial consultation.

If you have things you wish to discuss away from your child, you can spend a portion of the session talking with only adults present or we can set up another time for you to share those more sensitive details.

If you have a child that becomes anxious in unfamiliar situations or with unfamiliar people, bringing them to the initial consultation (either physically or by having them join in for a portion of the online initial consultation if you choose this option) can help them feel more comfortable when they come back to participate in the testing session/s.

We’re flexible and have various options to suit you and your child’s needs. Feel free to reach out if you’d prefer to discuss before booking.

We completely understand. Many people feel nervous about attending an initial consultation, particularly those who are potentially neurodivergent or experience anxiety. We’ll do everything we can to make you (and/or your child) feel comfortable. The most common feedback we get is that we made the whole process feel so much easier than expected.

We offer sensory toys, weighted blankets, dimmed lights and flexible seating. You’re welcome to take your shoes off and bring whatever helps you feel at ease, such as your favourite comfort item.

We also encourage you to engage in as much or as little eye contact as you like, and to move your body (through fidgeting, pacing or shifting about) as much as you require to feel comfortable and able to focus on the discussion.

• Initial consultation: $375 (this goes towards your full assessment if you proceed)
• A 50% deposit ($187.50) is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment.
• This deposit can be transferred to another appointment time if you wish to reschedule with more than 2 business days’ notice before your scheduled appointment.
• This $187.50 will serve as a late-cancellation fee if you cancel or reschedule your initial consultation with less than 2 business days’ notice.

Assessments range from $1,800 to $2,850 depending on what’s needed. Prices reflect the quality and thoroughness of the assessment, the many hours put into the process, the expertise in interpretation of the evidence gathered and the high quality of the assessment report and feedback session.

The information obtained during the initial consultation will be used to ensure the assessment is targeted and you are not paying for anything you don’t need. The price of the initial consultation ($375) will be deducted from the total cost of the assessment.

You’ll get a tailored quote after your initial consult. Flexible payment plans are available and we’ll work with you to make it doable.

Please note: Registered psychologists cannot prescribe medication and it is recommended that you consult with a psychiatrist or paediatrician if you are seeking ADHD medication. Whilst psychologists do not prescribe medication, their comprehensive diagnostic assessments provide valuable evidence and supportive documentation that can assist psychiatrists or paediatricians in their clinical decision-making. It is recommended that you check with your paediatrician or psychiatrist to determine whether they would prefer an ADHD assessment and report be completed prior to your appointment with them.

Medicare: In most cases, Medicare doesn’t provide a rebate for assessments. There’s an exception, however, for those aged 24 or below who are under the care of a paediatrician or psychiatrist and are diagnosed with, or are suspected of having, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or an eligible disability. Such individuals can receive a referral from their paediatrician or psychiatrist under the “Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder or Eligible Disability” scheme, allowing them to receive a rebate for up to four assessment sessions. These rebates can be processed in-clinic at the time of your appointments. It is important to note that if your child has a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder referral they need to be present at all assessment sessions, including the initial consultation.

Private Health: It depends on your fund. You’ll need to check with them directly and submit your receipts.

The NDIS doesn’t fund diagnostic assessments but may fund cognitive assessments if this is specified in your plan. Please check with your NDIS Local Area Coordinator to confirm your eligibility for funding before booking your initial consultation. Please note: We are not a registered NDIS provider and only provide services for self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.