FAQs – Assessments

How does an assessment work at Minds & Hearts?

Minds & Hearts has been supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families since 2004. Our neurodiversity-affirming clinicians draw on decades of experience to provide comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments. We provide assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental presentations, including:

• Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Other neurodevelopmental factors that may be relevant to your experiences

Our assessments are designed to identify both strengths and challenges. For example, autism and ADHD assessments explore areas such as social interaction, attention, impulsivity, sensory processing, and behaviour. The goal is to build a comprehensive understanding of how you or your child experience the world and to highlight supports that may be helpful.

An assessment can open important pathways, including access to accommodations, therapies, and practical strategies for managing daily life. Whether exploring autism, ADHD, or a combination of presentations, the process aims to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to thrive across all environments.

We provide assessments for all ages, from young children through to older adults.

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Why should I get an Autism or an ADHD assessment?

Many people live for years without realising that undiagnosed autism, ADHD, or related factors are contributing to their challenges. This can often lead to ongoing struggles with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. For neurodivergent individuals, navigating everyday life without clarity can feel confusing and exhausting.

An assessment can be a turning point. The process not only clarifies whether autism, ADHD, or other factors are present but also helps people understand their unique strengths and challenges. With this insight, tailored strategies and supports can be put in place, whether at home, school, work, or in the community.

Ultimately, an assessment can provide more than a diagnosis. It can offer a framework for greater self-understanding, practical pathways forward, and access to the supports each person needs and deserves.

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Will I know if I have Autism or ADHD after the Triage Appointment?

No. The triage appointment does not provide a formal diagnosis. Its purpose is to explore your concerns, gather background information, and decide whether a full neurodevelopmental assessment would be helpful.

If your clinician believes that further testing is not necessary, they will let you know. If a full assessment is recommended, they will outline the next steps and explain what to expect in the process.

Even without a diagnosis, this session can give you valuable clarity about your needs and point you toward appropriate supports.

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What is the Comprehensive Assessment Pathway?

The Comprehensive Pathway is for individuals where a diagnosis can be explored through a standard pathway of sessions. After your Triage Appointment, you will continue with additional sessions that are shaped to fit your individual needs and goals.

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What is the Complex Assessment Pathway?

The Complex Assessment Pathway is recommended when a more detailed exploration is required. This may be the case if there are several domains to consider (such as learning, attention, communication, and behaviour), if different conditions appear to overlap, or if input is needed from multiple stakeholders, such as family members, teachers, or health professionals.

This pathway involves additional sessions and the involvement of a second clinician to ensure all aspects of your presentation are carefully understood. The goal is to provide a deeper and more nuanced picture of your needs, with recommendations and supports that are practical, relevant, and tailored to your circumstances.

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How does a cognitive assessment work at Minds & Hearts?

Cognitive assessments are designed to understand how an individual thinks, learns, and processes information. They can identify intellectual strengths and challenges, highlight learning difficulties, and provide insights that guide tailored support strategies. Whether the goal is academic success, workplace adjustment, or personal development, a cognitive assessment offers a clear picture of a person’s unique abilities and needs, along with practical recommendations to help them thrive.

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Why might I need a cognitive assessment?

A cognitive assessment may be suggested if you are experiencing difficulties with learning, problem-solving, or keeping up in educational or workplace settings. At Minds & Hearts, we assess for intellectual disability and specific learning disorders such as dyslexia. The assessment report can clarify areas of strength and difficulty, and it can be used in schools, universities, or workplaces to inform supports and accommodations.

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Why might I need a speech and language assessment?

Speech and language assessments are often an important part of understanding an individual’s overall profile. Because communication skills underpin learning, relationships, and daily functioning, your clinician may recommend this type of assessment to gain a more complete picture of your needs. The results can highlight strengths and challenges in areas such as understanding language, expressing ideas, or using social communication skills, and can guide practical recommendations for support across home, school, and work settings.

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How long does the assessment process take at Minds & Hearts?

The timeframe can vary depending on your availability, background, and individual needs. As a guide, we aim to follow this timeline:

• Booking – We schedule your first available appointment based on your availability.
• Assessment sessions – Usually completed within 1–2 weeks of your triage appointment.
• Feedback session – Typically held about 4 weeks after all assessment information (including questionnaires) has been collected.
• Report – Your comprehensive written report is provided 2–4 weeks after the feedback session.

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What happens after my assessment is finished?

Once your assessment is complete, your clinician will meet with you to discuss next steps tailored to your goals and circumstances. These may include:

• Ongoing therapy sessions (psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy)
• Psychoeducation and self-understanding sessions for you and your family
• Practical recommendations for home, school, university, or work
• Collaboration with your GP, psychiatrist, paediatrician, educators, or other health professionals
• Referrals to allied health or community services (e.g., speech pathologist, occupational therapist, psychologist)
• Information and resources about autism and/or ADHD, including strategies we believe will best support you
• Support in using your report for NDIS access or reviews (our reports meet NDIS standards)
• Guidance around connecting with psychiatrists if medication is being considered
• Follow-up sessions to review progress and update strategies

Our ongoing support is always personalised to ensure recommendations and connections are directly relevant to your needs.

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What can I use my assessment report for?

Your report includes key background information, assessment results, any diagnoses made, and personalised recommendations for support. You are free to share it with health professionals such as your GP, psychiatrist, or other allied health providers.

Reports can also be used in schools, universities, or workplaces to support requests for accommodations. In addition, many people use their report when applying for NDIS supports.
For information about applying to the NDIS, visit: Applying to Access the NDIS

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Can I book an ADOS-2 assessment on its own?

No. At Minds & Hearts, we do not offer the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) as a stand-alone test. The ADOS-2 is a structured, play- and conversation-based tool that looks at communication, social interaction, and behaviour.

We believe assessments are most useful when they consider the whole person, not just one test result. For this reason, the ADOS-2 is only used as part of the Complex Assessment Pathway, where it is combined with other information such as questionnaires, developmental history, interviews, and clinical observations. This ensures the results are interpreted in context and contribute to a complete and accurate understanding of your profile.

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