What is a Neuroaffirming Autism Assessment

If you are considering an ADHD, Autism, or combined (AuDHD) assessment in Sydney, we appreciate that it is important that the process feels respectful, attuned, and aligned with how you understand yourself.

At Treat Yourself Well, we offer neuroaffirming autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults in Balmain in Sydney’s Inner West. Our approach is grounded in curiosity, nuance, and care — focusing on understanding how a person experiences and engages with the world, rather than viewing autism or neurodivergence as something that needs to be fixed.

We recognise that ADHD and Autism can co-occur and may share overlapping experiences, including differences in attention, sensory processing, communication, and emotional regulation. At the same time, these differences are highly individual and may present differently across people, contexts, and stages of life.

Our assessments are designed to thoughtfully explore autism and, where relevant, consider features associated with ADHD — taking into account developmental history, current experiences, and functional impact to support a clearer understanding of neurodivergence and individual support needs.

Understanding Autism Through a Neuroaffirming Lens

We approach autism assessment through a neuroaffirming framework.

We understand autism as a natural variation in how people process information, communicate, relate, and experience the world. While these differences can at times present challenges, they may also be closely connected to identity, strengths, and ways of being.

A neuroaffirming autism assessment focuses on building understanding, not judgement. It seeks to make sense of patterns — including sensory experiences, communication styles, and ways of relating — in a way that feels respectful, accurate, and meaningful.

Whether you are exploring autism for yourself or your child, we aim to create a space that feels safe, collaborative, and attuned, where your experiences are taken seriously and understood in context.

What Is a Neuroaffirming Autism Assessment?

A neuroaffirming autism assessment is a comprehensive, collaborative process that explores how a person communicates, processes information, relates to others, and engages with their environment.

We take a whole-person, contextual approach, aiming to understand lived experience in a nuanced and meaningful way.

Our assessments may consider:

• Communication styles and social interaction patterns

• Sensory processing, sensitivities, and preferences

• Patterns of thinking, learning, and problem-solving

• Emotional regulation and energy patterns

• Interests, strengths, and areas of focus

• Experiences across school, work, relationships, and daily life

This approach aims to support a deeper understanding of how autism may present in everyday life, not only within structured assessment tools.

Why Our Approach

Many autistic individuals have experienced being misunderstood, overlooked, or expected to adapt to environments that do not reflect how they naturally function.

Our approach is grounded in:

Validation - We recognise that your experiences are real, meaningful, and worthy of understanding.

A balanced perspective - We aim to consider both strengths and areas of difficulty, alongside the broader context in which they occur.

Contextual understanding - We consider how environments, expectations, and systems may influence experiences and challenges.

Practical insight - The focus is not only on assessment outcomes, but on developing understanding that may be useful in everyday life.

Our work is trauma-informed and relational, supporting you to develop a clearer understanding of your experiences, patterns, and needs, alongside practical considerations for home, school, work, and relationships.

Who This Assessment Is For

We provide neuroaffirming autism assessments for:

• Children and adolescents

• Adults seeking clarity, including those exploring autism later in life

• Individuals who may have been previously overlooked, including girls, women, and gender-diverse people

• People who experience differences in communication, sensory processing, or social interaction

Many adults seek assessment after years of wondering about their experiences or feeling different in ways that are difficult to explain.

A neuroaffirming assessment may support greater clarity and self-understanding for some individuals.

Components of an Autism Assessment

A comprehensive autism assessment may include:

• Clinical diagnostic interview (MIGDAS-2)

• Social functioning assessment (SRS-2)

• Developmental, educational, and personal history

• Collaborative feedback session

• A detailed written report

Where appropriate and relevant to your goals, additional assessment components may be considered, such as:

• Screening for ADHD and/or other mental health considerations

• Cognitive assessment (WISC-V or WAIS-V)

• Academic achievement testing (WIAT-III)

• Adaptive functioning assessment (Vineland-3)

Each assessment is tailored to the individual, ensuring the process aligns with your needs and the questions you are hoping to explore.

What to Expect

Our assessment process is thoughtful, paced, and collaborative.

It may include:

• An initial consultation to explore your concerns, experiences, and assessment goals

• A collaborative discussion about appropriate assessment options before proceeding

• 2–3 assessment appointments, depending on scope

• A thorough developmental, educational, and personal history

• Standardised tools used within a neuroaffirming framework

• Exploration of lived experiences across different environments

• Input from parents, caregivers, or partners where appropriate

We take care to ensure the process feels contained, respectful, and supportive, with space for questions and reflection throughout.

After the Assessment

Following your assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report and personalised feedback.

This may include:

• A clear and respectful explanation of findings

• Insights into strengths, differences, and areas of support

• Practical considerations for school, work, and daily life

• Guidance around possible next steps, where helpful

Many people find the process helpful in developing a clearer understanding of themselves or their child.

A Safe and Inclusive Space

At Treat Yourself Well, we are committed to providing inclusive, relational, and neuroaffirming care.

Our clinicians bring warmth, clinical experience, and thoughtful curiosity to this work, approaching autism with respect, nuance, and care.

We understand that seeking an assessment can feel like a significant step.

You do not have to navigate this alone.

Starting the Conversation

If you are considering an autism assessment for yourself or your child, we invite you to get in touch.

Starting with a conversation can help you feel more informed, supported, and confident in what comes next.

Assessments are conducted in line with current professional and regulatory guidelines. Outcomes and recommendations vary depending on individual circumstances.