What happens in an autism assessment
Assessment in Australia follows the National Guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism, published by Autism CRC and approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council. The second edition was released in 2023. It describes a process focused on the person, their strengths and their needs, not just a yes or no answer.
An assessment usually includes:
- A detailed developmental history, often with parents or people who know the person well
- Observation, sometimes using a structured tool such as ADOS 2
- Information from school, kindergarten or work where relevant
- Assessment of adaptive functioning, communication and sometimes cognitive ability
- A written report with the diagnosis, a description of support needs and recommendations
Who can diagnose autism
Diagnosis is usually made by a paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in autism, sometimes working with a speech pathologist and occupational therapist as a team. For children, a GP referral to a paediatrician is the most common starting point. Adults usually see a psychologist or psychiatrist who specialises in adult assessment.
DSM 5 levels and why they matter for the NDIS
Clinicians often describe the level of support needed using the DSM 5: level 1 requiring support, level 2 requiring substantial support, and level 3 requiring very substantial support.
For the NDIS this matters. Autism diagnosed and assessed at level 2 or 3 is on List A, so the NDIA usually accepts the disability requirements are met once a treating professional confirms it. With level 1, you can still qualify, but you need evidence of how autism substantially reduces functional capacity day to day.
Cost and who pays
The NDIS does not fund diagnostic assessments. Diagnosis is the responsibility of the health system. For people under 25, Medicare rebates are available when a GP refers to a paediatrician or psychiatrist, who can then refer to some allied health professionals for assessment. Public child development services also assess children, often with waiting lists.
Private assessments can cost a significant amount, so ask for a full quote, including the report, before you start.
What the NDIS needs from the report
- The diagnosis, who made it, and their qualifications
- The DSM 5 support levels, for social communication and for restricted, repetitive behaviours, clearly stated
- Results of the standardised tools used
- A description of how autism affects communication, social interaction, learning, self care and self management
- Recommendations for supports, such as speech pathology, occupational therapy or psychology
Young children, early supports and Thriving Kids
Young children do not need a diagnosis to get help. Through the early childhood approach, an early childhood partner can offer early supports to children with developmental concerns and their families while you wait for an assessment.
From 1 October 2026 Thriving Kids began rolling out outside the NDIS for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. Until 1 January 2028 children can still apply for the NDIS under the current rules. From then, new applicants in that group with low to moderate needs will be supported by Thriving Kids, while children with high support needs remain eligible for the NDIS.