ADHD and Autism Assessment for Children in Melbourne
Evidence-based ADHD and autism assessment for children in St Kilda, Melbourne, with input from parents and teachers. No fixed minimum age. Appointments typically available within 1 to 2 weeks. No GP referral required.
UNDERSTANDING ASSESSMENT FOR CHILDREN
Behaviours that make more sense with the right information.
ADHD and autism often become noticeable at school, where sitting still, following instructions, and navigating a busy social environment are constant expectations. A professional assessment provides clarity for you, your child, and your child's school.
There is no fixed minimum age for assessment. Suitability is considered case by case, taking into account your child's developmental stage and the concerns you are raising. Our assessment draws on structured clinical interview, validated psychometric tools, and standardised rating scales completed by parents and, where relevant, teachers, to build a complete picture across home and school settings.
Fees for a child assessment are the same as for our adolescent and adult assessments. Contact us to discuss your child's situation and we will let you know whether assessment is appropriate at this time.
WHY GET YOUR CHILD ASSESSED
Replace guesswork with clarity
An accurate diagnosis explains behaviours that can otherwise be misread as defiance, laziness, or a discipline problem, and opens the door to support that actually fits your child.
Unlock school support
A written report supports applications for reasonable adjustments at school, including learning plans, extra time, and classroom accommodations.
Reduce shame and conflict at home
Understanding the neurological basis of your child's behaviour can shift the tone of everyday interactions, replacing frustration with a shared strategy.
Build a foundation for early support
The earlier a child's profile is understood, the earlier strategies can be put in place at home and at school, rather than waiting for difficulties to compound.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Common signs in children.
Every child is different, and these lists are not exhaustive. A formal assessment considers the full picture rather than any single sign in isolation.
SIGNS OF ADHD
Difficulty following multi-step instructions at home or school
Trouble staying seated or waiting their turn
Frequently losing homework, books, or belongings
Being easily distracted, even during activities they enjoy
Big, fast emotional reactions relative to the situation
Interrupting or blurting out answers before a question is finished
Reports from teachers of difficulty concentrating in class
SIGNS OF AUTISM
Differences in eye contact, gesture, or back-and-forth social interaction
Delayed or atypical language development
Strong preference for routine and distress when it changes
Repetitive movements, play patterns, or intense, focused interests
Sensory sensitivities to noise, textures, light, or certain foods
Difficulty reading or responding to other children's social cues
THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS
From first contact to a clear picture.
Our assessment pathway is structured to provide an accurate diagnosis and practical recommendations for home and school.
Initial clinical interview
We meet with you, and where appropriate your child, to understand your concerns, developmental history, and what you have already noticed at home and at school.
Parent and teacher input
Standardised rating scales are completed by parents and, where relevant, teachers, so the assessment reflects your child's presentation across different settings, not just a single appointment.
Psychometric testing
Validated, age-appropriate psychometric instruments are used to assess attention, behaviour, social communication, or developmental features, depending on whether ADHD, autism, or both are being assessed.
Feedback and written report
You receive a comprehensive written report with findings, diagnostic conclusions, and practical recommendations for home and school, talked through in a feedback session.
OUR EVIDENCE BASE
Assessment grounded in current clinical guidelines.
Our approach to child assessment draws on the same rigorous, evidence-based standards we apply across every age group.
2025 World Psychiatry Consensus Statement
Our ADHD assessment protocol is aligned with the 2025 World Psychiatry consensus statement by Cortese and colleagues and the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline for ADHD.
DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
Our autism assessment process is based on DSM-5 criteria, conducted in a sensory-friendly environment appropriate for children.
Multi-informant assessment
We combine validated psychometric instruments with parent and teacher report rather than relying on a single perspective, standard practice for a rigorous child assessment.
FEES
The same fee structure as our other assessments.
Child assessments are priced the same as our adolescent and adult assessments. There is no separate or additional fee for assessing a younger child.
Assessments are self-funded. Medicare rebates do not apply to assessment fees, regardless of age.
YOUR ASSESSMENT PSYCHOLOGISTS
Meet the team who conduct child ADHD and autism assessments.
Rivkah Bendet
Psychologist
Rivkah is an AHPRA-registered psychologist with specialist experience in diagnostic assessments for ADHD and ASD across children, adolescents, and adults. She completed her Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University and is known for her warmth, thoroughness, and neuroaffirming approach to every assessment.
Read Rivkah's full profile
Avi Winner
Psychologist
Avi is an AHPRA-registered psychologist with a particular clinical interest in neurodivergence and psychoeducational reporting. He completed his Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University and has conducted research specifically in ADHD. His assessments are strengths-based and focused on producing reports that are genuinely useful for families and schools.
Read Avi's full profile
David Bokan
Psychologist
David is an AHPRA-registered psychologist working toward his clinical endorsement, with clinical interests that include neurodivergence, neuroaffirming practice, and ADHD assessments. He completed his Master of Clinical Psychology at RMIT University and brings a warm, non-judgmental approach to every family he works with.
Read David's full profile
Bridget Kosmas
Provisional Psychologist
Bridget is a Provisional Psychologist with a Master of Professional Psychology from La Trobe University. She takes a collaborative, integrative approach to assessment and therapy, tailoring her work to each family's individual needs. Bridget is known for creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients feel genuinely heard.
Read Bridget's full profileQUESTIONS FROM PARENTS
Common questions about child ADHD and autism assessment.
There is no fixed minimum age. Suitability is considered case by case, taking into account your child's developmental stage and the concerns you are raising. Contact us to discuss your child's situation and we will let you know whether assessment is appropriate at this time.
The assessment typically spans three sessions, each approximately 50 minutes, combining a clinical interview, standardised rating scales completed by parents and teachers, and age-appropriate psychometric testing. You will receive a written report outlining the findings, diagnostic conclusions, and recommendations for home and school.
In most cases, yes. Teacher input, alongside parent report, helps build a picture of how your child presents across different settings, which is an important part of an accurate assessment. We will guide you through what is needed and provide the relevant forms.
Yes. A combined ADHD and autism assessment is available where both are a genuine possibility, using a shared clinical interview and developmental history alongside condition-specific psychometric testing for each.
The total cost for a full assessment, including sessions and the written report, is from $1,545.90 for ADHD or autism individually, or from $2,576.50 for a combined assessment. This is the same fee structure used for our adolescent and adult assessments. Assessments are self-funded and Medicare rebates do not apply.
No. You can book directly without a GP referral. A referral is only needed if you want to access a Medicare rebate for other services via a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which does not apply to assessment fees.
Aspects of the process, such as the initial clinical interview and feedback session, can often be completed via telehealth. Psychometric testing typically requires an in-person session. Contact us to discuss what is possible for your child's situation.
You receive a written report and a feedback session where your psychologist walks you through the findings and recommendations. From there, options may include a referral for medication assessment, school liaison, or ongoing therapeutic support, depending on what would be most useful for your child.
Ready to get clarity for your child?
Book a free intake call to discuss whether an assessment is the right next step. No referral required. Appointments available in St Kilda and via telehealth across Australia.
Our psychologists cannot prescribe medication. For urgent mental health support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or attend your nearest emergency department.
Child ADHD and autism assessments available in St Kilda and surrounding suburbs including South Melbourne, Southbank, East Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, Richmond, Cremorne, South Yarra, Hawksburn, Prahran, Windsor, Balaclava, Elwood, Ripponlea, Toorak, Armadale, Hawthorn, Kooyong, Glen Iris, Malvern, Malvern East, Caulfield North, Caulfield, Elsternwick, Gardenvale, Brighton East, and Brighton.