Autism Diagnosis Brisbane
At Hively Health, our neuro-affirming clinicians provide Autism Diagnosis in Brisbane for children, teens, and adults. We take time to understand each person’s lived experience, including how you think, communicate, and process the world around you, so your diagnosis feels accurate, validating, and meaningful.
Our Clinic
Our psychologists provide a calm, supportive, and inclusive environment for every client who walks through our doors. We understand that seeking an autism diagnosis is a significant and often emotional step, and our goal is to make the experience feel safe, respectful, and empowering.
We proudly welcome people of all genders, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds. We work collaboratively with families, referrers, and other health professionals from a strengths-based perspective, ensuring clarity, validation, and ongoing support at every stage of your journey.
Our Approach to Diagnosing Autism
Pursuing an autism diagnosis can feel both empowering and emotional. It is often the result of years of reflection or questions about patterns that have not quite made sense.
Our role is to make the process clear, collaborative, and respectful. A comprehensive assessment combines structured interviews, observations, and validated assessment tools. At Hively, our clinicians commonly use:
- MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum)
- Cognitive assessments such as the WISC-V, WAIS-V, or WPPSI-IV
- Adaptive functioning measures and questionnaires completed by parents, partners, or teachers
This approach ensures a comprehensive and neuro-affirming diagnosis that reflects the whole person rather than only the checklist.
Autism Diagnostic Criteria
An autism diagnosis is a formal determination of whether an individual meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Criteria is based on two main domains:
Social communication and interaction differences
- Differences in conversation flow, tone, or eye contact
- Challenges interpreting nonverbal cues
- Unique communication style or literal understanding of language
Restricted or repetitive behaviours, interests, or sensory experiencest
- Deep, focused interests or repetitive actions
- Preference for structure and routine
- Sensory sensitivities such as sound, light, or texture
Your psychologist will look at the below traits and how they appear across settings and over time.
Social Communication Differences
Sensory Sensitivities
Strong Attention To Detail
Deep Or Focused Interests
Preference For Routine
Thrives With Predictability
Difficulty With Change
Emotional Overwhelm
Challenges Reading Cues
Literal Interpretation
Repetitive Movements Or Speech
Masking Or Exhaustion
Intense Focus Periods
Difficulty Shifting Tasks
Sensory Seeking Behaviours
Difficulty Regulating Emotions
Anxiety In New Settings
Social Fatigue
Every autistic person is unique. Some may have heightened sensory awareness, focused interests, or strong attention to detail, while others experience challenges with flexibility, social connection, or communication. The goal of an autism diagnosis is not to label, but to provide understanding, validation, and practical recommendations that help you thrive in daily life.
Our Autism Diagnosis Process: Step by Step
We design the diagnostic process to be transparent, supportive, and respectful of each person’s comfort level.
1. Intake Session
A collaborative discussion exploring developmental history, current traits, and goals for assessment.
2. Diagnostic Assessment
Structured interviews and observation sessions using tools such as the MIGDAS-2, along with questionnaires from others such as parents, partners, or teachers.
3. Scoring and Clinical Interpretation
Your psychologist reviews all results, integrating interviews, questionnaires, and behavioural observations to determine whether diagnostic criteria are met.
4. Comprehensive Report Preparation
You will receive a detailed written report outlining findings, a recommended diagnosis (if applicable), and personalised strategies for support.
5. Feedback Session
We explain your results clearly and provide recommendations for therapy, educational or workplace supports, and referral options.
For individuals under 18, a paediatrician must verify the diagnosis. For adults, a psychiatrist provides medical confirmation when required for NDIS or formal purposes.
Additional Support Options
To provide a complete clinical picture, we can also include:
- ADHD Assessments– often co-occurs
- Cognitive Assessments (WISC-V, WAIS-V, WPPSI-IV)
- Learning and Memory Assessments – identify learning patterns, attention, and memory strengths or challenges to guide school or work accommodations
- Functional or Adaptive Measures for daily living skills and NDIS applications
- Observations across home, school, or workplace settings
These additional options can improve the accuracy and practical value of your diagnostic report.
Get in Touch to learn more about these additional supports.
After Your Autism Diagnosis
Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring a deep sense of understanding and relief. It can explain lifelong patterns, highlight strengths, and guide practical changes that make daily life easier.
After your diagnosis, your psychologist will outline next steps including behavioural or cognitive strategies, therapy recommendations, and support coordination for NDIS or workplace adjustments.
Hively Health remains available for follow-up sessions to help you integrate this new understanding and move forward confidently.
Accessing our Services
Our diagnostic services are flexible and accessible. Autism diagnoses can be completed in our East Brisbane clinic, in-home, or via telehealth (depending on age and tools required).
Fees & Rebates
- Private Health Insurance: Check your provider for psychology and assessment coverage.
- Medicare Rebates: Autism diagnostic assessments are generally not covered. However, rebates may apply to therapy sessions with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan.
- Private Appointments: Book directly without a referral.
- NDIS: Diagnostic reports can assist with access and planning.
Contact us to learn more about our rebate options.
Visit our Brisbane Clinic
Our clinic, situated in a beautifully restored Queenslander at 15 Didsbury St, East Brisbane, offers a serene environment for therapy and ADHD assessment.
Book an autism Assessment today with the team at Hively Health. Our clinic is open by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinicians consider patterns across two key areas: Social communication/interaction differences and, restricted or repetitive behaviours/interests, including sensory differences.
Traits must have been present from early development and impact daily functioning. Your psychologist integrates interviews, observations, questionnaires, and history to determine whether criteria are met.
Most people complete an intake (60 mins), assessment sessions (2–3 hours total), and a feedback session (50 mins). Time can vary depending on age, goals, and whether cognitive or functional assessments are included.
Psychologists complete comprehensive assessments and prepare a clinical report with a recommended diagnosis, if applicable. For formal medical diagnosis/verification, paediatricians (under 18) or psychiatrists review the report and provide final sign-off where required.
Many autistic people identify autism as a neurotype rather than a disability. For funding and supports (e.g., NDIS), ASD can meet disability criteria when day-to-day functioning is significantly impacted. Your report outlines the functional information often needed for applications.
Yes. Autism and ADHD frequently co-occur. Overlapping experiences such as executive functioning or sensory differences can look similar but stem from different processes.
A comprehensive assessment clarifies what’s present so supports can be tailored.
If you are seeking clarity and validation through an autism diagnosis, our compassionate team is here to guide you with care and expertise.
We proudly serve the Greater Brisbane Region with in-clinic appointments and telehealth options nationwide.
Book an appointment today to begin your autism diagnosis process and receive clear, personalised guidance for your next steps.
All enquiries will be responded to within 24 hours by one of our friendly administrative team members.
