Paediatric Autism Assessment in Brisbane
At Hively Health, our psychologists specialise in paediatric autism assessments in Brisbane for children aged 1 to 16 years. Our approach is gentle, evidence based, and family focused.
In addition, we support parents to understand their child’s strengths, learning profile, and needs. We offer clear, practical strategies that can make daily life easier at home, school, and in the community.
Our Clinic
Our clinic provides Paediatric Autism Assessment in Brisbane in a child friendly environment we call Hively Bumblebees, designed to help children feel calm, safe, and engaged during assessment. The environment is warm and imaginative, with a magical tree, butterflies, fairy mushrooms, and playful elements that encourage relaxation and curiosity.
To support emotional regulation and comfort, the clinic includes sensory lighting, crash mats, textured rugs, and a soft KloudSac. Furthermore, our resource library includes sensory tools, fidgets, games, books, and plush toys so children can settle, explore, and express themselves freely.
We proudly welcome children and families of all genders, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds. We work collaboratively with families, referrers, teachers, and health professionals from a strengths based perspective to ensure clarity and ongoing support.
What Autism Can Look Like in Children
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a natural neurodevelopmental difference that shapes how a child processes information, communicates, and experiences the world.
Autism is not a condition to be cured. It reflects a different pattern of development that comes with both strengths and challenges.
Children can present autism in many different ways. For example, some children communicate in unique ways, prefer routine, or show strong sensory preferences. In addition, others may have exceptional memory or deep interests, yet find social situations, flexibility, or emotional regulation more challenging.
In some cases, early signs appear during infancy, while for others these differences become clearer in the school years.
Common signs and traits our psychologists explore during a Paediatric Autism Assessment:
Speech or Language Delays
Limited or Different Eye Contact
Back and Forth Communication Difficulties
Repetitive Play Patterns
Strong Sensory Reactions
Intense Focus Interests
Difficulty Reading Cues
Preference for Routine
Emotional Overwhelm
Exceptional Memory Skills
Difficulty Shifting Tasks
Difficulty Managing Change
Literal Understandings
Sensory Seeking Behaviours
Thrives with Predictability
Social Fatigue
Movement or Stimming
High Detail Focus
Some traits are sometimes described as high functioning ASD symptoms in children, such as strong verbal skills paired with social fatigue or sensory overload. Early identification of ASD in infants and young children can help families access support at the right time. Enquire today to begin the assessment process.
Why Early Identification Matters
Understanding your child’s traits early can significantly change their developmental pathway. A timely paediatric autism assessment in Brisbane helps families:
- Access school supports or early intervention
- Build communication and emotional regulation
- Reduce frustration linked to sensory overload or unmet needs
- Strengthen confidence and wellbeing
- Support friendships and social development
- Understand how your child learns and communicates
Overall, early assessment and support provides parents with insight, language, and practical tools to create a supportive and empowering environment.
Our Paediatric Autism Assessment Process in Brisbane
At Hively Health, we understand that beginning an autism assessment can feel both reassuring and emotional. As such, we aim to make the process relaxed, positive, and clear for every family.
1. Parent Intake Session
A detailed discussion about developmental history, early milestones, current behaviours, sensory responses, and family goals.
2. Child Assessment Session
This session uses a combination of play based activities and formal assessment tools such as the MIGDAS-2, as well as Cognitive assessments (WISC-V, WPPSI-IV, WAIS-V). This helps us understand communication, social interaction, sensory responses, and behavioural patterns.
3. Questionnaires (Parents & Teachers)
Standardised questionnaires such as the SRS-2, Conners, or Vineland provide insight into behaviour across settings.
4. Scoring and Report Preparation
Your psychologist reviews all clinical data and prepares a clear, accessible report summarising findings, criteria for ASD, recommended diagnosis if applicable, and personalised strategies.
5. Parent Feedback Session
Finally, a dedicated session with parents to walk through the report, discuss results, and plan next steps for school, home, and therapy.
For formal diagnosis of autism in children, our psychologists can diagnose, with reports verified by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist if required.
Additional Support Options
In many cases, additional assessments can support a complete understanding of your child’s needs. Alongside a paediatric autism assessment, we can provide:
- Learning and Memory Assessments
- Functional Behaviour Assessments for childcare, school, or home
- ADHD Assessments
- NDIS ready support letters
- In many cases, Observations in natural settings to understand behaviour in real time
These options help families and schools implement strategies that feel achievable and consistent.
Hively Bumblebees – Paediatric Psychology & Assessment
Our Hively Bumblebees team provides therapy and assessment services for children aged up to 16 in a nurturing, sensory friendly environment.
We offer:
- Autism and ADHD assessments
- Emotional regulation and social skills therapy
- Parent coaching and family education
- NDIS reports and behaviour support
Our goal is to help children feel confident, understood, and supported with practical skills that guide them through childhood and adolescence.
Therapy and Ongoing Support
Following a child autism assessment, families can continue therapy or parent support sessions to build confidence and consistency.
Our Psychologists Provide:
- Social skill development & emotional regulation strategies
- Practical tools for home and school routines
- Parent guidance sessions and ongoing behaviour management support
- Collaboration with teachers, allied health professionals, and paediatricians
- Assistance with NDIS reports, and funding pathways
Visit our Brisbane Clinic
Our clinic, situated in a beautifully restored Queenslander at 15 Didsbury St, East Brisbane, offers a serene environment for Paediatric therapy and ADHD assessment.
Book a Paediatric Autism Assessment in Brisbane with the team at Hively Health. Our clinic operates by appointment only to ensure personalised care.
If you are seeking clarity and support around your child’s development, our compassionate team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinicians assess two areas, social communication differences and restricted or repetitive behaviours and sensory experiences. These traits must begin in early development and appear across home and school.
For more about diagnostic criteria, read the The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM 5 summary.
Assessment includes a parent interview, play based observation, standardised tools such as the MIGDAS-2, and teacher or caregiver questionnaires.
The full process usually includes an intake, child session, questionnaires, scoring, and a feedback appointment.
Some signs of ASD in infants can be observed in the first year of life. Formal diagnosis typically occurs from age two onwards.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference. It may meet the definition of disability when it significantly impacts daily functioning, which allows access to supports such as the NDIS.
We proudly serve the Greater Brisbane Region with in-clinic appointments and telehealth options nationwide.
Book an appointment today to start your child's autism assessment process and receive clear guidance tailored to your goals.
All enquiries will be responded to within 24 hours by one of our friendly administrative team members.
