Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments Newcastle
ASD Assessments
Newcastle and Australia-Wide
At Mind & Health Psychology, we provide comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Our assessments are designed to support diagnostic clarity, differential diagnosis (including co-occurring conditions), and reporting aligned with NDIS and clinical requirements.
Our approach integrates gold-standard, evidence-based assessment tools with a neuroaffirming and person-centred framework.
What our ASD assessment includes
Our multidisciplinary assessment process may include:
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2)
Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) with parents/caregivers
Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Autism (MIGDAS-2)
Clinical behavioural observation and structured assessment
Cognitive assessment (Wechsler scales or equivalent measures)
Adaptive functioning measures (e.g., ABAS-3 where appropriate)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
The ADOS-2 is a structured, interactive assessment used to observe communication, social interaction, play, and behaviour patterns associated with autism.
Developed by Dr Catherine Lord and colleagues, it is widely regarded as a gold-standard observational tool for ASD assessment across children and adults with varying language abilities.
The ADOS-2 involves a series of structured and semi-structured activities that allow the clinician to observe social communication and behaviour in a standardised setting.
It is suitable for individuals with a developmental level of approximately 12 months or above and may be adapted depending on language ability.
Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
The ADI-R is a comprehensive, structured interview conducted with a parent or caregiver.
It explores early developmental history, communication patterns, social development, and behavioural presentation over time.
This tool is particularly valuable when used alongside the ADOS-2, as it provides important developmental context to support diagnostic formulation.
The interview typically takes 90–120 minutes.
MIGDAS-2 (Neuroaffirming Interview Process)
The MIGDAS-2 is a neuroaffirming, strengths-based interview approach designed to gather rich qualitative information about sensory experiences, communication style, interests, and behavioural patterns.
It provides a more narrative and collaborative understanding of the individual and supports a respectful, person-centred assessment experience.
When used alongside structured tools such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, it contributes to a more holistic and individualised formulation.
How these tools work together
A comprehensive ASD assessment typically integrates multiple sources of information.
The ADI-R provides developmental history
The ADOS-2 provides direct behavioural observation
The MIGDAS-2 adds a strengths-based, sensory-informed narrative perspective
Cognitive and adaptive measures provide additional context around learning, functioning, and support needs
Together, these tools support a thorough and balanced clinical formulation.
Cognitive and adaptive assessment
Cognitive assessment is used to better understand learning profile, reasoning ability, and how cognitive functioning may relate to developmental presentation.
Where appropriate, measures may include Wechsler scales or equivalent standardised tools, along with adaptive functioning measures such as the ABAS-3.
These assessments also provide clinicians with additional opportunities to observe social communication in a low-pressure setting.
GP involvement
A GP consultation is an important part of the assessment process.
This helps:
Review medical and developmental history
Rule out other medical or neurological conditions
Arrange any additional investigations if required
This ensures the assessment is comprehensive and aligned with Australian clinical guidelines.
Why choose Mind & Health Psychology
Our ASD assessments are conducted using a structured, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming approach.
Stephen O’Malley is a Senior ASD Diagnostic Clinician and General Registered Psychologist with advanced training in neuropsychology across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. He has specialised training in ASD assessment tools including the ADOS-2, ADI-R, and MIGDAS-2 through Western Psychological Services (WPS), under internationally recognised training pathways.
Our team-based approach ensures assessments are thorough, clinically robust, and supportive throughout the process.
We aim to provide clarity, guidance, and a respectful experience for individuals and families at every stage of assessment.
Feedback and reports
Following the assessment, clients are provided with a feedback session to review findings, discuss outcomes, and explore next steps.
A comprehensive written report is also provided, outlining results, formulation, and recommendations. Reports are suitable for clinical use and NDIS-related documentation where appropriate.
Important note
All assessments are conducted within the professional scope and ethical guidelines of Registered Psychologists. Diagnostic conclusions are based on comprehensive clinical evaluation. No outcome is guaranteed.
We provide Supervision and Training in Autism Assessments, including the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, to Early Career Psychologist in individual and group training sessions.