Assessments at Energeia Psychology
Autism is having to understand other people before you understand yourself, and no one makes the effort to understand you. Which even you don’t understand because all your effort has been spent understanding them.
– Autism Awareness Australia
Assessment: The Identity Insight
Precision Meets Validation
The journey begins with answering the "Who am I?" question. This is a deep-dive clinical exploration designed to reveal the unspoken intrinsic knowing you have carried your whole life. Unravel the mystery via a safe, thorough, validating, and life-changing process. We move beyond deficit-based labels to map your neurotype as a unique, functional fingerprint.
Discover Your Neurotype
Ever felt different (I prefer, unforgettable) but couldn’t quite put your finger on it? And yes, while we’re all different, sometimes it feels like you’re in a different dimension.
Small talk, he-said she said-conversations feel tedious, and you’d much rather talk about things that actually matter, or be alone, which offers more ‘nourishment’ than frozen food. And what’s with the tone-policing? Like neurotypicals have the franchise on emotion regulation?
It makes perfect sense to engage in preferred topics, tasks, or listening to your favourite songs and playlists on repeat, or watch your beloved episodes or movies over and again, like going back for sustenance akin to reliable rice and potatoes. Maybe a child in your family or your friends are being diagnosed and you happen to notice similarities…
What to Expect
Discover: Neuro-Affirming Assessment
Moving beyond the deficit model. We explore your neurotype as a unique fingerprint, providing the validation and "intrinsic knowing" you’ve been seeking.
A further note on how I work…
While I am qualified to diagnose Autism and the reports are in line with the Autism CRC Guidelines, a diagnosis does not guarantee NDIS funding applications. NDIS currently requires evidence from a specialist multidisciplinary team, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist.
A referral from a medical professional (such as your GP) is recommended in the CRC Assessment Guidelines so they can first assess underlying medical conditions, which may mimic or account for psychological presentations.
That Autism considerably overlaps with other conditions means diagnosis is not a straightforward task. The correct appraisal of behaviours associated with Autism is an inherently subjective task that relies heavily on clinician experience and skills.
FAQs
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I model what it is to be proudly Autistic and use identity-first language: I am an Autistic psychologist, not a psychologist with Autism. Being Autistic is a naturally inherent part of how we perceive the World and is not a separate component that we can take on or off, like a handbag, or something to be overcome, or cured. Similarly, we don’t say ‘A person with Black’ or ‘A person with gay.’
There is no phenotype or ‘look’ to being Autistic. Neurospicy was coined by the community in response to ‘mild Autism.’ Similarly, a trans person who can ‘pass’ does not make them any less trans.
To show respect for our natural neurology, I do not use the terms ‘ASD’ or ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ unless specifically required for certain reporting requirements.
Click here to read the CAPTAP affirming language guide.
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You may or may not receive formal identification or diagnosis. It is important to manage your expectations before commencing the assessment process. If the assessment suggests you are not Autistic, we will discuss the overall clinical picture of your strengths and challenges during the feedback session, and any other relevant diagnoses.
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No, I do not offer this service. ADHD is assessed as a matter of course when undertaking a comprehensive Autism assessment (as per the Guidelines’ recommendations) due to the high prevalence of co-occurrence.
If you are considering medication for ADHD, I recommend seeing a psychiatrist directly. You will need a referral from your GP. A GP referral for a comprehensive Autism assessment is recommended for holistic care as per the CRC Assessment Guidelines recommendations, although ultimately this is up to your discretion.
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No. You are under no legal obligation to disclose your Autism or ADHD to employers, schools, or in social settings. Disclosure is a strictly personal choice.
However, there are specific situations where disclosure becomes necessary or highly beneficial.
When to Consider Disclosing
To access workplace accommodations: If you require specific changes to your work environment (e.g., modified lighting, noise-cancelling headphones, flexible hours), you will generally need to disclose your diagnosis to formally request these under the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Safety and inherent job requirements: You must disclose if your condition directly prevents you from performing the essential requirements of the role, or if it poses a health and safety risk to yourself or others.
When Disclosure is Not Required
During the hiring process: You do not have to mention Autism or ADHD on your resume, in cover letters, or during interviews. Employers cannot legally discriminate against you for keeping it private.
General employment: If you do not require adjustments and your condition does not impact your ability to do the job, you are not obligated to share your medical history.
Helpful Disclosure Resources
Deciding to disclose is a deeply personal choice that often requires weighing the benefits of support against the potential for misunderstanding or stigma.
Work: Learn more about your rights and requesting accommodations via the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Autism: Read the Autism Spectrum Australia Disclosure Guide for practical advice on when and how to share your identity.
Explore Your Neurotype
For those unsure about a formal assessment, this 90-minute consultation provides the space to gain clarity around psychometric screening outcomes, exploration around masking and social behaviours, sensory preferences, autonomic regulation, and a chance to ask me your burning questions.
Please note that this is not a diagnostic assessment. No report is given for accommodations. This is an opportunity for personal insight and self-compassion.