Can you diagnose Autism in adults?

Yes. We assess many adults (including "late-diagnosed" women) who have spent years "masking" their symptoms. An assessment can provide profound clarity on a lifetime of feeling "different."

How long does the appointment take?

A comprehensive Autism assessment usually takes between 3 and 6 hours, depending on whether cognitive testing is included. This allows us to gather enough data to meet the high evidence standards required by the NDIS and educational bodies.

Do you use the ADOS-2 and/ or MIGDAS-2?

We incorporate various gold-standard tools depending on the referral question. This includes observational data from tools like the ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2, clinical data from measures such as the SRS-2, and objective cognitive data where indicated.

Lorryn Delle Baite Clinical Neuropsychology Services

Autism Cognitive Assessment Brisbane: Understanding the Neurodivergent Profile

COMPREHENSIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS FOR STUDENTS (8+), ADOLESCENTS, AND ADULTS TO IDENTIFY THE COGNITIVE STRENGTHS AND FUNCTIONAL NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD).

Beyond the Diagnosis: Mapping the Autistic Profile

Autism is a different way of processing the world, not a single set of deficits. While a diagnosis often focuses on social communication and repetitive behaviours, a neuropsychological assessment at LDB Clinical Neuropsychology looks "under the hood" at the cognitive architecture that drives these experiences.

We are experienced in identifying the specific cognitive "signature" of Autism, including how an individual manages sensory information, executive demands, and social cognition. Whether you are seeking an initial diagnosis or a deeper understanding of a known profile, our assessments provide the clarity needed for effective support.

Why Seek a Neuropsychological Assessment for Autism?

Many families and adults seek our services to move beyond a simple "label" and gain practical insights into:

Executive Functioning: Understanding challenges with "starting tasks," transitioning between activities, and mental flexibility.
Social Cognition: Evaluating how the brain processes social information, non-verbal cues, and the perspectives of others.
The "Spiky Profile": Identifying areas of high-level talent (often in visual or logical reasoning) alongside significant challenges in other areas like processing speed or verbal memory.
NDIS Evidence: Providing the objective, "gold-standard" evidence of functional impairment required for NDIS Access Requests and Plan Reviews.
Educational & Workplace Adjustments: Tailoring recommendations for school or employment based on the individual’s specific sensory and cognitive needs.

Distinguishing Autism from "Mimicking" Conditions

Autism often co-occurs with other conditions, and symptoms can sometimes overlap. Our comprehensive testing helps distinguish Autism from:

ADHD: While both involve executive function challenges, the underlying "why" is often different.
Social Anxiety: Determining if social withdrawal is driven by fear or by a fundamental difference in social processing.
Intellectual Disability: Identifying if learning struggles are related to general cognitive ability or specific Autistic processing styles.

The Assessment Process

Our assessments are thorough, neuro-affirming, and conducted in a sensory-aware environment:

1.

Clinical Interview

Discussing developmental history, sensory preferences, and daily life experiences.

2.

Cognitive & Functional Testing

Objective tasks measuring IQ, memory, attention, and executive function, if required.

3.

4.

Adaptive Behaviour Assessment

Evaluating how social, emotional, and cognitive differences impact "real-world" skills like communication, self-care, and community safety.

Liaison

We may collaborate with other professionals, such as Speech Pathologists, Paediatricians, or Psychiatrists, for multidisciplinary ASD assessment and diagnosis.

5.

Comprehensive Report

A detailed document that explains the individual's "brain-based" needs in plain English.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our assessments provide the objective, gold-standard clinical data often required by the NDIS to understand an individual’s presentation and challenges. However, NDIS eligibility is determined solely by the NDIA. As Clinical Psychologists/ Neuropsychologists, our role is to provide an ethical, independent, and evidence-based evaluation of your current functioning. We cannot guarantee a specific NDIS outcome, as eligibility depends on the NDIAs specific criteria and their internal review of all submitted evidence.

A Neuro-Affirming Approach

At LDB Clinical Neuropsychology, we view Autism through a neuro-affirming lens. We don't look for "deficits" to be fixed; we look for "differences" to be understood. Our goal is to empower individuals and their families with a clear map of their cognitive landscape, allowing them to advocate for the right supports and build a life that respects their unique way of being in the world.

Request an Autism Cognitive Assessment in Brisbane.

CONTACT LDB NEUROPSYCHOLOGY