Our pathways
ASD assessment & diagnosis
A thorough, evidence-based autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment pathway for adults. Our multi-session approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation leading to a formal diagnosis and detailed report — giving you the clarity and documentation you need.
Step 1 — Getting started
How your journey begins
Every pathway at Shama Health begins the same way — with a GP referral and a careful triage process.
GP sends referral
We triage
Accepted
Intake forms emailed
You complete & email back
We call to book
Step 2 — The ASD pathway
Your assessment journey
ASD assessment requires a careful, multi-session approach. Your nurse practitioner conducts a thorough initial assessment before you meet with your psychiatrist across three dedicated sessions — culminating in a formal diagnosis and a comprehensive written report.
NURSE PRACTITIONER — INITIAL ASSESSMENT
History, background & intake assessment
A comprehensive initial assessment covering your developmental history, social and communication patterns, sensory experiences, and any co-occurring conditions. A detailed clinical report is prepared for the psychiatrist so your assessment sessions are focused and informed.
PSYCHIATRIST — ASSESSMENT SESSION 1 OF 3
Clinical interview — early development & history
The psychiatrist begins the formal ASD assessment with an in-depth clinical interview exploring early developmental milestones, childhood experiences, social functioning, and current presentation. Standardised assessment tools are introduced.
PSYCHIATRIST — ASSESSMENT SESSION 2 OF 3
Deep assessment — social, sensory & behavioural patterns
A continuation of the formal assessment, exploring social communication, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviours, and identity. Further validated diagnostic instruments are completed to build a full clinical picture.
PSYCHIATRIST — ASSESSMENT SESSION 3 OF 3 — FINAL
Diagnosis, feedback & comprehensive report
In the final session, your psychiatrist shares their clinical findings, confirms the diagnosis, and provides thorough feedback discussion. A comprehensive written diagnostic report is provided to you at this appointment — suitable for use with employers, educators, NDIS applications, and other services.
Fees — ASD pathway
What your ASD assessment costs
We believe in transparent pricing. Below is the complete fee schedule for the ASD assessment pathway, including any applicable Medicare rebates. Individual doctors may have different fee structures for ASD assessments — please contact our admin team to confirm.
| Consultation type | Fee | Out of pocket |
|---|---|---|
| NURSE PRACTITIONER | ||
Initial NP assessment History, developmental background, clinical report for psychiatrist | $250 | No Medicare rebate |
| PSYCHIATRIST — 3 SESSIONS | ||
ASD assessment — session 1 Early development, history, standardised assessment tools | $700 | Max $437.90 |
ASD assessment — session 2 Social, sensory & behavioural deep assessment | $700 | Max $437.90 |
ASD assessment — session 3 (final) Diagnosis, feedback & comprehensive written report | $700 | Max $437.90 |
Please note
Payments & Cancellations
• A reminder is sent 5 business days before your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know by 5pm on the day you receive this reminder — that's when our team finishes for the day, so we're only able to action requests received by then.
• Cancellations or reschedules requested after this time, or non-attendance, will incur the full appointment fee.
• Your appointment fee is charged to the card on file 4 days before your session.
• If payment doesn't go through, we'll contact you by email and SMS straight away, and try again that evening. If it's still unresolved, your slot will be released to another patient on the waitlist.
• Your Medicare rebate is claimed after your appointment takes place.
Private practice
We are a private (non-bulk billing) practice. Gap fees apply — the out-of-pocket cost is the difference between our fee and the Medicare rebate.
Individual fee structures
Individual doctors may have different fee structures, particularly for ADHD and ASD assessments. Please contact our admin team for your specific doctor's fee schedule.
Out-of-consultation scripts
Out-of-consultation scripts are not a routine service and will only be issued where clinically appropriate. Please ensure you are booked with your prescribing clinician well in advance — our psychiatrists can be booked weeks ahead.
Medicare Safety Net
Ready to refer?
Send a referral today
We accept GP referrals via email. Include a brief clinical summary and the patient's preferred contact details. Our admin team will follow up within 2 business days.
admin@shamahealth.com.auGet in touch
Contact Us
We're here Monday to Friday. Reach out and we'll get back to you promptly.
Fax
07 2143 6768
For clinical correspondence
Hours
Mon – Fri
9:00am – 5:00pm AEST
About our phone system: Calls go to a triage voicemail. Leave your name and the reason for your call. We'll either action your request and confirm by SMS, or call you back within 60 minutes.
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