Autism (ASD) Assessment

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect communication, social understanding, sensory processing, routines, and the way a person experiences the world. In adults, it may present as differences in social interaction, strong preferences for routine, intense interests, sensory sensitivities, or feeling exhausted by social situations.

ASD assessment is NOT offered by Dr Tomazzoni

In Australia, a formal ASD diagnostic assessment is guided by the National Guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism (Autism CRC, 2023) and generally requires:

- Structured observational assessment using a validated instrument such as the ADOS-2

- A structured developmental interview, ideally with an informant who knew you as a child

- Consideration of cognitive, language, and adaptive functioning

- A written diagnostic report

This is a time-intensive, specialised process, and best undertaken by clinicians (usually psychologists, psychiatrists, or paediatricians) specifically trained in autism diagnostic instruments. Dr Tomazzoni’s practice focuses on general adult psychiatry, including ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and neurodevelopmental care, but not on autism-specific diagnostic work-ups.

If you would like a formal ASD assessment you have a few options:

- Ask your GP for a referral to a service that performs formal adult ASD assessments. In Victoria this may be a specialist psychology practice, a psychiatrist experienced in autism assessment, or, where eligible, a public adult autism/neurodevelopmental service.

- Self-referral to a private practice offering ADOS-2-based assessments is also possible.

- The Aspect Australia website and the Autism CRC resources provide lists of services and useful information for adults seeking assessment.

If both ADHD and ASD are being considered, a reasonable pathway is:

1. ADHD assessment with Dr Tomazzoni (or another psychiatrist)

2. Formal ASD assessment with a suitably trained specialist separately

Some assessments can be done in either order. If you have already had, or are planning, a formal ASD assessment elsewhere, you are encouraged to forward that report to Dr Tomazzoni as it is very helpful context for the ADHD work-up.

Supports are available regardless of formal diagnosis

It is worth knowing that many accommodations and supports — including university adjustments, workplace reasonable adjustments, and community groups — are available based on functional need, and do not always require a formal diagnosis. Your GP can guide you toward these, and you do not need to wait for a diagnostic report to access help.

Please let the admin team know if you would like to proceed with booking for ADHD assessment, or if you would like time to explore ASD services first.