Written by the AUDHD Australia editorial team. Clinically reviewed by Dr Sam Holloway, Clinical Advisor. Last updated 18 April 2026.

Practical guide

Getting diagnosed with AuDHD in Australia

Navigating the Australian diagnostic system for co-occurring ADHD and Autism can be confusing, expensive, and slow. This guide breaks down your options, what to expect, and how to find the right clinician.

Understanding the diagnostic landscape

Australia currently has no unified assessment pathway for AuDHD. ADHD and Autism are assessed under separate frameworks, often by different clinicians, using different criteria. This means many people go through two separate (and expensive) assessment processes — or receive only one diagnosis while the other is missed entirely.

The good news: awareness is growing. More clinicians now understand that ADHD and Autism frequently co-occur, and some offer combined assessments that evaluate both conditions together.

Who can diagnose?

Psychiatrist

$400–$1,200 per session | Medicare rebate available

Can diagnose both ADHD and Autism in adults and children. Can prescribe medication. Referral from GP required for Medicare rebate. Often the most efficient pathway for a combined assessment.

Clinical psychologist

$250–$600 per session | Partial Medicare rebate with Mental Health Plan

Can diagnose Autism and provide ADHD assessment (though prescribing requires a psychiatrist or paediatrician). Some specialise in comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment.

Developmental paediatrician

$300–$800 per session | Medicare rebate available

The primary pathway for children. Can diagnose both ADHD and Autism and prescribe ADHD medication. Long wait times in most states (6–18 months in public system).

Multidisciplinary team

$2,000–$5,000 total | Limited Medicare rebates

Some clinics offer team-based assessment involving a psychologist, speech pathologist, and OT. Considered gold standard for Autism diagnosis, especially for children. More expensive but thorough.

The assessment process: step by step

Start with your GP. Ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist who specialises in ADHD and Autism in your age group. Be specific — say you’re seeking assessment for possible co-occurring ADHD and Autism. Ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per year).
Gather your history. Before your appointment, collect school reports, any previous psychological assessments, and notes about your developmental history. If possible, ask a parent or family member about your early childhood. Many clinicians will send questionnaires in advance.
Attend the assessment. A thorough AuDHD assessment typically takes 2–4 hours across 1–3 sessions. It usually includes a clinical interview, standardised questionnaires (such as the ADOS-2, ADI-R, DIVA, or CAARS), cognitive testing if indicated, and collateral information from family or partners.
Receive your report. You’ll receive a written report with diagnostic conclusions and recommendations. This report is essential for accessing NDIS, workplace accommodations, and educational support. If you receive a diagnosis, discuss treatment options with your clinician.
Plan your next steps. Depending on your results, this might include ADHD medication (requires a psychiatrist or paediatrician), psychological support, occupational therapy, NDIS application, or workplace or school accommodations.

What it costs

Out-of-pocket costs vary significantly depending on your pathway, location, and whether you access public or private services.

Assessment type	Typical cost	Medicare rebate
Psychiatrist (private, with referral)	$400–$1,200	Yes — gap typically $150–$600
Clinical psychologist (with MHTP)	$250–$600/session	Partial — ~$90–$130 rebate per session
Developmental paediatrician	$300–$800	Yes — gap typically $100–$400
Multidisciplinary team	$2,000–$5,000	Limited — some individual sessions rebatable
Public hospital clinic	Free	N/A — but wait times 6–24 months

Tips for finding the right clinician

Ask specifically about AuDHD experience. Not all ADHD specialists understand Autism, and vice versa. Ask if they assess for co-occurrence.
Check their approach to adults/women/gender-diverse people. Many clinicians were trained on male childhood presentations. If you don’t fit that profile, find someone who understands diverse presentations.
Use directory services. The Yellow Pages directory at ADHD Australia (adhdaustralia.org.au) and Autism Australia’s provider directory can help you find specialists.
Ask about wait times upfront. Some specialists have 3–12 month wait lists. Get on the list early.
Consider telehealth. Since COVID, many specialists offer telehealth assessments, which can be especially helpful in regional and rural areas.

State-by-state considerations

Diagnostic requirements differ by state, particularly for ADHD medication prescribing. In some states (such as NSW and QLD), only psychiatrists and certain authorised prescribers can initiate ADHD medication in adults. Your GP can advise on your state’s specific requirements.

Not sure if you should seek assessment?

Our informal screening quiz can help you decide whether the signs you’re experiencing warrant a professional conversation.

Take the screening quiz →

Related resources

Important: This guide is for informational purposes only. Costs, wait times, and provider availability change frequently. Always confirm current fees and availability directly with the clinician or clinic. This page does not constitute medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an AuDHD assessment cost in Australia?

Out-of-pocket costs for a dual ADHD and Autism assessment typically range from $400 to $5,000 depending on your pathway. A psychiatrist with a GP referral ranges $400–$1,200 per session with partial Medicare rebate. A multidisciplinary team assessment ranges $2,000–$5,000 with limited rebates. Public hospital clinics are free but wait times are often 12–24 months.

Can my GP diagnose AuDHD?

In most Australian states, GPs cannot formally diagnose ADHD or Autism, but they are the entry point. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or developmental paediatrician and provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan that entitles you to partially rebated psychology sessions. As of 2026, some states including NSW and Queensland are introducing GP-led ADHD diagnosis for adults under specific training requirements.

Is AuDHD covered by Medicare?

Medicare provides partial rebates for assessments conducted by psychiatrists (with a GP referral) and psychologists (under a Mental Health Treatment Plan). Rebates typically cover $90 to $600 per session depending on the provider and item number. The gap — the difference between the rebate and the fee — is paid by the patient. Multidisciplinary assessments and private psychology packages are rarely fully rebated.

What questionnaires are used in an AuDHD assessment?

Common tools include the ADOS-2 and ADI-R for autism, the DIVA-5 and CAARS for ADHD, and the MIGDAS-2 for naturalistic observation. A thorough assessment also includes clinical interview, developmental history, collateral information from family or partners, and sometimes cognitive testing. Dual assessments typically take 2 to 4 hours across 1 to 3 sessions.

By state

Costs, wait times and pathways differ by state. Start with your state for specific clinic pricing and Medicare item numbers.

Getting Diagnosed with AuDHD in Australia