Diagnosis
Getting Diagnosed
In plain language
Australian diagnostic pathways
Australian diagnostic pathways
Australian diagnostic pathways
How to get diagnosed in Australia: the definitive guide.
Diagnosis in Australia is more accessible than most people think — and more expensive than it should be. Here's the honest version of what to expect, who you need to see, what it costs, and how to push back if you're stonewalled.
The four-step path.
Step one: talk to your GP and ask for a mental health care plan. Under Medicare this gets you 10 subsidised sessions with a psychologist per calendar year. Your GP does not diagnose ADHD or Autism themselves — their job is to refer. If your GP won't refer, find a new GP. You are not being difficult.
Step two: see a psychiatrist (for ADHD) or a clinical psychologist / developmental paediatrician (for Autism). ADHD diagnosis in adults currently requires a psychiatrist in every state for medication access. Autism diagnosis can be made by a clinical psych, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. Waitlists vary from 2 weeks to 18 months.
Step three: assessment. For ADHD this is usually a 60–90 minute structured interview covering childhood and adult functioning, plus standardised questionnaires. For Autism it's longer — typically 3–6 hours across multiple sessions, including ADOS-2 and developmental history. Bring someone who knew you as a kid if you can.
Step four: the report. You'll get a written diagnostic report that you can use for NDIS, workplace accommodations, medication scripts, and your own sanity. Keep copies. You'll need them more often than you think.
"The diagnosis didn't change me. It just explained me to myself."
— Community member, Sydney
$
The cost problem
Private ADHD assessment: $600–$1,800. Private Autism assessment: $1,500–$3,500. Medicare rebates exist but are small. Public waitlists are 12+ months in most states.
✓
Medicare helps
Mental Health Care Plan: 10 subsidised sessions/year. ADHD medication under PBS once diagnosed. Autism diagnosis unlocks NDIS eligibility pathways.
!
Your rights
You can get a second opinion. You can change clinicians. You don't have to accept a dismissive GP. Your diagnosis belongs to you.
Need help navigating?