AUTISM ASSESSMENT
Autism Diagnosis — Melbourne
If you’re seeking an Autism diagnosis, our Melbourne psychology clinic can help. At DKM Psychology, we understand the importance of receiving a detailed and thorough Autism assessment, and our Melbourne team is here to support you every step of the way. We utilise a comprehensive approach to assess and diagnose Autism so you can go on to manage your symptoms effectively and get the support you need.
Better understand behaviour
Feel empowered to ask for help or advocate for young person
Determine the most appropriate treatment options moving forward.
Application for funding
Our Autism Assessment Process
Initial interview
Cognitive assessment
Questionnaires for parents, self, and/or teachers to complete
Autism-specific diagnostic interview (teen & adult) or play-based task (child & young teen)
Report preparation
Common Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Autism presents differently across individuals and across the lifespan, but the DSM-5-TR clusters features into different domains.
Differences in Social Communication & Interaction
Common signs may include:
Reduced or inconsistent eye contact
Limited use of gestures (e.g., pointing, waving)
Difficulty initiating or maintaining back-and-forth conversation
Literal interpretation of language (struggles with sarcasm or implied meaning)
Difficulty understanding others’ perspectives or emotions
Preferring solitary play (in children)
Challenges forming or maintaining peer relationships
Reduced sharing of interests or enjoyment
In adults, this may look like:
Feeling “out of sync” socially
Rehearsing conversations in advance
Social exhaustion after interaction
Masking or camouflaging traits to fit in
Sensory Differences
Many autistic individuals experience sensory processing differences:
Sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells
Strong clothing preferences
Overwhelm in busy environments
Seeking sensory input (spinning, deep pressure, movement)
High or low pain sensitivity
Restricted or Repetitive Behaviours & Interests
Common signs may include:
Repetitive movements (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking, finger flicking)
Repetitive speech (echolalia, scripting from movies/shows)
Strong need for routine or predictability
Distress with changes or transitions
Highly focused, intense interests
Rigid thinking patterns
Repetitive play patterns
