An Autism Assessment is a structured process that helps to understand how a child learns, communicates, processes sensory information, interacts socially, and experiences the world. Rather than simply checking boxes, it seeks a holistic understanding of a child’s unique neurodevelopmental profile — how they think, sense, communicate, and relate. At Village Therapy, we use 2 x main assessments to inform our conclusions – they are the MIGDAS-2 and the CELF P3 (3years to almost 7 years) and the CELF P5 (5 years to 21 years)
What an Autism Assessment Can Be Useful For
An autism assessment can help to:
- Provide clarity: Understand if a child’s differences in communication, sensory processing, social interaction or learning are part of autism — and what that means for their everyday experience.
- Empower families: Offer a detailed, respectful, and meaningful profile of the child — their strengths, their needs, and how they engage with the world — which can guide parenting, schooling, and support.
- Guide therapy & supports: Help tailor speech pathology, occupational therapy, educational supports, sensory supports, and environmental modifications to suit the child’s unique neurotype.
- Support inclusion: Help schools, caregivers, and support networks appreciate and understand the child’s differences — promoting acceptance, dignity, and strengths-based inclusion.
- Inform future planning: Create a foundation for ongoing support, development, and advocacy — helping parents and children navigate school, social settings, learning and life transitions with understanding and confidence.
Why our approach matters
At Village Therapy, we believe that every child is unique. Our neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based philosophy means we don’t view autism as a “problem to fix,” but as a different way of thinking, sensing, and being. By using MIGDAS-2, we give children — and their families — an assessment process that is respectful, affirming, and centred on their lived experience. Our reports and recommendations focus on what the child can do, what they enjoy, and how to support their strengths — while also acknowledging challenges and support needs.
We aim to create safe, inclusive pathways for communication, learning, participation and growth — helping each child thrive as their full, authentic self.
Standard pathway for an Autism Assessment (may vary according to individual needs):
- Parent session – 60 mins
- Child session – MIGDAS Assessment – 90-120 mins
- Child session – Language (CELF) Assessment – 90-120 mins
- Report written – between 2-4 x hours
- Final parent session to review report – 60 mins (2-4 x weeks following session 3)
Cost – between $1,500 and $2,000 depending on individual needs. There is Medicare funding that may assist with payment for this report – please see your Paediatrician or Psychiatrist for more information about this.
Please note: Speech Pathologists play an important role in ASD diagnosis assessing language and social skills within the DSM-5 framework and giving an indication about whether someone’s presentation is consistent with ASD or not. However, Speech Pathologists are not able to give a final diagnosis of Autism as this needs to be signed off by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. Further assessment by a Psychologist may be needed as part of the assessment pathway.
Contact us today on (03) 9811 7026 or reception@villagetherapy.com.au to discuss how we can provide you with an Autism Assessment.
