Our Process
What to Expect
We know that seeking an assessment for your child can raise a lot of questions. Here is what the process typically looks like at Monarch Autism Assessment, from initial enquiry through to your feedback session. Our integrated multidisciplinary model means your child sees our team in a coordinated way, all on the one day - not as a series of separate, disconnected appointments.
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Initial Enquiry & Intake
Complete our online intake form, or contact us directly, to tell us a little about your child and what has prompted you to seek an assessment. Our team will review your information and be in touch to discuss next steps and answer any questions.
- 2
Booking Your Appointments
Once your intake has been reviewed, we will work with you to schedule your child's assessment day at our Williams Landing clinic. Your child will be seen by all three members of our multidisciplinary team - paediatrician, psychologist, and speech pathologist - all on the same day. Our administration team will coordinate the full schedule and explain what to expect at each session.
- 3
The Paediatric Consultation
Your child's assessment typically begins with a consultation with one of our paediatricians. This involves a detailed developmental and medical history taken from parents or caregivers, a review of any relevant reports or previous assessments, and a physical or neurodevelopmental examination where clinically indicated. The paediatrician will also screen for co-occurring medical conditions such as ADHD, sleep difficulties, or gastrointestinal concerns.
- 4
The Psychological Assessment
Our psychologist will conduct a structured assessment of your child's cognitive profile, adaptive behaviour, and social and emotional presentation using internationally recognised tools including the ADOS-2, WISC-V, and VABS-3. This session involves a combination of direct activities with your child and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
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The Speech Pathology Assessment
Our speech pathologist will assess your child's communication, language development, and social communication skills - areas that are central to understanding how autism presents in each individual child. This session is tailored to your child's age and communication style and may include structured tasks, observation, and parent interview.
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Team Formulation & Family Break
Once all assessment sessions are complete, your family is invited to take a short break - for example, to grab lunch or run an errand nearby - while our multidisciplinary team meets to review and integrate findings from across the paediatric, psychological, and speech pathology assessments and formulate a diagnostic outcome.
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Feedback Session (Same Day)
Later that same day, you will return to the clinic for your feedback session with the relevant clinician or clinicians. This is where you will learn the diagnostic outcome and discuss recommended treatment options and management strategies, all explained in plain language, with time to ask any questions. Your comprehensive written report is not provided on the day - it is completed and sent to you within a quick turnaround time following your feedback session, with the exact timeframe depending on whether any additional external information (such as school or other professional reports) is required.
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Next Steps & Recommendations
Your written report documents the diagnostic outcome and the treatment options and management recommendations discussed at your feedback session - whether that relates to NDIS access, school supports, therapy referrals, or a better understanding of your child's strengths and needs. Our team is happy to assist with referral letters, supporting documentation, and guidance on next steps.
Comfort comes first
A Comfortable, Child-Friendly Experience
We recognise that some children - particularly those who feel anxious about new environments or unfamiliar tasks - may need extra time to feel comfortable. Every member of our team takes a flexible, patient approach, building rapport before beginning formal assessment activities and adjusting pacing as needed. Our Williams Landing clinic is designed with children in mind, offering a calm and welcoming space for every appointment.
Ready to take the first step?
Complete our online intake form to tell us about your child - our team will be in touch to discuss next steps.