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    Perth’s best autism assessments for girls and kids who mask

    For too long, autism has been understood through a narrow lens— one shaped largely by male-centered research and outdated stereotypes.  As a result, countless girls have slipped through the cracks, their unique presentations of autism overlooked or misinterpreted as shyness, anxiety, or simply being “quirky.” 

    Now, more parents are recognising these missed diagnoses and pushing for assessments that go beyond the traditional checklists, seeking professionals who understand how autism presents differently in girls or children who mask these differences.

    I asked Perth Kids Hub readers who they would recommend to parents who searching for Perth’s best autism assessments for girls and children who mask.

    Parents recommend

    Perth - North of the River

    Felicity Naylor Clinical Psychology, North Perth

    Address: 424B Fitzgerald Street, North Perth

    Phone: (08) 9245 5559

    Email: clinicmanager@naylormedical.com.au

    Check availability: https://perthkidshub.com.au/listing/felicity-naylor-clinical-psychologist/

    Assessor: Felicity Naylor

    Profession: Clincial Psychologist

    Felicity Naylor is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked in private practice for more than 25 years with adults, children, and families. She specialises in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Giftedness.

    Felicity is actively involved in professional learning and participates in clinical research. She is up to date with current research practices, including knowledge of literature associated with a wide range of clinical issues. She has a comprehensive and applied knowledge of best practice guidelines.

    "Felicity Naylor is absolutely brilliant! She just assessed my daughter and it was such a beautiful experience.  [Name removed] loved her and felt so comfortable!" 
    Justine
    "Felicity had a great rapport with my daughter. She was also really understood our situation. I felt really heard, understood and acknowledged in what we were experiencing." 
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Dr Natalie Frost and Alex Enright, Neurologix Developmental Clinic, West Perth

    Autism assessments for children and adults.
    Neurologix Developmental Clinic
    Waiting room and play room
    Neurologix Developmental Clinic, West Perth
    Therapy and Chillout Room
    Neurologix Developmental Clinic
    Dr Natalie Frost
    Dr Natalie Frost
    Clinical Psychologist at Neurologix Developmental Clinic

    Address: Suite 6, 118 Railway Street, West Perth

    Phone: (08) 6146 3170

    Email: admin@neurologix.com.au

    Check availability: https://perthkidshub.com.au/listing/neurologix-developmental-clinic/

    Assessors: Clinical Psychologist Dr Natalie Frost and Speech Pathologist Alex Enright

    Neurologix Developmental Clinic is a multidisciplinary assessment clinic of Clinical Neuropsychologists and Speech Pathologists. The team is passionate about providing an individualised, comfortable therapeutic experience for clients. Neurologix specialises in neuropsychological assessment and assessment of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Conditions, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments and intervention planning services are available for both children and adults.

    "Natalie and Alex were absolutely amazing with our daughter, who is very good at masking. They put us at ease straight away and made me feel as though my observations and feelings really mattered- all too often I have been made to feel as though I’m making things up- with Natalie and Alex I felt heard and validated. I would absolutely recommend Neurologix to anyone looking for an assessment."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Even if your child doesn’t present as “atypical” but you feel there is something different about them, or not what is “normal” compared to other kids, then keep going and digging for answers. I wish I’d listened to myself and my gut instinct years ago when my son was in PP, it took till Yr 5 before I took things further. There are people out there to support, guide and help you through the process.

    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Trish Kennedy at The Kidd Clinic, North Perth & Fremantle

    Address: 526 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth and 17 Parry Street, Fremantle

    Phone: (08) 6237 7940

    Check availability: https://perthkidshub.com.au/listing/the-kidd-clinic/

    Clinical Psychologist Trish Kennedy is a qualified autism and developmental diagnostician and the Clinical Team Leader for Assessments at The Kidd Clinic.  Trish is passionate about supporting and providing diagnostic clarity to familiies who have developmental differences.   She offers Autism Assessments for children 2-17 and Global Developmental Delay Assessments (GDD) using the Griffiths Developmental Assessment for children 0-6 years.

    Trish has worked with Child Development Services (CDS) since 2014 and in hospital settings and in non-government agencies throughout her career. Her approach is child centred with a focus on supporting the parent child relationship. 

    "Experienced with girls, saw aspects of behaviour that I hadn’t seen even though high masking, very experienced in general."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Nicola Albrecht, Nicola Albrecht Clinical Psychology, Ocean Reef

    Clinical Psychologist Nicola Albrecht is smiling at the camera, Nicola is wearing glasses and has long blonde-brown hair. The text reads "Nicola Albrecht Growing Minds Clinical Psychology"

    Address: Unit 4, 64 Marina Boulevard, Ocean Reef

    Email: psychassessments@outlook.com

    Check availability: https://perthkidshub.com.au/listing/growing-minds-clinical-psychology/

    Cinical Psychologist Nicola Albrecht opened Growing Minds Clinical Psychology in October 2021 with the goal of providing individualised neuro-affirming and timely psychology assessments for children and adults.

    Nicola offers autism assessments in her clinic in Ocean Reef as well as Telehealth or home/school-based services, where possible.

    "Nicola is a wonderful Clin Psych based in Ocean Reef, so definitely recommend for our North of the River families. Nicola has just diagnosed my 15 year old daughter with Autism. She’s masked for so many years & honestly is relieved someone “gets her”. I met with Nicola for my parent session & then we met together for the session with my daughter. She offered fidgets & an iPad for the questionnaires so my daughter didn’t have to write. So many kind & inclusive accommodations. After our sessions Nicola reached out to our Speechie to clarify a few things as we didn’t have any current info from an education setting as my daughter’s been in “school can’t” for so long. Nicola then provided us with a really thorough report."
    Lee
    "Nicola recently assessed my young teen son, highly recommend - she made sure she provided a comfortable setting for him so that he could participate at his best and I was pleasantly surprised at how efficiently the report was produced after assessment. Nicola provided lots of advice and resources for us on next steps and made accommodations for us so we didn't have to travel as far as often."
    Debbie

    Brooke Purslowe and Anthea Dobson, Oxford Paediatric Autism Assessments, Leederville

    Address: Level 1, Unit 6A, 250 Oxford Street, Leederville

    Email: sarah@oxfordpaa.com.au

    Phone: 0413 585 544

    Check availability: https://oxfordpaa.com.au/

    Oxford Paediatric Assessments provide comprehensive multidisciplinary autism assessments for children and adolescents in a combined, once off appointment from our centrally located office.  Their assessors include Educational and Developmental Psychologist Brooke Purslowe and Speech Pathologist Anthea Dobson.

    "They instantly made my son feel comfortable. He is high masking and school didn't see any of the things that I saw. Oxford paedatrics picked up on things that even I hadn't noticed but afterwards was like 'Oh yeah, he does do that'. They were brilliant."
    Perth Kids Hub reader
    "Oxford were polite, kind, honest and the wait list isn't too long. They saw a right through my girls the moment they walked in the door!"
    Bethanie
    "Very warm and knowledgeable, good at diagnosing girls/those who mask. You can do an initial meeting to see if worth proceeding to full assessment if you’re not sure."
    Perth Kids Hub reader
    "Anthea took the time and space to point out and discussed my daughter’s traits despite how articulate she was in her speech. One thing she said stuck with me when I questioned her. Something along the line: ASD traits are not the lack of ability, rather the inconsistent ability to do certain things. E.g: eye contact."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Tania Dawson, Tania Dawson Psychology, Stirling

    Name: Tania Dawson

    Profession: Clinical Psychologist

    Email: taniadawsontherapy@gmail.com 

    Check availability: https://waadf.org.au/paad/

    Tania Dawson and Anthea Dobson: "The duo (in separate assessments) can see through the masking and see past the social butterfly behaviour in my then 8yo daughter. She was never picked up as possibly ASD by school (was in year 3 by then) despite me voicing my concerns to the teachers every year, because of her high masking and what was seen as typical social behaviour (but actually not typical). Tania was very helpful especially with all the reports and forms that needed filling for the next step."
    Julie

    "Do your research, speak to other parents and get recommendations."

    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Dr Emma Miller, Autism Assessments Perth, Duncraig

    Name: Dr Emma Miller

    Profession: Clinical Psychologist

    Phone: 0406 206 045

    Check availability: https://autismassessmentsperth.com.au/

    Autism Assessments Perth has a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Speech Pathologist Linda Orton and Clinical Psychologists Dr Emma Miller and Dr Gail Simcock.  Autism Assessments Perth provide Clinical Psychology and Speech Pathology autism assessments for children up to the age of 14 years. They have a special interest in the assessment of women and girls.  Assessments are completed within a family home environment designed to help your child feel relaxed and confident throughout the assessment process allowing the team to gain a clear picture of their abilities and provide information about their strengths and support needs.

    "One month waitlist. Comprehensive report and recommendations. Works with Speech therapist Linda Orton to sign off on report. Brief cognitive and speech assessment done also."
    Jess

    "Shop around for Paediatricians and psychologists. It feels like some are businesses and are churning out assessments and diagnosis."

    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Perth - South of the River

    Trish Kennedy at The Kidd Clinic, North Perth & Fremantle

    Read more about Trish Kennedy and the Kidd Clinic above under “Perth – North of the River”.

    Check availability: https://perthkidshub.com.au/listing/the-kidd-clinic/

    Michelle Rhyder and Annika Ballantyne, Mandurah Autism Assessments

    Assessors: Registered Psychologist, Michelle Rhyder and Speech Pathologist, Annika Ballantyne

    Address: Mandurah

    Email: mandurahautismassessments@gmail.com

    Check availability: https://perthkidshub.com.au/listing/michelle-rhyder-psychology-services/

    Mandurah Autism Assessments is led by experienced clinicians Annika Ballantyne (Speech Pathologist) and Michelle Rhyder (Registered Psychologist).  They are committed to providing a supportive, nurturing, and neuroaffirming experience for every family that walks through their doors, and strive to offer a service they would want for their own families.
     
    With over four years of collaboration in conducting combined autism assessments, Michelle and Annika bring a wealth of expertise and personal understanding to our work.  They are both mothers Autistic and ADHD daughters, which has fostered a special interest in supporting autistic girls.  Assessments are conducted in the office in Mandurah with both professionals present so there is no need for several appointments.
     
    "Michelle and Annika were incredibly thorough in their assessment of my son, who tends to mask his autism. Many therapists might not have recognized his ASD, but as an SLP-A teacher, I knew something was different. Their reports were outstanding, providing deep, insightful information that truly captured his needs. What stood out most was their approach with him—they both made him feel comfortable, which is no easy task since he rarely opens up to new people. They not only made him feel at ease, but they also helped us understand the support he would receive with a formal diagnosis. My husband, who was initially hesitant about seeking a diagnosis, was reassured by their clear and compassionate explanation. When he was diagnosed with Level 2 autism, we were so impressed with their care that we decided to continue working with both Michelle and Annika as our primary therapists.."
    Perth Kids Hub reader
    "Both Annika and Michelle conducted assessments for both of my children, one a girl. They made the process easy we're able to answer any questions we had. They were able to pick up the nuances in my daughter and see through her masking. The final report was extremely thorough and done in a very timely manner. I can't recommend them highly enough."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Mini Minds, East Fremantle

    Check availability: https://www.minimindshealth.com.au/

    "They were able to see the challenges our high masking little girl has and communicate that effective (sic) and comprehensively in the report so that our CDS Paediatrician was happy to sign off on their report."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Dr Ritu Campbell, Palmyra

    Address: 50 Baal Street, Palmyra

    Email: ritucampbell@bigpond.com

    Check availability: last update was about 6-12 months

    Assessor: Dr Ritu Campbell

    Profession: Clinical Psychologist

    "After years of fighting with the public system, Dr Ritu was a breath of fresh air. She was professional, thorough, validating, compassionate and experienced."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Regional & Online

    Vishal Maharaj, Perth Paediatrics / Azure Psychology, Online

    Check availability: https://www.perthpaediatrics.com.au/ourteam/dr-vishal/

    "Vishal was so easy to talk to and very open about the assessment with my two kids (12yrs and 14yrs), we did at separate times. Asked lots of questions, gave examples to help us as the parents understand more clearly, when we started the conversation he realised we needed to go down a different pathway with our daughter. He started an assessment for a different diagnosis which he felt was more appropriate. He was calming for both my children, who both struggle with anxiety and asked them questions that they could relate to and understand. Our son was diagnosed with ASD Level 1 - high functioning, Vishal explained to him how his brain is different but in a good way and how he can use those differences to his advantage. Was so happy with both appointments. And price was very reasonable."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Renatus Clinic, Online

    Check availability: https://www.renatusclinic.com.au/

    "Very quick diagnosis. Very thorough process, shared care with GP and happy to work with the teachers and school."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Liz Smalley, Sunshine Psychology, Online

    Check availability: https://www.feelhappynow.com.au/contact

    "She's a clinical psychologist who does assessments via zoom which were great for our family. She has a son with ASD and PDA herself and was extremely validating. Both our children are high masking."
    Perth Kids Hub reader

    Connect Paediatric Therapy Services, Karratha

    Address: Unit 7, 28-32 De Grey Place, Karratha

    Email: reception@connectpts.com.au

    Check availability: https://connectpts.com.au/

    Connect Paediatric Therapy Services was established in 2016 in Karratha to provide children and families in the Pilbara with high quality, evidence-based multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary services.  They have a team of professional Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Dietitians, Literacy Specialists, Allied Health Assistants, Positive Behaviour Therapists and support staff.  

    "They are a large multidisciplinary team that strive for real change for families. They are based in regional WA but the pyschologist providing assessments is based in Perth so they can cover the metro area too. They are incredibly caring and passionate and have thought outside the box to provide exceptional services to regional families."
    Lisa

    DISCLAIMER: Feedback has been submitted by Perth Kids Hub readers and Perth Kids Hub does not take responsibility for the views submitted.  Families are encouraged to do their own research to ensure they are choosing the best provider for their family and their child or children.  Please also be aware that there are differences between the requirements for NDIS access and what the Western Australian Department of Education require for providing evidence of an autism diagnosis.   This requirement can impact who you may choose to use for your autism assessment.  These requirements may have changed if you have been through the diagnostic process before.  It is always recommended to check directly with the school / NDIS on what is acceptable before committing yourself to any payments or assessments.

    Got someone who should be on this list?

    Parents, who would you recommend to those families searching for an autism assessment for a child who masks their presentation?  Parents are looking for psychologists, paediatricians, psychiatrists & more for autism assessments for kiddos who internalise or mask their sensory, social or communication differences.
     
    Health professionals are strictly regulated when it comes to testimonials and while this is understandable, it does cause challenges for families trying to find someone who will suit their child.  If you’ve had a positive experience, please share who you would recommend in this 1 minute survey. 
     

    Submit your feedback here: https://perthkidshub.com.au/parents-who-do-you-recommend-for-autism-assessments-for-girls-and-high-masking-children/

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    Pia

    Perth Kids Hub was created and is run by me, Pia Hazelwood. I'm a Perth Mum of two gorgeous curly haired kiddos, wifey and a communications and marketing professional. Since our first kiddo was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect 10 years ago, our family has been on a mystery-shopping tour of (seemingly) every kind of paediatric specialist and therapist in Perth. Along the way we have met the most amazingly talented and dedicated people who are passionate about helping our little (and big) people to flourish. Whatever that looks like and means to them. Perth Kids Hub has given me a creative outlet and a way of helping families to find their own amazing team, who can help their child or children understand how their brains and bodies work.

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