Autism and ADHD Assessments
Assessment Services with a Clinical Psychologist, Lead Practitioner, single clinican diagnosis for NDIS in line with the National Guidelines. You may not need a second assessment from another professional.
Available for adults and children 5 years old and over.
Our Services
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ADHD Assessments
ADHD assessments available for adults and children over 5 years old. All assessments are conducted over zoom video call.
I do not prescribe medication. To discuss medication you need to see a paediatrician or a psychiatrist with a referral from your GP.
NDIS does not support ADHD.
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Are You Searching for an Assessment?
Welcome to Sunshine Psychology—where we make the process clearer, kinder, and supportive.
We are neuroaffirming and trauma informed.
Finding the right person for an autism, PDA or ADHD assessment can feel confusing and overwhelming.
What Makes Us Different?
Clarity and Simplicity: We guide you through every step of the process, removing the guesswork.
The National Guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism in Australia was developed to ensure a consistent, evidence-based approach across the country. Under these guidelines, a clinical psychologist can often complete a comprehensive assessment and provide a diagnosis that is usually accepted by the NDIS.
A single clinician diagnosis is usually sufficient, which means you generally do not need a second assessment from a paediatrician or psychiatrist unless there is diagnostic uncertainty or additional information is requested. This approach can help reduce wait times and costs, and ensures your assessment meets national best-practice standards.
Trustworthy Results: As an endorsed clinical psychologist, I adhere to national guidelines, meaning my diagnosis is sometimes the only one you’ll need. This can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Compassionate Care: We prioritize your well-being throughout the assessment journey.
7 Reasons to Choose Us for Your Assessment
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Single Clinician Diagnosis:
A clinical psychologist can make a single clinican diagnosis, which is usually enough evidence to access the NDIS.* This is based on the National Guidelines for Autism Assessment. Not needing a second opinion saves you time and money. Be aware that the WA Ed Dept does not follow the National Guidelines and still requires a second opinion for school funding. *While this is usually the case, you may be asked for additional information by the NDIS. The guidelines change frequently so please ask when you get in touch.
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Rapid Turnaround:
Receive your comprehensive report within 14 days of your assessment.
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Gender Informed Approach:
I aim to provide accurate diagnoses and tailored support for girls and women who may have been overlooked or misdiagnosed in the past.
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Clear Communication:
We'll thoroughly explain your report, ensuring you understand every aspect of the findings.
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NDIS-Savvy Recommendations:
Benefit from our dual perspective as both an NDIS consumer and service provider, with recommendations tailored to NDIS language.
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Experienced Clinician:
Work with a qualified and experienced clinical psychologist for accurate results. I've done hundreds of assessments.
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Guided Next Steps:
Receive clear direction on what to do after your assessment, ensuring you're never left wondering "what now?" Check out Thriving With Autism After Diagnosis mini course here.
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Gentle and Supportive Experience With Aftercare:
We're committed to creating a comfortable, understanding environment throughout your assessment journey. We offer a mini course to support you after your diagnosis as well here.
Hello
Welcome to Sunshine Psychology. I'm Liz Smalley, an endorsed clinical and counselling psychologist with a passion for supporting individuals and families navigating the world of autism and ADHD. Comprehensive autism and ADHD testing for children and adults, providing accurate diagnoses and personalised recommendations for support. Our clinic works exclusively with comprehensive autism, PDA and ADHD testing, using evidence-based tools to ensure accurate diagnoses.​
My journey in psychology includes Bachelor's and Master's degrees, along with extensive post-graduate training and supervision in assessments.
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As a mother to a son in his 30s with Level 3 ASD, ADHD, PDA and other neurodevelopmental conditions, I've walked the path you are on, allowing me to blend clinical experience with real-world understanding.
Ready to take the next step? Let's work together to create a path forward that's tailored to your unique needs and experiences.
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My Story: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
The Breaking Point
There was a morning I’ll never forget. After dropping my kids off at school, I came home, closed the door, and broke down in tears. The weight of criticism—side glances, whispered judgments, and the unspoken message that I was failing as a parent—felt unbearable. I was exhausted, desperate, and convinced I was letting my child down.
The Struggle Without Answers
At that time, my son didn’t have a diagnosis. I felt lost, stupid, and alone. I had reached out for help, but the answers never seemed to come. Instead, I was met with more questions, more blame, and the gnawing sense that I was missing something fundamental as a parent. The world seemed to agree: I was a bad parent.
The Wild Stallion
In the depths of my despair, an image came to me—a wild black stallion, eyes wide, body slick with sweat, completely out of control. To my horror, I was on its back, clinging on for dear life. No reins. No saddle. No hope. That was my parenting experience: chaotic, unpredictable, and terrifying.
A Whisper of Hope
In my darkest moment, I cried out to God, “Why did you give this child to me? I don’t know what to do.” In the quiet that followed, I felt a gentle response: “I’ve given you everything you need to raise that boy. Now get on with it.”
I dusted off my old school reports, searching for proof that I wasn’t stupid. I reminded myself that I was a competent, intelligent person. Something else was going on—something I couldn’t see yet.
The Turning Point: Assessment
The real transformation began with assessment. When my son finally received a diagnosis—after years of searching—it was as if someone handed me the reins. Suddenly, I had answers. I understood that I wasn’t failing; I was navigating a path without a map.
The Power of Knowing
With a diagnosis came clarity. I stopped blaming myself and started advocating for my son. I found my confidence as a parent, and the shame and isolation began to fade. I realized that having the right information didn’t just help my son—it transformed me, too.
The Benefits of Assessment
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Clarity: Assessment provided the missing pieces, turning confusion into understanding.
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Empowerment: I became an informed advocate, no longer defined by others’ judgments.
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Connection: I found support and community, knowing I wasn’t alone.
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Hope: Most importantly, I learned that with the right knowledge, there is always a way forward.
Every family’s journey is unique, but the power of assessment is universal. It doesn’t just give answers—it gives hope, direction, and the confidence to keep riding, no matter how wild the journey may feel.
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