Alex Mortlock - Clinical Psychologist
· Christchurch, New Zealand ·
More Information
Autism Assessment
Autism in Adults
Autism Assessments: Diagnostic evaluations of autism for adult clients are designed to help people understand whether they have autism, identify their unique strengths and challenges, provide guidance for developing effective coping strategies, and obtain information regarding autism and supportive services. Assessments are available either in person or via Zoom, depending on your preference and location.
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Recognising Autism: Each autistic person is different, but common traits include differences in social communication styles, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviours, and intense narrow interests. Autistic people may struggle to understand nonverbal communication and have difficulty with relationships. Some people are sensitive to noise, bright lights, or certain textures, and may struggle with change or ambiguity.
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Assessment Report: A comprehensive assessment report, usually 10-15 pages in length, is provided approximately two weeks following the assessment, which includes a diagnostic conclusion and recommendations. This report can be used to help access supportive services and to communicate with healthcare providers.
Assessment Process
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Step 1 - Initial Contact: The assessment process usually begins with a brief exchange over email with my administrator. We will then usually book a 2-3 hour interview appointment and I will send through some screening questionnaires.
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Step 2 - Assessment Day: The assessment appointment is a three hour conversation about your individual characteristics, developmental history, and other relevant information. It is helpful but not essential to bring a family member, partner, or close friend to the interview. After the assessment, we will book a feedback appointment to review the outcome and recommendations. Assessments are available either in person or via Zoom.
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Step 3 - Additional Interviews and Document Review: Depending on your situation, the assessment may include a separate phone interview with a parent, partner, or friend, and a review of any relevant documents, such as school reports or previous assessments.
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Cost and Payment Information: The cost for an adult autism assessment which includes a comprehensive report is $1600. Payment must be made one week prior to the first assessment appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions​
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Q. Do you assess clients with autistic traits that are not obvious'?
A. Many of the clients I assess have a long history of masking their autistic traits. They often hold jobs, have meaningful relationships, and can make eye contact, so their traits may not be immediately apparent to others. In some cases, only the individual is aware of their internal struggle to navigate a predominantly non-autistic world. A thorough assessment considers both observable behaviours and internal experiences, which may only emerge in private or less structured environments.
Q. What happens on assessment day?
​A. The assessment interview is essentially a long sit-down conversation about your current experiences and recollections from childhood and adolescence. I ask people about their experiences with social interactions, nonverbal communication, interests, idiosyncratic behaviours, flexibility, sensory sensitivities, and other attributes. I also ask people about their education, work history, mental health, and other aspects of their background.
Q. How long is the assessment appointment?
​A. Assessment appointments are typically 3 hours. It is fine to take breaks if this would help. I am happy to book multiple smaller appointments on separate days if this is preferred.
Q. Are assessments stressful?
​A. Many clients tell me they feel nervous before the assessment. I endeavour to make it a pleasant, comfortable, and respectful experience. Most clients tell me they found the process much less stressful than expected. Many clients say that it was a positive experience to have someone listen carefully as they talked about their personal stories.
Q. Is it necessary to provide documents from my childhood?
​A. Childhood documents like school reports or assessment reports can be useful but are not mandatory.
Q. Must a family member be involved in the assessment?
A. Involvement of a family member, friend, or partner can be beneficial but is not obligatory. It is acceptable if you prefer to undergo the assessment without involving anyone close to you.
Q. Can I do the assessment remotely?
​A. Yes, I offer assessments over Zoom. Many clients find this more convenient and comfortable, and it does not compromise the quality of the assessment.
Q. How long does the report take to produce?
​A. Reports typically take 1-2 weeks to prepare. I will send you a draft before the feedback session, so you can review it for any factual errors or concerns about the content.
Q. How should I prepare for the assessment?
A: No specific preparation is needed. However, you might find it helpful to look through old photos or writings to refresh your memory about your early life. If you'd like to jot down any notes, I’m happy to review them. During the session, please feel free to be yourself—there’s no need to mask any autistic traits. If you have sensory preferences, such as dimmed lighting, reduced noise, or adjusting the room temperature, let me know, and I’ll make the space more comfortable for you. You’re also welcome to bring any sensory aids or comfort items.
Q. Do you use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)?
A. I do not use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
Q. Is the assessment confidential?
​A. All information gathered during the assessment is held in strict confidence, adhering to professional ethical standards and legal requirements. The final report belongs to you, giving you the choice to share it with others as you see fit.
Q. Do you assess children or adolescents under the age of 18 years?
​A. No, I don't assess individuals under 18. However, a number of child assessors are listed on the Community Links page on the Autism NZ website.
Q. What if I suspect I might have autism but am not ready to jump into an assessment?
​A. You are welcome to book in an appointment to talk this through.
Q. Can I pay via credit card?
​A. Credit card payment can be arranged in advance (at least two weeks prior to your assessment). A 2.7% surcharge applies.
Q. Do you require a GP referral?
​A. I do not require a GP referral.
Co-occurring ADHD
An assessment that explores both autism and potential co-occurring ADHD (sometimes called AuDHD) involves a more complex evaluation. Clients considering an autism plus ADHD assessment are required to begin with a screening appointment (50 minutes, $220). The purpose of this appointment is to review your concerns, history, and available documentation, and to decide together whether a combined assessment is the best next step.
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If the screening indicates that a full AuDHD assessment is appropriate, we will then book the comprehensive evaluation. This usually involves an additional appointment and further report-writing time beyond the standard autism assessment.
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Cost: The fee for an assessment that includes both autism and ADHD is $2,500.
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Evidence Required: A diagnosis of ADHD must be supported by clear corroborating evidence for a psychiatrist in the public health service to authorise stimulant medication prescribing. This usually means information from a reliable source such as a parent, older sibling, or historical documents (for example, school reports from primary or intermediate school, or previous assessments showing ADHD symptoms before age 12). Please review available documents and/or check with relatives before making contact, to ensure clear corroboration is possible.
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Limitations and prescribing process: A specialised ADHD team within the public health system reviews psychologists’ reports when considering stimulant prescribing. They do not meet clients in person, and their review process takes several weeks (with no extra cost for clients). A drug test is often required. I cannot guarantee that this team will approve prescribing.
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Alternative Options: If confirmatory collateral information is not available, I suggest contacting a private psychiatrist who may have different requirements.
How I Use Digital Tools
To stay fully present during our conversation and ensure nothing important is missed, I record an encrypted transcript with Turboscribe. Afterwards, I use Claude to help organise key details and Grammarly to ensure your assessment report is clear and easy to understand. I review and interpret all the information. These tools help streamline the administrative aspects, allowing me to spend more of my attention on you.