Getting assessed as an adult
In Australia, the path usually starts with your GP. You can ask for a referral to:
- Psychiatrist — for ADHD. In most states, only psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. Waitlists are long (often 6–18 months) and the initial assessment is expensive ($500–$1,200) although part is Medicare-rebated.
- Clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist — for autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and broader cognitive assessments. Diagnoses from a psychologist are generally accepted for workplace and educational accommodations, but not for ADHD medication.
- Paediatrician — for children under 18; they can diagnose both ADHD and autism and prescribe ADHD medication.
It's worth knowing: your GP can't diagnose ADHD or autism themselves, but they can write a Mental Health Care Planthat gives you subsidised psychology sessions while you're waiting.
Medicare & mental health
A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP entitles you to up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions per calendar yearunder Medicare. It doesn't cover the full cost — there's usually a gap of $60–$150 per session, depending on the provider — but it's a real help.
A few states (Queensland, NSW) have started programs that allow GPs to prescribe stable ADHD medicationto adults already diagnosed by a psychiatrist. This saves enormous amounts of money and wait time. Check your state's current rules.
HealthDirect (official government health site) has current, reliable information for every state.
NDIS — what it covers and doesn't
The National Disability Insurance Schemefunds supports for people with “permanent and significant” disability. Whether you qualify depends on your functional impact, not just your diagnosis.
- Autism is an NDIS-eligible primary disability, but only Level 2 and Level 3 are automatically approved. Level 1 (previously “Asperger's”-style) requires additional evidence of significant functional impact.
- ADHD alone is not an NDIS-eligible primary disability in most cases. Sorry. The rationale is that it's considered treatable with medication — which is obviously not the whole picture, but that's the current rule.
- Dyslexia and specific learning disorders are not NDIS-eligible on their own.
If you're eligible, NDIS can fund therapy, assistive tech, support workers, and skill-building programs. It doesn't fund medication (that's Medicare/PBS) or things considered “everyday” like groceries or rent.
Official info: ndis.gov.au
Workplace rights
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992and Fair Work, your employer must make “reasonable adjustments” if you have a disability — and neurodivergent conditions generally count. You are not legally required to disclose a diagnosis to your employer, but you generally need to disclose something to get accommodations.
Reasonable adjustments that are commonly granted:
- Noise-cancelling headphones at your desk
- Flexible or remote work arrangements
- Written instructions instead of verbal-only
- Quiet workspace or less-stimulating area
- Flexible start times (especially for ADHDers with delayed sleep phase)
- Breaks for sensory regulation
- Extra time on written tasks (for dyslexic workers)
If you're being discriminated against, the Australian Human Rights Commission is the official first step.
🌻 The Hidden Disabilities Sunfloweris a green lanyard/badge that lets airport staff, retailers, and transport workers know you may need extra time, patience, or help — without having to explain your disability. It's free, available across Australia, and you don't need a diagnosis to use it.
Crisis support — 24/7, free, confidential
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 — for anyone in crisis
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 — mental health support
- 13YARN — 13 92 76 — crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people
- Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800 — ages 5–25
- QLife — 1800 184 527 — LGBTIQ+ peer support
If you're in immediate danger, call 000.