Terms and Conditions of Service
Autism Diagnostic Assessment for Women
Assessor: Donna-Marie (Dee) Donaldson, Clinical Psychologist
AHPRA Registration: PSY0002023547
ABN: 16541881883
Email: admin@wisewomanstudio.com
1. Nature of Service
This is a private clinical psychology diagnostic assessment service. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether you meet the clinical criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder using DSM-5-TR diagnostic standards, delivered via secure telehealth (video conferencing).
This service is not therapy, counselling, coaching, crisis support, or ongoing psychological treatment. No therapeutic relationship is established through this assessment. Where clinical indicators for other conditions (such as ADHD) are observed during the assessment, these will be noted in the report with a recommendation for further specialist assessment. They will not be diagnosed as part of this service.
2. Telehealth Delivery
All assessment sessions are conducted via secure video conferencing through Halaxy’s telehealth platform. By proceeding with this service, you acknowledge and consent to the following:
2.1 Informed consent to telehealth assessment. You understand that this assessment is conducted entirely via telehealth. The Autism CRC National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia (2023) includes a Conditional recommendation (Rec 18) that telehealth should not be the sole medium of communication throughout the assessment process. This service proceeds via telehealth on the basis of clinical reasoning that for adult women with verbal fluency, the interview-based MIGDAS-2 diagnostic tool is appropriate for telehealth administration, and that assessment in your own environment may produce a more accurate clinical picture than an unfamiliar clinic setting. You have the right to discontinue telehealth and seek in-person assessment at any time.
2.2 Limitations of telehealth assessment. Telehealth assessment has limitations compared to face-to-face assessment. Subtle non-verbal cues may be less observable via video. Non-verbal clients should consider alternative face-to-face options. Audio or visual quality may affect clinical observation. There may be a slight time lag in communication. These limitations are taken into account in the clinical evaluation and are documented in the assessment report.
2.3 Your responsibilities for telehealth. You are responsible for:
• Providing a quiet, private space where your conversation cannot be overheard by others not involved in the assessment. If another person is present in the room, you must inform the assessor at the start of the session.
• Ensuring a stable internet connection sufficient for video conferencing. A wired connection or strong Wi-Fi signal is recommended. Mobile data may not provide adequate stability.
• Using a device with a functioning camera and microphone. A laptop or desktop computer are required as a larger screen allows better interaction during the assessment. A phone or tablet are not suitable.
• Positioning your camera on a stable surface so that your face and upper body are clearly visible, with adequate lighting (natural light facing you is ideal; avoid backlighting from windows behind you).
• Silencing phone notifications and other device alerts for the duration of the session.
• Ensuring you will not be interrupted during the session. If you have children or dependents, please arrange care for the duration of the appointment. Well-behaved pets are very, very welcome.
• Having the sensory materials listed in your intake package within reach of the camera.
• Having photographic identification (driver’s licence or passport) available to show on screen at the start of the session.
• Ensuring you are dressed comfortably and suitably for the assessment and the climate including having something warm, whether a blanket or jacket nearby.
• Have a glass or bottle of water, an easy to grab snack if required, and tissues in reach nearby.
2.4 Connection failure. If the video connection drops during the session, the assessor will attempt to reconnect within two minutes. If the connection cannot be re-established, the assessor will contact you by phone or SMS using the number provided in your intake form. If the session cannot continue due to persistent technical issues on your end, the session will be rescheduled at no additional cost, provided the issue is reported during the session. If technical difficulties are foreseeable (for example, known internet instability in your area), please advise by email to admin@wisewomanstudio.com well before your appointment so alternative arrangements can be discussed.
2.5 Location disclosure. You must confirm your physical location (suburb and state) at the start of each session if other than the location provided on your intake documentation. This is required for duty of care, emergency response, and jurisdictional compliance purposes.
3. Assessment Process
3.1 Pre-appointment requirements. After payment of the 40% deposit, you will receive an intake package containing a consent form, developmental history questionnaire, and a second email with a link to complete a validated screening battery online. You are also encouraged to provide any relevant records (GP referral, previous assessments, school reports) and to nominate a corroborating informant (parent, partner, sibling, or long-term friend) where possible who can complete a brief questionnaire about your developmental history. A list of sensory materials to gather for the assessment session is included.
All intake materials are due a minimum of 72 hours before your scheduled session. If materials are not received by this time, the assessment cannot proceed and your session will need to be rescheduled.
3.2 Identity verification. You must present valid photographic identification (driver’s licence or passport) on screen at the start of the session. The assessment cannot proceed without identity verification.
3.3 Medical evaluation. A medical evaluation to identify or exclude medical conditions that may account for presenting features is part of the recommended assessment process. It is your responsibility to obtain a GP referral or medical clearance letter if you wish to include one. This is not a condition of proceeding with the assessment. In the assessment report, the assessor will note what medical documentation was or was not provided.
3.4 Session duration. Brief assessments are approximately 2 hours. Comprehensive assessments are approximately 2.5 hours and may be split across two sessions at clinical discretion. If this is something you would prefer, email admin@wisewomanstudio.com to request the split assessment session. The assessor may reduce, extend or adjust session timing where clinically appropriate.
3.5 Report delivery. Your diagnostic report will be delivered securely within 4 weeks of the assessment session, regardless of assessment type. Reports are generated as PDF documents and sent via secure email through the Halaxy platform.
3.6 Feedback session. Upon email request forwarded to admin@wisewomanstudio.com, an optional 50-minute feedback session ($300) is available to discuss your report and its recommendations. This is a separate booking. The feedback session does not involve changes to the diagnostic outcome, clinical observations or report content beyond correction of factual errors (such as name, medication or date errors).
4. Payment Terms
4.1 Pricing.
• Brief Autism Assessment: $900
• Comprehensive Autism Assessment: $1,400
• Optional feedback session: $300
All prices are in Australian dollars and inclusive of GST where applicable.
4.2 Medicare and private health insurance. Medicare rebates do not currently apply to neurodevelopmental assessments for adults. If you hold private health insurance, you are encouraged to check with your insurer prior to booking whether your policy provides any rebate for psychological assessment services. WiseWOMAN Studio does not process insurance claims on your behalf. Any rebate eligibility is a matter between you and your insurer.
4.3 Third-party funded assessments. If a third party (such as an employer, organisation, or funding body) is paying for your assessment in full or in part, the following conditions apply:
• You must provide written consent confirming that the named third party is authorised to pay for your assessment.
• You must indicate in writing whether the third party is to receive a copy of the diagnostic report. If yes, you must provide the full name, role title, organisation, phone number, and email address of the person to whom the report should be sent. This consent can be withdrawn at any time prior to the report being sent.
• The clinical relationship remains between you and the assessor. The third party has no influence over the assessment process, clinical observations, or diagnostic outcome.
• All standard fees apply. No discounts are provided for third-party funded assessments.
• Full payment from the third party must be received at least 72 hours before the scheduled session. If payment has not been received by this time, the session will not proceed.
• Where a third party is paying the full fee, the deposit and balance may be invoiced directly to the organisation. Payment must still be completed within the required timeframe.
4.4 Payment structure. Payment is made in two parts:
• A non-refundable deposit (40% of the full assessment fee), paid by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) at the time of purchase through the WiseWOMAN Studio website (wisewomanstudio.com).
• The remaining balance will be charged automatically to the debit or credit card (Mastercard or Visa only) details held on file 72 hours before your scheduled session.
4.5 Deposit terms. The deposit (40% of the full assessment fee) is non-refundable under all circumstances, including cancellation, non-attendance, and change of mind. By paying the deposit, you authorise the remaining balance to be charged to the credit card on file 72 hours before your scheduled session. If the card on file declines, you will be contacted to arrange alternative payment. If payment cannot be collected before the session, the session will not proceed. Should you fail to attend the assessment booking or cancel with less than the 72 hours notice required without providing a medical certificate, no further bookings or reschedules may be offered without the balance outstanding having been paid prior to the offer of a rescheduled assessment.
4.6 Payment as a condition of service. No assessment session will be conducted and no diagnostic report will be provided unless full payment has been completed at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled assessment session. Completion of screening measures, intake questionnaires, or any other pre-appointment documentation does not constitute provision of the assessment service and does not entitle you to an assessment session or report.
4.7 Refunds. No refund is provided for cancellation, non-attendance, or failure to complete intake materials by the required deadline. If the assessor determines during the session that the assessment cannot be completed for clinical reasons (for example, if a more appropriate assessment pathway is identified), a partial refund or credit may be offered at the assessor’s discretion.
5. Cancellation and Rescheduling
5.1 Rescheduling. Rescheduling requests must be made by email a minimum of 72 hours before the scheduled session. One reschedule is permitted at no additional cost.
5.2 Late cancellation and non-attendance. Cancellation with less than 72 hours notice, or failure to attend the session, will result in forfeiture of the full fee. No refund or credit is provided.
5.3 Cancellation by the assessor. If the assessor needs to cancel or reschedule your session (for example, due to illness), you will be offered an alternative appointment at the earliest available time. If no suitable alternative is available, a full refund will be provided.
6. Privacy, Confidentiality, and Records
6.1 Privacy legislation. This service operates under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Your personal information and health information are collected, stored, and used in accordance with these laws.
6.2 What information is collected. The assessment involves collecting personal information (name, date of birth, contact details, physical location), health information (developmental history, mental health history, medical history, screening results, clinical observations, and diagnostic outcomes), and confirmation of sighted identity verification type (photographic ID viewed on screen, details not stored).
6.3 How information is stored. All client records, clinical notes, and assessment data are stored securely within Halaxy’s clinical management system, which complies with Australian data security standards. Screening measures administered through Novopsych are stored within Novopsych’s secure platform. No session recordings are made outside of the initial transcription for summarising of clinical observations by your assessor. Clinical notes are made during or after the session by the assessor.
6.4 Record retention. Records are retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the last service, in accordance with the Psychology Board of Australia’s requirements.
6.5 Confidentiality. The content of your assessment is confidential. Information will not be disclosed to any third party without your written consent, except where required by law. Legal exceptions to confidentiality include:
• Mandatory reporting obligations under relevant state or territory legislation (for example, where there is a reasonable belief that a child is at risk of significant harm)
• Where there is a serious and imminent threat to your life or safety, or the life or safety of another person
• Where disclosure is required by court order or subpoena
• Where disclosure is required under workers’ compensation legislation
You will be informed of any disclosure made under these exceptions where it is possible, safe and lawful to do so.
6.6 Interstate clients. If you are located in a different state or territory from the assessor at the time of the session, the mandatory reporting laws and mental health legislation of your state or territory apply. You are advised that these obligations may differ between jurisdictions.
6.7 Recording. Sessions are not recorded by the assessor, however will be transcribed by Novopsych AI for the purposes of summarising for diagnostic purposes. These transcriptions are not saved or held by Novopsych or WiseWOMAN Studio. You must not record the session (audio or video) and consent for recording is not provided by WiseWOMAN Studio or its representatives, including assessors. Unauthorised recording may result in immediate termination of the session with full payment non-refundable.
6.8 Access to records. You have the right to request access to your records at any time. Requests should be made in writing by email, however no raw data related to scoring and interpretation of psychological reports will be provided. Diagnostic reports are not available until full payment of the assessment fee has been finalised and received by WiseWOMAN Studio.
7. Emergency and Risk Management
7.1 Emergency contacts. As part of the intake process, you must provide contact details for at least two support persons (for example, a GP, a family member, a partner, or a trusted friend). These contacts will only be used in the event of an emergency or serious risk concern during or after the assessment.
7.2 Crisis during session. If a risk to your safety or someone else’s safety becomes apparent during the session, the assessor will follow standard risk management procedures, which may include contacting your nominated emergency contacts, your GP, or emergency services (000). The assessment may be paused or discontinued in these circumstances for your safety and welfare.
7.3 Treatment of, and communication with, WiseWOMAN Studio. We respect our clients and their time, and we ask the same. No threats or verbal abuse toward WiseWOMAN Studio representatives will be tolerated, and WiseWOMAN Studio retains the right to immediately terminate services and any agreement for services should an assessor or representative of WiseWOMAN Studio be or feel threatened or abused at any time, including immediately terminating an assessment with all payments forfeited. Should you feel overwhelmed or distressed during an assessment, you are encouraged to request a brief rest break.
7.4 This service is not crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services (000) or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).
8. Limitations and Disclaimers
8.1 Diagnostic outcome. A diagnostic assessment provides a clinical opinion based on the information available at the time of assessment. It is not a guarantee of a particular outcome. You may or may not receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Either outcome is a valid and clinically useful result.
8.2 NDIS and funding applications. The comprehensive assessment is written with NDIS access requirements in mind, including functional impact documentation, DSM-5-TR severity levels, and a permanence statement. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee NDIS access or any other funding. It is best practice for any application to include a medical assessment from a doctor in addition to a specialist report such as a Clinical Psychologist or a Psychiatrist. The NDIS makes its own determination based on its eligibility criteria. The assessor cannot guarantee that any report will be accepted by the NDIS or any other funding body.
8.3 Second opinions and challenges. If you disagree with the diagnostic outcome, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another qualified practitioner. The report represents the clinical judgement of the assessor based on the evidence available.
8.4 Scope of service. This assessment does not include ongoing monitoring, treatment recommendations beyond the report, therapeutic intervention, or medication prescription. Recommendations in the report may include referral to other professionals for further assessment or support.
9. Complaints
If you have a complaint about this service, you are encouraged to raise it directly with the assessor in the first instance by email.
If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may lodge a complaint with:
• The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA): www.ahpra.gov.au, 1300 419 495
• The Health Care Complaints Commission or equivalent body in your state or territory
10. Consent
By proceeding with the purchase of this assessment and completing the intake consent form, you confirm that you:
• Have read and understood these terms and conditions
• Consent to the assessment being conducted via telehealth as described
• Understand the limitations of telehealth assessment, including that this approach departs from one Conditional recommendation in the Autism CRC National Guideline (Rec 18)
• Understand that this is a diagnostic assessment, not therapy or ongoing treatment
• Accept the payment and cancellation terms as stated
• Understand the confidentiality obligations and their legal exceptions
• Will provide accurate information throughout the assessment process
• Understand you may withdraw consent at any time, subject to the cancellation and refund terms above
These terms and conditions are current as of 03/09/2026. WiseWOMAN Studio reserves the right to update these terms. Any changes will be communicated to clients with active bookings before their scheduled session.
This is not a therapeutic service.