Diagnosis organisations

Whether you have an idea of what your diagnosis might be or want professional advice, there are organisations in New Zealand to help.

You will need to pay for a private diagnosis. This will differ by provider but can range from $700 to $5,000. It’s likely you would need multiple appointments to process a diagnosis and go through your support options (including medication or social/wellbeing supports). This is why a pre-assessment can be a good idea.

Read about pre-assessments

Some private diagnosis options can then be brought back into the public system for funding support. Others are not recognised by Disability Support Services so please remember to ask this when speaking with your local services.

Professionals who can diagnose

Remember only a psychiatrist, neurologist, clinical psychologist, or paediatrician can formally diagnose neurodiversity. They often work together as a ‘treatment team’ to ensure you get the support you want and need.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and treatment programmes but don’t tend to support talk therapy.
Psychologists can’t prescribe medication but can offer other supports.
Neurologists can prescribe medication but focus on the wider nervous system like the spinal cord and nerves as well as how your brain is working.
Paediatricians are specialists in children and young adults. They can both prescribe and treat but may refer your child to another specialist.

All healthcare specialists in New Zealand will have their own areas that they have trained in. You might be limited due to where you live and who is available, but if you can, have a look around to find someone with an area of interest that meets your needs best.

All neurodiversity diagnoses

The New Zealand Telepsych Network (NZTN) provides virtual mental health services across New Zealand. The team are New Zealanders and offer online support from a whole list of providers.

Whether you’re considering autism, ADHD, AuDHD, or exploring other options like bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder or something trauma related like PTSD, burnout or depression, NZTN have professionals to help.

Take a look at the NZTN general Diagnostic Clarification Assessment

Find one for you telepsychnetwork.nz/providers

Autism diagnosis

Autism NZ is a national organisation which offers support for autistic New Zealanders and support people of all ages. They have a comprehensive list of providers by region which they regularly update.

Autism NZ community providers by region

Online Telepsych network Autism Assessment (Adults)

Online Mind Matters Autism Assessment (Adults)

ADHD support

ADHD New Zealand is a national charity which offers support for autistic New Zealanders and support people of all ages. They have a comprehensive list of providers by region which they regularly update.

ADHD NZ community providers by region

Online Telepsych network ADHD Assessment (Adults)

Online Mind Matters ADHD Assessment (Adult)

AuDHD support

AuDHD describes someone who has both autism and ADHD. Having both as a diagnosis is still fairly new as the medical community only confirmed this could be true in 2013, so not every professional will be prepared to make a combined diagnosis. You should check with your preferred ADHD or Autism provider that they are able to if you believe this may be your experience. NZTN have a specialty diagnosis for AuDHD online.

Online Telepsych network combined AuDHD Assessment (Adults)

Other informal diagnosis providers

These informal diagnoses are much cheaper than a medical diagnosis. They are able to be used by a teacher or as a parent to understand how to best support your child. They are largely used for learning supports.

Dyscalculia informal diagnosis

Speld NZ diagnostic assessment for learning difficulties (not a medical diagnosis) (Child)

Dyslexia informal diagnosis

SPELADD assessment for dyslexia (not a medical diagnosis) (Child)