Comprehensive Assessments
All of our clinicians have been individually trained by Mr Daniel Wendt, Principal Clinical Psychologist, in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other mental health, learning or developmental conditions. Our assessments follow the same series of processes, subtests, and criteria which are all evidence based. Our clinicians use the following assessments to make diagnoses over the course of 3-4 sessions (in most cases), depending on the concerns:
Clinical Interview – With the parents/carers and/or adult client, designed to gather background developmental history from birth and provide context regarding the child/client
Cognitive assessment – Time varies depending on the child’s/client’s ability to complete the tasks - Assesses intellectual strengths and weaknesses for developmental comparison
Neuropsychological Assessment - Used where appropriate depending on the age and presentation of the child/client - Used to assess neuropsychological abilities such as executive functioning
Questionnaires – Depending on ages and presentation, questionnaires are sent to clients or parents and teachers to provide insight into behaviours in different contexts
Academic Assessment – Where appropriate depending on the age and presentation of the child/client and if time allows
Observation/Interview Assessment – This is a structured play/interview simulation used when assessing ASD or other developmental conditions
All of the history and results are then referred back to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. If the child/client meets criteria for ASD, a learning disorder (e.g. Developmental Dyslexia) or another diagnosis (e.g. Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), etc.) the report will state as much, as the assessment is designed to pick up on multiple issues where present. These diagnoses can present as comorbid, meaning they can co-occur with one another.
If a diagnosis is not appropriate, one will not be given. In saying that, the client may not meet the full criteria for a diagnosis, but may be displaying traits of a condition, which if so, will also be noted in the report. Appropriate guidance, information and strategies will also be provided in these cases.
More guidance on fees for comprehensive assessments can be found here. Additional information on the types of assessments covered by a comprehensive assessment are listed below.
Clinical Interview – With the parents/carers and/or adult client, designed to gather background developmental history from birth and provide context regarding the child/client
Cognitive assessment – Time varies depending on the child’s/client’s ability to complete the tasks - Assesses intellectual strengths and weaknesses for developmental comparison
Neuropsychological Assessment - Used where appropriate depending on the age and presentation of the child/client - Used to assess neuropsychological abilities such as executive functioning
Questionnaires – Depending on ages and presentation, questionnaires are sent to clients or parents and teachers to provide insight into behaviours in different contexts
Academic Assessment – Where appropriate depending on the age and presentation of the child/client and if time allows
Observation/Interview Assessment – This is a structured play/interview simulation used when assessing ASD or other developmental conditions
All of the history and results are then referred back to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. If the child/client meets criteria for ASD, a learning disorder (e.g. Developmental Dyslexia) or another diagnosis (e.g. Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), etc.) the report will state as much, as the assessment is designed to pick up on multiple issues where present. These diagnoses can present as comorbid, meaning they can co-occur with one another.
If a diagnosis is not appropriate, one will not be given. In saying that, the client may not meet the full criteria for a diagnosis, but may be displaying traits of a condition, which if so, will also be noted in the report. Appropriate guidance, information and strategies will also be provided in these cases.
More guidance on fees for comprehensive assessments can be found here. Additional information on the types of assessments covered by a comprehensive assessment are listed below.
Dyslexia Assessment
Developmental Dyslexia (Specific Reading Disorder) is a learning disorder which affects an individual's ability to read and write. It makes it difficult to identify and learn sounds which can impact on comprehension. Early identification through comprehensive psychological assessment is important to assist in raising awareness, identifying needs and accessing the most beneficial supports.
Learning Assessment
Our Psychologist can administer comprehensive learning assessments which help children, adolescents and adults identify their learning strengths and weaknesses. This helps teachers and support services to recognising how they can best meet an individual's needs. We can provide full neuropsychological assessments to investigate cognitive abilities, memory, concentration and executive functions. Learning assessments include cognitive testing and achievement testing.
Diagnostic Assessment
We conduct comprehensive clinical interviews and neuropsychological assessments to identify a range of childhood and adolescent difficulties including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Separation Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Intellectual Assessment
Complete intellectual, adaptive functioning and neuropsychological assessments are available at our practice to identify and diagnose the full range of Intellectual Disabilities. Psychologists are experts in human development and can compare performance on a range of standardised assessments in order to determine age appropriate development. Intellectual assessments are also referred to as cognitive assessments.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment
Our Psychologist provides comprehensive assessments to identify and diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This includes reclassification of Asperger's Syndrome, Autistic Disorder and Pervassive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) according to the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. Reclassification under the new DSM-V criteria can be important to assist in accessing services such as NDIS if eligible. All ASD assessments also include neuropsychological testing including cognitive assessments.
