Psychological Assessements
Why we do Assessments
Psychological assessment can be an important step in developing a clearer understanding of how an individual experiences and navigates the world. For children, adolescents, and adults, assessment can help bring together patterns in thinking, learning, behaviour, and relationships that may otherwise feel unclear or difficult to make sense of.
It can be particularly helpful when there are questions relating to learning, attention, social communication, or emotional and behavioural functioning. For example, this might include difficulties with concentration or organisation, challenges in learning or keeping up at school, differences in social interaction or communication, or ongoing emotional or behavioural concerns that are not easily explained.
In some cases, cognitive assessment (often referred to as an IQ assessment) may form part of this process, providing a structured understanding of how an individual thinks, learns, and processes information.
Assessment can support:
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A clearer understanding of strengths and areas of difficulty
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Insight into learning differences, attention, and cognitive functioning
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Greater clarity around developmental presentations, including autism and ADHD
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Identification of support needs across home, school, or work environments
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Recommendations for learning supports, workplace adjustments, or daily functioning
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Access to services, accommodations, or funding (e.g., NDIS and other programs)
Ultimately, assessment is not just about diagnosis, but about developing a meaningful and practical understanding of the individual, and supporting informed decision-making moving forward.
What to expect
Assessments can feel overwhelming, whether for children, adolescents, or adults. My aim is to make the process as clear, supportive, and manageable as possible. Throughout the assessment, the focus remains on the individual, working at a comfortable pace, creating a sense of safety, and supporting engagement in a way that feels appropriate for them.
How the process works
The assessment process typically involves six steps and is completed over approximately 4–6 weeks, depending on availability and individual circumstances, as outlined below:
Step One
INITIAL CONSULTATION
The process begins with an initial consultation to gather background information. For children and adolescents, this typically involves a parent or caregiver interview. For adults, this may include discussion of developmental history, current concerns, and what you are hoping to gain from the assessment.
Step Three
INFORMATION GATHERING
Additional information may be gathered through questionnaires or rating scales. For children and adolescents, this may include input from parents, teachers, or other supports. For adults, this may include self-report measures and, where appropriate, input from significant others. These tools help build a more complete understanding of functioning across different environments.
Step Five
FEEDBACK SESSION
A feedback session is provided to discuss the outcomes in clear, accessible language. The focus is on helping you understand the findings and what they mean in a practical sense, with consideration of supports across home, school, work, or other environments.
Step Two
ASSESSMENT SESSIONS
Assessment sessions involve structured activities tailored to the individual. Depending on the referral question, this may include cognitive assessment, attention and executive functioning tasks, and assessment of social communication and interaction. Sessions may involve problem-solving tasks, discussion, and, where appropriate, play-based or interactive elements. Breaks are provided as needed to support comfort and engagement.
Commonly used standardised tools may include measures such as the WISC-V or WAIS-IV for cognitive assessment, and tools such as the ADOS-2 or MIGDAS-2 where autism is being explored.
Step Four
SCORING AND INTERPRETATION
Information from the assessment sessions, interviews, and questionnaires is brought together to develop a clear understanding of cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural functioning.
Step Six
WRITTEN REPORT
A comprehensive written report is provided, including a summary of results and tailored recommendations. This can be used to support understanding, guide intervention, and inform supports across relevant settings.
Fee
Assessment fees are determined by the nature and complexity of the assessment required, including the assessment components, scoring, interpretation, collateral information, and report preparation involved.
Following an initial discussion, a tailored quote and overview of the recommended assessment process will be provided prior to commencement.
Private health rebates may be available depending on your provider and level of cover.
Availability
Current approximate wait times are:
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ADHD assessments: approximately 2 months
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Autism assessments: approximately 6 months
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Cognitive assessments: approximately 2 months