
Assessments for Children
Our team conduct holistic and thorough assessments to ensure that children are given the best opportunities to thrive. In some situations, it is necessary to have a child formally assessed by a psychologist to understand their strengths and difficulties. This is particularly the case if they are having real difficulties academically or socially.
What to expect from Assessments for Children
These assessments need to be thorough as there are so many different factors that can contribute to the way that children learn, interact with their friends and family, and explore the world around them. Misdiagnosing children can have a significant impact on their development and can worsen their prognosis. This is why our approach is individualized to each child.
What can we assess for?
Parents, family members, teachers or pediatricians commonly request psychological assessments for children if they suspect they are presenting with a neurodevelopmental disorder. This includes those children who might be on the Autism Spectrum or who are displaying difficulties with attention and concentration consistent with ADHD. It is also common to request an assessment that explores the way a child might learn and if they have either strengths or difficulties that might affect their ability to participate in the classroom.
What is involved?
If your child has been referred for a psychological assessment, it will usually happen over numerous sessions. Initially, you will meet with the Psychologist first for an hour. During your first visit, the Psychologist will likely ask a range of questions to help them better understand your circumstances, the behaviours, and how things have been developing over time.
After this initial appointment, a 2-4 hour session will be booked for formal testing. This might include a range of pencil and paper tests, questionnaires, and tasks that need to be completed in a certain order. It might also be necessary for the psychologist to observe your child in their classroom or pre-school.
The Psychologist will then interpret the results of their assessment and write a report. After this is completed, you will then be asked to come in for a feedback session. During this session, the Psychologist will summarise the results of the testing and offer any recommendations moving forward.
How much does it cost?
The fees for our assessments are located under the ‘Fee Structure’ tab on our website.
If you are referred by a health professional, the fee will depend on whether a cognitive and/or diagnostic assessment has been requested. If you are unsure whether you need a cognitive assessment, please discuss this with the psychologist during the intake assessment.
Typically, clients referred for diagnostic assessments will be seen for up to five hours over three sessions. The assessment is structured accordingly:
- Intake Assessment (50 minutes)
- Formal Testing (including pen and paper assessments and online questionnaires)
- Interviews with relevant others (if necessary)
- Report writing and preparation
- Feedback Session (50 minutes)
Helping Children with Autism (Medicare)
If your child is under 13 years of age and has been referred by a pediatrician or psychiatrist for an assessment relating to autism or any other pervasive developmental disorder, then you may be eligible for a total of 4 Medicare rebates worth $89.65. To be eligible for this, we would require a referral letter from either of those professionals to process this on your behalf.
*Occasionally, the Psychologist may recommend that other tests and measures be used if . If this is the case, you will be notified before the assessment starts and if additional costs will be incurred. We will ensure that you are provided a comprehensive quote that will need to be approved this if it the case. Payment is required in full before the report is released by the Psychologist. We have a range of payment options available if this is something that you would like to discuss with our friendly team.