Assessment Process
Initial Interview:
An initial interview will be conducted with you (and your child) to gather relevant information about your current challenges and background. You may be asked to complete some screening questionnaires during this time. The purpose of the interview is not only to collect necessary information but also to ensure that a full assessment is the most suitable step forward. At the end of the interview, your psychologist will discuss recommendations for moving forward. If an assessment is recommended, your clinician will outline the assessment tools and sessions that may be involved.
Assessment Sessions:
The number of testing sessions typically ranges from 2 to 4, depending on your unique needs. During these sessions, your psychologist will use evidence-based assessment tools tailored to your diagnostic needs, which may include a formal developmental interview, behavioral observations, or cognitive and academic assessments.
Questionnaires and Screening Tools:
Scientifically validated questionnaires and screening tools will be provided to the individual, parents, educators, or other relevant parties. These tools may be completed online or on paper and are chosen based on the specific diagnostic needs
Report Preparation
Your psychologist will prepare a highly detailed, personalized diagnostic report with tailored recommendations. Unlike automated reports, all reports are crafted by our team to meet your or your child’s individual needs and context.
Feedback Sessions
In a collaborative and supportive feedback session, your psychologist will review the diagnostic report with you, clarify any diagnosis, and provide education to help you better understand yourself or your child. Recommendations will be explained, ensuring clarity on the next steps and needed supports. This session aims to provide a thorough understanding of the diagnosis and actionable steps forward. You will receive a PDF copy of the report for personal use, and with permission, copies can be shared with referring or supportive professionals.
Types of Assessments
Each assessment plan is tailored to the specific needs of the child or family. Below is an outline of typical assessments; following your initial appointment, you will receive a personalised assessment plan.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment:
ASD assessments are comprehensive, providing insight into the child’s behavior across home, school, and 1:1 interactions with our clinicians. The process typically includes interviews with parents, teachers, and the child, as well as relevant checklists completed by each party. Upon completion, the clinician provides a report, including a diagnosis if criteria are met, along with recommendations for the child, family, and school.
ADHD Assessment:
ADHD assessments aim to develop a detailed understanding of the child’s behavior across various settings, such as home, school, and 1:1. The assessment includes interviews, classroom and playground observations, and completion of checklists by parents, teachers, and the child if appropriate. A diagnostic report will be provided if the criteria for ADHD are met, alongside recommendations tailored to the child’s needs.
Psychometric Assessments (IQ Testing):
Psychometric assessments assess intellectual potential and are useful for identifying a child’s strengths and challenges. The assessment, conducted 1:1, includes age-appropriate activities to evaluate areas such as verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. These assessments are available for individuals from preschool age through adulthood.
Academic Assessments:
Building on psychometric results, academic assessments examine the child’s achievement levels in specific academic areas, providing insight into discrepancies between potential and performance. This information can be helpful for identifying specific learning disorders (SLD) and guiding support.
Behavioral & Mental Health Assessments:
These assessments involve a combination of observations, interviews, and tools to identify potential diagnoses, including but not limited to ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Diagnoses follow DSM-5 guidelines.
Adaptive Functioning Assessments:
Adaptive functioning assessments evaluate an individual’s performance across ten adaptive skill areas. Checklists completed by the individual, parents, and teachers provide a multi-environmental view of functioning, which is especially beneficial when used alongside cognitive assessments.
Brave Steps Psychology 