Psychological Assessments
Fast, comprehensive diagnostic assessments for ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) and Intellectual Disability.
ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disorder and Intellectual Disability Assessments
As clinical psychologists, we have extensive experience assessing, diagnosing and managing a range of neuro-developmental disorders including ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) and Intellectual Disability. Clinical Assessment allows for an in-depth understanding of your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and needs. This information is crucial for schools, funding agencies and other healthcare professionals to support you and your child to thrive throughout development.
Understanding Neurodevelopmental Assessment
Neurodevelopmental disorders refer to a set of psychological conditions originating in childhood that impact cognitive, social and emotional development. These conditions affect the way in which an individual’s brain develops over time, sometimes leading individuals to process and interpret the world differently to others.
In Australia, neurodevelopmental disorders are typically conceptualised by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). Common neurodevelopmental disorders listed in the DSM-5 include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), and Intellectual Disability (ID).
Prevalence Rates
Prevalence rates of neurodevelopmental disorders in young people demonstrate just how common these conditions are:
- Between 5 to 15% of school aged children have a specific learning disorder (APA, 2013).
- 4.5% of children aged 0 to 14 years have an intellectual disability (Inclusion Australia, 2021)
- 4.3% of Australian children aged 5 to 14 have an Autism (ASD) diagnosis (ABS, 2022).
- 8.2% of Australian children and adolescents have an ADHD diagnosis (AIHW, 2022).
Whilst social skills groups such as those facilitated at Social Skills Melbourne are beneficial for children exhibiting a range of psychological difficulties and presentations, a very high proportion of our participants have been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder such as ASD or ADHD.
Assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders is often recommended due to the complex and varied ways in which these conditions can present themselves.
Comorbidity
Comorbidity, or multiple disorders occurring together, is also common for neurodevelopmental conditions;
- Globally, up to 47.8% of children with an autism diagnosis also have ADHD (Rong et al., 2021).
- Between 20% to 40% of individuals diagnosed with dyslexia also have ADHD (Hendren et al,. 2018).
Considering the high rate of comorbidity and symptom overlap between various neurodevelopmental disorders, a comprehensive assessment conducted by a clinical psychologist with expertise and experience in this area can be well worth it.
Clinical Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
ADHD
Attention-Deficit-Hyperactive-Disorder (ADHD) develops during childhood, and is characterised by difficulty focusing, relaxing, and managing impulses. It can impact an individual’s life both in school and at home. ADHD assessment helps identify areas of difficulty you or your child may be having, and the best ways to help.
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) shows up as differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behaviour. It can impact how someone relates to others and manages everyday emotions. ASD assessment helps identify an individual’s strengths and support needs.
Specific Learning Disorder
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is characterised by specific difficulties in academic skills like reading, writing and math. A specific learning disorder in one of these areas can impact school performance and confidence. Early identification and management of SLD is crucial in understanding how a child learns best, and how to manage the challenges they may face.
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disability occurs when an individual has significant difficulties with reasoning, learning and problem solving. Intellectual disability can impact an individual’s life beyond the classroom setting, making every day tasks difficult. Assessment helps clarify cognitive and adaptive functioning, allowing support needs to be identified and implemented.
Cognitive Assessment Process
Clinical Observation
Clinical observations will be made throughout the assessment process.
Structured Interview
The structured interview typically lasts for 90 minutes, during which a range of questions will be asked.
Psychometric Testing
Cognitive ability will be measured through the administration of the WISC-V, and everyday functioning will be measured through diagnosis-specific questionnaires.
Report & Feedback
A thorough report with results, interpretation and clinical recommendations will be provided during a feedback session.
Outcomes, Benefits and Costs
Various outcomes can occur depending on the type of assessment you undertake. For instance, scores on the WISC-V, indicative of an intellectual disability, may weigh on decisions about schooling and every-day support for your child.
Gaining an in-depth understanding of your child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, as well as any ADHD or Autism symptoms they may experience, will enable access to the best support possible.
Costs vary from assessment to assessment, depending on your child’s unique needs. Contact us for up-to-date fee schedule.
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What Comes After Assessment?
An assessment is often just the beginning. Once you develop a clear understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges, the next step is to decide how to best support them.
To this end, Social Skills Melbourne delivers evidence based social skills group therapy, as well as individual therapy options.
Social Skills Groups
Secret Agent Society (Children aged 8 to 12)
Westmead Feelings Program (Children aged 6 to 12)
Friends & Feelings Program (Children aged 6 to 12)
PEERS for Pre-schoolers program (Children aged 4 to 6)
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions with either Dr Sonia Prescott or Melinda Gladman.