Neurodevelopmental Assessment Services
Assessments
Cognitive Assessment
ADHD Assessment
Autism Assessment
What is it?
A cognitive assessment is a standardised evaluation of how an individual's brain is functioning. We are specifically looking at skills like memory, attention, problem solving, language and reasoning.
Diagnostic assessment may be required to determine the presence of Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), or a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD; like dyslexia). Executive functioning assessment identifies strengths and weaknesses in working memory, impulse control, motivation and emotion regulation.
Why do we do it?
Ethical and evidence-based assessment occurs as a result of individual need. Often this is because diagnostic assessment is required to determine eligibility for disability supports, or cognitive functioning may be relevant to a Court matter.
How do we do it?
The Wechsler set of intelligence scales (WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-IV) are used for standardised assessment of intellectual ability. The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (Comprehensive) measures an individual's practical, day-to-day functioning. Both tests are required for IDD diagnostic purposes. The WIAT-III is used for assessment of an SLD, the BRIEF for EF. All assessment includes the use of psychometric tools plus clinical interviews to gather qualitative data.
What are the fees?
Intellectual Developmental Disorder Assessment & comprehensive psychological assessment report: $1,100 (incl. GST)
Specific Learning Disorder (requires IDD + WIAT) Assessment & comprehensive psychological assessment report: $1,500 (incl. GST)
Executive Functioning & comprehensive psychological assessment report $990 (incl. GST)
All assessment starts with a consultation, the fee for this is $300. If assessment is to proceed, the remaining amount is to be paid as follows:
- 50% of total fees paid to secure the face to face assessment appointment at the time of booking
- Final 50% to be paid 72 hours prior to the scheduled appointment.
Fees can absolutely be paid in full at the time of booking using direct deposit, credit card or Afterpay.
What is it?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by symptoms such as a impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Assessment might lead to diagnosis of one of the three types: Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive or Combined Presentation (a mix of both). ADHD can be pervasive and interfere with learning, everyday activities and quality of life.
Assessment usually occurs in childhood, but adult diagnosis is on the rise as more people are recognising the signs and the tremendous impact on their lives.
How do we do it?
Assessment requires gathering a mix of quantitative and qualitative data. We use multi-rater narrow-band standardised rating scales, such as the Achenbach, Conners-4, or ASRS (depending on age) to begin the evaluation. A structured clinical interview, like the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA) or Young DIVA for children & adolescents, follows.
Assessment is completed in alignment withe the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines for ADHD produced by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.
What are the fees?
We like to keep is simple here, ADHD assessment plus comprehensive psychological assessment report: $990 (incl GST).
Fees can absolutely be paid in full at the time of booking using direct deposit, credit card or Afterpay.
What is it?
Autism Spectrum Disorder can show up in different ways, uniquely affecting an individual's communication, social interaction and behaviour. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences the way a person perceives and interacts with the world. Autism may make it challenging to engage in social interactions, affecting interpretation of social cues or maintaining conversations. Individuals might experience sensory sensitivities, challenges with changes to routine, and engage in restricted or repetitive behaviours, such as performing the same activity repeatedly or having an intense focus on specific topics. Sometimes people with Autism can pay strong attention to the details, but miss the bigger picture. They might experience delays in speech or language development, or present with atypical communication styles.
Autism is diagnosed on the basis of support required; Level 1 requires support, Level 2 requires substantial support, Level 3 requires very substantial support. Autism is not an intellectual disability or a mental illness, although for some people these might appear as co-morbidities.
Assessment can help individuals and/or their carers to make sense of behaviours and experiences, access supports and find practical solutions to improve relationships, work or school.
How do we do it?
Best practice begins with a referral from a primary healthcare provider, assessment of functioning (including cognitive abilities, speech & language, daily living skills & social relationships) and a medical evaluation.
We complete quantitative narrow-band standardised assessment with psychometrics such as the SRS-2 or CARS, and qualitative assessment using the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2). We prefer the MIGDAS-2 because of its neuro-affirming strengths based approach; the MIGDAS-2 is suitable for use with little people and big people alike, across all ability levels. It is particularly useful when working with verbally fluent individuals and identifying autism in women.
What are the fees?
Functional assessment, including mulit-rater quantitive and qualitative data collection, plus comprehensive psychological assessment report $1,500 (incl. GST).
A paediatrician or psychiatrist may be required to confirm the diagnosis if assessment is required to access disability supports (such as the NDIS); they may request that speech pathology and/or OT assessment also occurs. With your consent, we will work with other practitioners to coordinate referral and reporting.
We accept direct referrals or requests from paediatricians or psychiatrists to work as part of a multidisciplinary assessment team.
If you require a full assessment battery to be completed, or need Emerson to travel to you for individual assessment, please get in touch to arrange a personalised quote.