Seeing Beyond the Surface: Tailored Assessments for Your Child’s Unique Journey (Adult testing also available!)
Psychological assessments serve as crucial tools for gaining a thorough insight into the experiences your child may be undergoing, particularly in neurodiverse conditions. These evaluations assess an individual’s knowledge, abilities, skills, and personality characteristics, offering essential insights in various scenarios, such as:
- Identifying giftedness in neurodiverse children,
- Uncovering and supporting unique learning strengths and needs,
- Facilitating the understanding and development of intellectual capabilities in neurodiverse individuals,
- Screening for behavioural impact conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Broadly speaking there are 5 categories of tests that can be administered to achieve this:
- Cognitive tests
- Educational tests
- Developmental tests
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tests
- Behaviour tests
Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals turn to us when they notice unique abilities or distinct traits in a child’s behaviour or learning patterns at home or in school. These observations might include sudden changes in performance, unusual responses to social situations, or notable variations in cognitive and emotional development. Recognising these signs can be the first step toward a comprehensive psychological assessment.
What is psychometric testing?
Psychometric assessments involve a detailed clinical interview with you (the parents), and also the administration of standardised tests for your child.
Some of the tests we offer include:
Cognitive Assessment: This test explores a child’s intellectual capabilities using the WISC-V, highlighting their intellectual strengths and potential areas for enrichment.
Academic Assessment: Using the WIAT-III, we evaluate a child’s skills in language, reading, writing, and mathematics. This helps identify their academic proficiencies and opportunities for growth.
Educational Assessment: Combining the insights from WISC-V and WIAT-III, this comprehensive evaluation measures both intellectual potential and academic performance. It’s useful for uncovering specific learning abilities and customising educational strategies.
Functional Assessment: This assessment, using tools like the WISC-V and Vineyard, focuses on evaluating a child’s general abilities and exploring ways to enhance their daily activities. It assesses how a child manages tasks such as following routines, social interactions, self-care skills like dressing and eating, and educational activities in both school and home environments.
Diagnostic Assessment: By integrating results from the WISC-V, WIAT-III, Conners-4, and CADDRA, this test offers a complete picture of a child’s intellectual and academic abilities, along with insights into managing ADHD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment: This assessment evaluates a child’s social and communication skills as well as their unique interests and behaviours, using tools like the ADI-R and ADOS. It is important for understanding and supporting how a child interacts with their environment.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment: Using the Conners-4 and CADDRA, this assessment identifies aspects of ADHD, providing key insights into enhancing a child’s focus and attention management.
Please keep in mind that the assessments mentioned here are just a few examples. We also have access to a broader range of tools, including the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and various intelligence tests.
What is involved in the psychological assessment process? The assessment process usually includes:
1.An initial intake interview with the parents
- This will allow you to provide comprehensive history and information about your child’s current level of functioning. You will have the opportunity to discuss your reason for referral and provide insight into your child’s cognitive, social, family, and emotional history. (It can also be helpful to bring along school and teacher reports, previous assessments, or relevant documents/letters.)
- During the interview, your clinician will decide on the most appropriate tests to administer.
- This interview will usually take approximately 50 minutes
2.Test administration
- This will almost always include administering a general intellectual ability test first. Additional tests will focus on academic abilities, and/or more in-depth assessment of specific cognitive domains (as determined by your clinician).
- For optimal results, the tests are administered on a different day to the intake, and usually in the mornings to minimise fatigue and optimise concentration.
- The actual duration varies depending on how many tests are required, the child’s working speed, age, and attention span. Breaks are provided, and we encourage you to bring a drink and snack for your child. If necessary, the test/s can be administered over 2 sessions.
3.Feedback session
- A separate feedback session is then organised with you to discuss your child’s results. and recommendations/intervention plan. A written report is also provided which can be shared with teachers and other medical professionals
- This feedback session will usually take approximately 50 minutes
How is psychological assessment used?
We use assessment information to make recommendations for interventions. We predominantly test children, however, adult assessment is also available.
What rebates are available for psychological assessments?
Most private health funds provide a rebate, depending on your level of cover. You will need to speak to your provider to understand what you can access.
Additionally, Medicare rebates may be available for some services. Please contact us for more information.
How much does psychological assessment cost?
Psychological Assessment starts at approximately $500 however are often higher depending on what is being assessed. The assessment includes a comprehensive clinical interview, administration of psychometric assessments, interpretation of these tests, report writing including recommendations and a feedback session. Assessments are fully customised based on your presentation, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for more specific information on the tests we provide and our pricing.
Who is PsychTestingMatters?
PsychTestingMatters is an initiative of BodyMatters Australia.
Our team of developmental paediatricians and psychologists have extensive experience both testing and providing ongoing support to those with developmental concerns.