assessment-child

Assessment for Children

We provide diagnostic screening and assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety and many other disorders.

We use evidence based multi-modal information gathering. That is, we may use standardized tests - but this will be alongside taking a detailed developmental and behavioural history and hearing parent's concerns; observing and interacting with the child. We take the time to work with you, the child, and their educators in school, kinder, and daycare settings.

Assessments

Children's Development and Behaviours

Children may show unusual behaviours in these settings:

  • Maternal and child health
  • Day Care
  • Pre-school
  • School
  • At home with their families
  • When socialising

Stressors or a developmental phase can produce quite unusual responses in children.  However, when the child's distress is ongoing, the behaviours' persist, or an inability to settle causes problems for their learning or for other's responses, it may be time for a more detailed look.

Assessments may be needed to clarify Behavioural issues; Emotional conditions, Psychological issues, or Developmental issues such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Cognitive Assessments for Children ( Performed by our Educational Psychology recommended practices)

These assist in assessing:

  • Specific learning issues eg disruptions to concentration or reading text
  • School readiness
  • Developmental delays
  • Eligibility for Special Schools

Somne of the tests used may be:

The Weschler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence - Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV).

For children aged 2 and a half to 7 years, this test assesss verbal ability, spatial ability, memory, reasoning, and processing speed.

The Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition (WISC-IV).

The WISC-IV focusses on children aged from 6 to 16 years and assesses verbal abilities, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed.

The Weschler Individual Achievement Test - Second Edition ( WIAT-II).

The WIAT-II measures different areas of achievement including oral language, reading, written expression ability, maths, and maths fluency.

Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3).

The Vineland is a comonly used measure of adaptive behaviour skills for children and adolescents.  It measures communication, socialisation, and daily living abilities and can be used in the assessment of developmental delay.

How are Assessments Provided for Children?

Assessments  aim to gain a clear understanding of the child and their individual situation.  At the same time, support will be provided for the immediate difficulties.

We find it helpful to gain observations from other important settings ( eg.  pre-school, crèche or the class teacher) as well as from the parents and the child. In this way, a picture is built up of how the child copes in several different environments.

Children and parents will be seen at our office and observations made from the child's preferences while they are playing, drawing, or interacting with others, according to their age.

Standardized instruments will be provided for parents and teachers to complete, when we are screening for conditions such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum/ Asperger's disorders.

Structured interviews for parents provide extra information.

Assessments are non-invasive and non-traumatic for the children. Most of what they notice, is extra playing and talking!

assessment

Assessments for Adults

Adult assessments are often requested for victims of crime issues, for the Victims' of Crime Assistance Tribunal, for TAC, WorkCover, or medical/legal issues.

Adults sometimes wonder if they have conditions such as autism, Asperger's Disorder, or ADHD, and these can be assessed.

Victims of Crime

People may  seek help following referrals from Family Violence services, the Police, or their  Victims of Crime lawyer.  VOCAT psychology reports support the application to the Victims of Crime  Assistance Tribunal and counselling can be provided afterwards, under this scheme.

Medico-Legal

Adults may need to have their needs clearly established for funders or insurers (such as TAC and WorkCover) or to obtain benefits to which they may be entitled through Centrelink.

Some patients are aware of these processes when they receive a referral, while others may realise later, that this will be of benefit.  A combination of clinical history and standardised instruments are most often used to provide the basis for reporting.

Autism Spectrum/ADHD

Assessment for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder is also possible for adults who suspect they may be affected by an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly Asperger syndrome.  Screening can also be performed for people who suspect that they may be experiencing Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Other assessments may be carried out in co-operation with specialist external assessments for neuropsychology, neurological, or psychiatric issues.