PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
ADHD assessments incorporate testing and measures of thinking/cognition, such as attention and executive functioning, attention and concentration, executive functioning, learning problems, social relationships and behaviours.
This is done in person with the individual or child, and through questionnaires filled out by those who know the individual or child best. If it is determined the individual or child has a diagnosis of ADHD, recommendations are provided, and referral to a psychiatrist for medical review will be made, depending on the clients needs. Psychologists are not medical doctors, therefore are unable to prescribe medication.
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Tools used to assess for ADHD include but are not limited to:
Conners Scales
ADHD Self-Report Scales
Clinical Interview (e.g. DIVA-5)
Wechsler scales of intelligence and academic achievement (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-V, WIAT-III, WASI-II, WMS-IV)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment condition that affects about 1 in every 150 Australians. While diagnoses in adolescents, teenagers, and adults are becoming more frequent, ASD typically presents and can be recognized in early childhood. It is generally identified through challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior. Individuals with ASD are viewed as being on a spectrum, which ranges from low-functioning autism to high-functioning autism, also referred to as Asperger’s syndrome. Detection of autism can greatly enhance the quality of life for the individual and offer essential support for their parents, carers, family, friends, and teachers.
We offer private autism assessments, screenings, and diagnoses for both children and adults at our clinic. If you suspect that you, your child, or someone you know may be on the autism spectrum, we encourage you to contact us to book an appointment.
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We use a number of formalised tools to assess the above. These include but are not limited to:
ADOS-2
ADI-R
Migdas
Wechsler scales of intelligence and academic achievement (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-V, WIAT-III, WASI-II, WMS-IV)
Adaptive functioning (ABAS; Vinelind)
Behavioural Assessments
Cognitive and adaptive functioning assessments are tools used to evaluate an individual's intellectual capabilities and their ability to adapt to everyday life. These assessments help identify strengths and weaknesses in cognitive processes such as reasoning, problem-solving, and memory. Additionally, they assess adaptive functioning, which refers to the skills necessary for daily living, including communication, social skills, and self-care. Such evaluations are crucial for diagnosing developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and other conditions that may impact an individual's ability to function in society. These assessments are commonly used in NDIS, educational, clinical, and research settings to inform treatment plans, educational interventions, and support services. By understanding an individual's cognitive and adaptive functioning, professionals can tailor their approaches to meet specific needs, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate resources and support.
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Assessment may include the diagnoses of:
Intellectual Disability
Specific Learning Disorders (e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalcula)
Dementia
Cognitive Giftedness
Academically Talented.
We use a number of formalised tools to assess the above. These include but are not limited to:
Wechsler scales of intelligence (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-V, WASI-II, WMS-IV)
Cognitive Impairment Screeners
ABAS-3; Vineland
For academic / educational assessments, the child or tertiary student’s teacher or parent may observe and identify delays in academic abilities. An educational assessment compares intellectual and academic abilities in order to determine any underlying contributors to issues, and recommendations are provided to assist in improving academic progress. This may also include recommendations in regards to NDIS funding, exam/assessment settings, time, extensions, etc.
This assessment may include, IQ testing, comprehension, early reading skills, mathematics, oral expression and alphabet fluency, where the child’s results are compared to peers their age. We are also able to include adaptive functioning and behavioural assessments for an even more detailed understanding, and depending on the presenting difficulties.
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Assessment may include the diagnoses of:
Intellectual Disability
Specific Learning Disorders (e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalcula)
Dementia
Cognitive Giftedness
Academically Talented.
We use a number of formalised tools to assess the above. These include but are not limited to:
Wechsler scales of intelligence and academic achievement (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-V, WIAT-III, WASI-II, WMS-IV)
Cognitive Impairment Screeners
Rather than focusing on a specific area, Neuropsychological assessments may encompass a range of the abovementioned assessment measures to provide a detailed overview of an individual’s cognitive functioning. Neuropsychological assessments can be helpful for individuals who may be experiencing broader cognitive difficulties and/or deterioration, however the cause is unclear. They can also be used to understand the individual’s support needs in more detail.
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A neuropsychological assessment may incorporate a number of areas of cognitive functioning, including intellectual, academic, memory, executive, visuospatial and psychosocial, through administering a broader neuropsychological battery of assessments. A neuropsychological assessment can assist with NDIS applications or other services, identify individual support needs, provide a formal diagnosis or provide a baseline of an individual’s cognitive functioning.
Tools used include but are not limited to:
Wechsler scales of intelligence and academic achievement (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-V, WIAT-III, WASI-II, WMS-IV)
Assessment of adaptive functioning (e.g. ABAS; Vineland)
DKEFS
Conners
Brief
Plus more
Giftedness testing is provided when you or your child’s school believe your child is gifted, and require standardised psychometric testing in order to accompany an application for gifted education pathways. Giftedness testing incorporates cognitive testing, as well as academic testing. We only provide standardised measures, and your child’s school may require further testing.
Tools used include but are not limited to:
Wechsler scales of intelligence and academic achievement (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-V, WIAT-III, WASI-II, WMS-IV)
GUIDE ON WHAT TO EXPECT
To book an assessment contact us via phone (0478 261 970) or email info@jigsawpsych.com.au. Please try to have a referral from your GP, physician, NDIS provider, counsellor, or other.
Before your first appointment online questionnaires will be sent that may include questions about yourself, about your child, or asking someone close to you to answer about you or your child.
Appointment 1 - Clinical Discussion and Assessment
An initial discussion about your concerns for yourself or your child, your psychosocial history, and your needs moving forward. This can be completed on the phone before the assessment, or in person on the day of the assessment. We will then conduct the psychometric testing in person. This part of the session can range from one to four hours (with breaks) depending on the testing being completed.
Appointment 2 - Feedback Session
Your psychologist will send you the detailed report and book in a 30 minute phone call or zoom session to run you through the results of the testing which summarises the assessment, diagnostic impression, and recommendations. Here you will have a chance to ask any questions you have.