Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Educational & Developmental Psychologist?

An educational & developmental psychologist has extensive knowledge and expertise in how individuals learn, grow, and develop across their lifespan. They specialise in educational psychology (how individuals learn and function in an educational environment) and developmental psychology (how individuals behave and change in cognition, social, emotional, and physical development over time). They play a crucial role in supporting growth and development in people of all stages of life, from infancy to the elderly. Primarily they work with young individuals, parents, carers and teachers to help them to understand varying issues a child may experience. Their key roles and experience include:

Assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders, intellectual delays, giftedness, autism, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioural challenges.
Intervention and support for children, adolescents and their families to manage behavioural, emotional, social, and academic concerns.
Consultation and collaboration with teachers, parents and health professionals to create supportive learning environments and offer guidance on developmental or behaviour concerns.
Prevention and promotion of programs that foster resilience, mental wellbeing, effective learning strategies, and broader societal challenges such as bullying prevention or inclusive education.

I am unsure what assessment to book. What do I do?

Please contact us and we will help you figure this out. If unclear, it may be suggested that you book for a standard assessment. During our intake process we will screen any other concerns you may have, and based on feedback from your psychologist, you will have the option in that first session to switch to a comprehensive assessment. Our assessments are designed to be flexible and adaptable due to their complex nature.

When should I book a comprehensive assessment, and why?

A comprehensive assessment is suggested if you or the person referring have more than one query about your child’s development. For example, your child may show some signs of autism but also display some attentional challenges. Or, they may have ongoing struggles with writing or reading but also tend to be hyperactive or inattentive.

‘Neurodevelopmental disorders’ such as autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties, often tend to co-occur, making proper assessment and diagnosis complex yet important for positive treatment outcomes. Research suggests that 30-70% of individuals with autism also meet criteria for ADHD. Similarly, 31-45% of children with ADHD often have a learning disorder (e.g. Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia).

How long does an assessment take?

This varies depending on the type of assessment. A standard assessment will usually take four direct hours, while a comprehensive assessment can take five to six direct hours. This can be split across different times or days (e.g. two hours on one day and two hours another day).

Do I need a referral?

Referrals are accepted from GP’s, Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, School Psychologists, and allied health (e.g. Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist). Parents or guardians can also self-refer in most cases.

Do I need to see a speech pathologist for an autism assessment?

For children under age 8, a speech pathologist will also be needed as part of the gold standard best practice for autism diagnosis. For older children, a speech pathologist may or may not be needed, and this will be discussed with you at the assessment.

Our 'standard' autism assessment package does not include the speech pathologist component. We can refer you to a speech pathologist autism assessor for a separate assessment. However, as part of our flexibility and upon your request, we can provide a joint assessment including both a psychologist and speech pathologist (for an additional fee). Please contact the clinic for more information.