Guiding you to the best assessment pathway for your needs
Our aim is to take any confusion out of the assessment process and ensure that it is an experience where the young person and family feel safe, understood and valued.
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Assessment Pathways
There are two primary assessment pathways offered to families - a standard assessment and a comprehensive assessment. Though not as common, at other times it may also be appropriate to undertake a brief assessment. A cognitive (IQ) assessment is included as part of most assessments.
Standard
Assessment
Suited for those with a specific concern or one primary issue. It is suggested for full investigation of one of the following:​​​​​​​​​​​
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ADHD
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Autism
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Specific Learning Disorder (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia)
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General learning concerns
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Intellectual Disability
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Giftedness
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Application for learning adjustments/exam provisions
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Brief screening for other concerns can also be completed in this assessment.
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Comprehensive
Assessment
Suited for those with a broader range of concerns or queries. Often there is a co-occurrence of developmental differences and this pathway ensures these are explored thoroughly in one assessment. It is suited for investigation of a combination of any of the following:
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ADHD
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Autism
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Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia)
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Other queries can be explored including learning challenges, intellectual disability, giftedness, adaptive functioning/daily living skills, mental health, and strengths and preferences.
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Brief
Assessment
Occasionally only a brief assessment is required. This is suited to those who may also need assessment of their intellectual functioning or academic skills. It may be suited for:
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Assessment of intellectual functioning only, to explore areas of strength and weakness.
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Review of academic skills only (e.g. to track progress or confirm a pending diagnosis of a learning disorder)
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Review assessment for an existing diagnosis.
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Application for entry to a Language Development Centre.
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Why an assessment?
There are several reasons that parents or caregivers seek assessments for their child. The Ed Psych Clinic can undertake assessments for a range of reasons, including:
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To identify why a child is struggling at school. Perhaps they are having trouble academically or may be showing behavioural challenges.
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To identify learning differences or a Specific Learning Disorder, including challenges in reading (Dyslexia), writing (Dysgraphia) and math (Dyscalculia).
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To assess for Autism
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To assess for ADHD
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To assess intellectual abilities to determine cognitive profile, intellectual disability, or giftedness
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To explore eligibility for special exam considerations with School Curriculum & Standards Authority (SCSA)
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To assess for language impairment as part of an application to a Language Development Centre
What is involved in an assessment?
While each assessment is unique and tailored to the individual, all assessments follow the same process. This includes initial booking, intake and assessment sessions, consultation with others, feedback and report writing. The length of an assessment depends on the type of assessment needed and this will be advised to you on booking. Reports and feedback sessions are usually provided around four weeks after the final assessment session.​
