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Scroll down for information on learning, ADHD and autism assessments.
As an experienced Ed Psych I combine my knowledge of the psychology of learning with a formal cognitive and learning assessment (The Woodcock-Johnson IV), and your knowledge to create a holistic picture of strengths and challenges with learning. I can then work with home, school or work to help them understand how to best support needs in that setting.
These assessments can help us identify whether someone experiences:
A specific learning disorder (SLD) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia.
Giftedness
Intellectual Disability (ID)
In New Zealand we can use this assessment to support applications for Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) at school.
Assessment Includes:
Intake session (exploring concerns and getting a developmental history)
Meet and greet with child/young person if needed.
3-4 Assessment sessions as needed (we break them up so they’re less overwhelming).
Gathering information from school/work through interviews and questionnaires. Sometimes I do a classroom observation if needed.
Additional questionnaires
Analysis and report writing
Feedback sessions (one with family, one with school/work).
Cost: $1800 if stand alone (see more about this, below)
I can provide additional feedback sessions and/or further support with implementing strategies with yourself, and/or support people at school/work/other household ($180 per 1 hour session).
See bottom of page for payment options.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) commonly co-occurs with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). It can look quite different in girls than in boys. Sometimes giftedness or autism can mask the features of ADHD, and vice versa.
The ADHD assessment process involves:
a detailed developmental history. For children this is with parents. For adults this is with yourself and I’ll also speak to (or send a questionnaire to) someone who knows you well and/or someone who knew you as a child.
questionnaires to assess for the features of ADHD (such as the Conners 4, BRIEF 2, etc.).
cognitive testing (if necessary) which measuring working memory, processing speed, etc.
screeners for other conditions (such as Autism, PTSD, or others)
I also do a classroom observation for children, and a teacher interview/questionnaire.
COST:
Children: $1500 stand alone (see more about this below)
Adults: $1000 if stand alone.
See bottom of page for payment options.
Note: I do not prescribe medications but will offer a range of support strategies and can signpost you to those who do prescribe medications for ADHD.
In addition to my psychologist training I have trained in the differential diagnosis of autism through the University of Western Australia, and in the use of the MIGDAS 2 - a sensory based interview for diagnosing autism. I also have lived experience of the autism assessment process.
Assessments for autism for school-aged children/young people include:
a comprehensive parent interview
a teacher questionnaire or interview
a sensory-based diagnostic interview (the MIGDAS 2) - this is an enjoyable session in which we explore sensory tools and areas of interest.
Other questionnaires to look at features of autism and day-to-day functioning (such as the SRS-2, the ABAS 3, and others).
Screeners to rule out or consider other conditions (such as ADHD).
Cognitive testing if needed.
It may include an observation at school if needed.
Analysis and report writing.
Feedback session.
As above, additional sessions are also available to support post-diagnosis. I can also meet with schools if/when it’s helpful. ($180/hour).
COST:
$1800 if stand alone (see more about this below)
See bottom of page for payment options.
For adults (18+) the autism assessment process involves:
A sensory-based diagnostic interview with yourself (The MIGDAS 2) which also includes a developmental history.
A questionnaire or interview with key people who knew you when you were a child and/or know you well now.
Questionnaires such as the SRS-2 (which looks at social functioning), ABAS 3 (day-to-day functioning), and others.
Screeners for other conditions (such as ADHD, PTSD or similar).
Analysis and report writing.
Feedback session.
As above, additional sessions are also available to support you post-diagnosis. ($180/hour).
COST:
$1800 if stand alone (see more about this below)
Payment options:
Usually: Half at the start, and half after feedback session.
Other split payment options are available, happy to discuss options.
To keep costs as low as I can for you, I use a sliding scale rather than charging the full price over again for each additional area we’re assessing.
A standard neurodevelopmental assessment will cost $1800.
An extended neurodevelopmental assessment (where we look at more than one area) means I need to use more assessment tools, analysis, report-writing and feedback. Because of this, for one additional assessment focus, the cost is $2500.
A complex or multi-focus assessment is $3000.
