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
Additional assessments (if needed):
I may discuss these with you if I notice things that could use further assessment, such as:
Intellectual Disability
Executive Functioning (ages 5-18).
Heightened Anxiety / OCD
Comprehensive exploration of how previous trauma/TBI or other factors may be impacting at school.
ADHD
Autism
Cost: Different assessments are needed for each of the above, so costs vary. I will discuss these with you before proceeding.
I can do 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).
Payment: Half at the start, and half after feedback session.
Other split payment options are available, have a chat with Wendy about your needs.
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.).
screeners for other conditions (such as Autism, PTSD, or others)
I also do a classroom observation for children.
COST: $1500 stand alone. $750 if additional to another assessment (e.g. for SLD or autism).
Note: I do not prescribe medications but will offer a range of strategies that could be supportive 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).
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
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
