Frequently Asked Questions
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Psychological assessments @ iPsychology
Our comprehensive range of psychological assessments will give you a clear picture of yours or your child’s functioning in specific areas. Assessments are designed to identify needs, strengths and challenges and your psychologist will give a clear and detailed report and a treatment plan going forwards. Where appropriate, a diagnosis is formed.
Assessments can play a key role in helping you, your child or a family member progress with therapy and understand the struggles you or they have been having.
Everyone’s needs are different, and we are guided by this and, through the help of your psychologist, will discuss which assessment is right. The first step is to speak with our friendly reception team who can help guide you through the process.
We don’t believe in having an assessment for the sake of it, so it’s important to establish the goal of the assessment with your psychologist. We will take the time to work through this with you and ensure you are on the right path. All our assessment teams work within a neuroaffirming framework and work to advocate for all individuals.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and many other problems.
Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms can start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. ADHD in children is commonly presented in the following ways:
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Poor inhibition – they have difficulty in controlling inappropriate behaviour, thoughts, and speech.
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Inattention – characterised by wandering off task, lacking persistence, having difficulty sustaining focus, and being unorganised.
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Hyperactivity – characterised by excessive fidgeting or tapping, and talkativeness.
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Impulsivity – characterised by interrupting or intruding on others as an impulse.
It may be that your child has some or a combination of all these symptom types listed above. A child that is hyperactive or impulsive is unlikely to learn effectively without introducing intervention strategies.
As an adult, ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention may continue.
We offer ADHD assessments for children, teens and adults. Once your assessment has been completed, your psychologist will provide you with a written report during your feedback session which will include any relevant diagnosis and a recommended treatment plan for onward psychological therapy. If medication has been recommended, psychologists are unable to prescribe. You will need to see your GP to discuss medication through them or with a paediatrician or psychiatrist if needed.You can also discuss appropriate assistance in the classroom or workplace, and may be eligible for NDIS funding to assist you.
The assessments will take up to approximately 8 hours, which includes gathering a comprehensive history, cognitive assessment, at home assessments, providing feedback and a written report.
Autism assessment
ADHD
We assess all aspects of behaviour, development and history to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for a diagnosis of autism or if there are any other alternative explanations for the presenting behaviours. Our clinicians do this through structured interviews, direct observation of behaviour, and by using standardised clinical assessment tools. In some cases it may also be necessary to conduct observations at a childcare or school.
You will be provided with a comprehensive report which will outline how the person meets the criteria for autism and includes a range of recommendations to support the person depending on their needs. These recommendations include a range of services such as psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy and other services as identified. Where someone is eligible for NDIS funding, these services may be funded through NDIS.
