Consent forms are completed when booking the intake appointment.

Intake forms are sent four weeks before the intake appointment.

Assessment sessions take place within 2-3 weeks after the intake appointment.

Report writing begins once full payment is received. The report is usually completed within 3-4 weeks of the final assessment session.

After testing is complete, a feedback session is held to explain the findings in a clear and practical way. You will receive a report with detailed results and recommendations for next steps. While therapy is not offered, the report includes tailored suggestions for appropriate services and supports.

The summary report provides a clear, concise overview of the assessment process and findings. It includes:

• The reason for referral with a brief summary of concerns and previous diagnoses
• Impressions, including diagnosis if relevant
• Identified strengths and difficulties
• Recommendations for further support or intervention

Additional report options are available upon request for an additional cost based on our hourly rate. Examples include:

• Testing scores and interpretation: A full appendix of testing scores, with an explanation of what the results mean for the individual’s functioning and support needs.
• Tailored letters: Customised letters for schools or employers to outline support needs and recommended accommodations.

If you require any of these add-ons, please contact us for further information and pricing.

We assess how individuals engage in social interactions, including how they communicate, form relationships, and navigate social contexts. This area helps us understand a person’s communication style, their preferences for social interactions, and any challenges they may experience in social settings. In addition to clinical interviews, observations, and standardised questionnaires, we may also use semi-structured interviews and sensory or play-based observation tools such as the MIGDAS-2 or ADOS-2, which provide deeper insights into social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing.

Cognitive assessments provide insights into how an individual processes information, focusing on areas such as attention, processing speed, language, visual-spatial skills, memory, and executive functioning. These assessments help build a clear picture of cognitive strengths and areas that may need additional support. In addition to clinical interviews (specifically focused on educational and developmental history), observations, and standardised questionnaires, we also use direct standardised assessments such as the WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-IV, D-KEFS, RAVLT, WMS-IV, and ChAMP to evaluate cognitive functioning thoroughly.

Academic assessments evaluate skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. This helps identify any academic challenges relative to peers and informs strategies to address specific difficulties, such as those related to literacy or numeracy. In addition to the usual clinical interviews (focused on educational history), observations, and standardised questionnaires, we administer direct assessments such as the WIAT-III and WRAT-5 to pinpoint specific academic challenges and areas for support.

Developmental assessments examine key milestones in early childhood, including social, emotional, behavioural, cognitive, language, and motor development. We start with broad screening, providing further exploration and comprehensive assessment of the areas above if concerns are identified. These assessments involve clinical interviews focused on developmental history, observations, and standardised questionnaires. We can also screen for expressive and receptive language (using tools like the EVT and PPVT) and fine motor skills (using the Beery VMI). If concerns are flagged in these areas, follow-up with an occupational therapist (OT) or speech and language pathologist (SLP) is recommended.

What is autism?

Autism is a brain-based neurodevelopmental difference, meaning it affects the way the brain processes information, communicates, and interacts with the world. Autistic individuals often have unique strengths, such as focused interests and creativity, along with differences in social communication and sensory processing. Autism is described as a spectrum because it presents in different ways for different people, and it is not static—support needs can change over time based on environmental factors, stressors, or personal circumstances. For example, an individual might need more support during times of change or stress and less support when in a familiar, comfortable environment.

Support needs can range from minimal to substantial, described across three levels. Level 1 indicates some support is needed, while Level 3 suggests a greater level of support is required for daily living. These levels offer guidance on how much assistance might be beneficial, but they don't define the person’s abilities or potential.

Masking, or hiding autistic traits to blend in or meet social expectations, is common among autistic individuals. However, masking can lead to negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and burnout, which can significantly impact overall well-being. Recognising and accepting autistic traits without the pressure to mask can improve mental health and self-esteem.

Benefits of an autism assessment

An autism assessment helps individuals and families better understand their unique neurodevelopmental profile, including their strengths and supports needs. The assessment provides valuable insight into how someone communicates, processes sensory input, and interacts with others. With formal identification, individuals can access tailored supports and services, such as adjustments at school or work, as well as funding options like the NDIS. The assessment also encourages self-understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence, helping individuals embrace their identity.

Assessment process

The autism assessment process is adapted to the individual’s age and communication style. For younger children, we use play-based methods and observations, while older children, teens, and adults may complete questionnaires, interviews, and other assessments. Tools such as the ADOS-2 or MIGDAS-2 help us gain insight into social communication, behaviour, and sensory needs. We also collect information from caregivers, family members, teachers, or health professionals.

Additionally, a cognitive assessment can be completed as part of the autism assessment if desired, although it is not required to formulate a diagnosis. However, some individuals may find it helpful to gain additional insights into their cognitive profile, especially in cases where learning difficulties or other challenges are present.

What is a learning disorder?

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a brain-based neurodevelopmental difference that affects a person’s ability to acquire and use academic skills, such as reading, writing, or mathematics, despite having typical learning opportunities. The DSM-5-TR recognises three primary subtypes of learning disorder based on the learning area that is impacted:

1. With impairment in reading (commonly referred to as Dyslexia): This includes challenges with word reading accuracy, reading fluency, and understanding what is read.
2. With impairment in written expression (sometimes called Dysgraphia): This involves difficulties with spelling, grammar, punctuation, and organising written work.
3. With impairment in mathematics (sometimes called Dyscalculia): This includes challenges with understanding numbers, recalling arithmetic facts, performing calculations, and applying mathematical reasoning.

These learning differences are persistent and can range from mild to severe and are not related to general intelligence. Individuals with specific learning challenges can have strengths and talents in many areas while experiencing specific challenges in one or more areas of learning. With the right supports and accommodations, people with learning difficulties can thrive academically and in everyday life.

Benefits of a learning assessment

A learning assessment helps identify specific learning challenges and provides clarity about the individual’s academic strengths and areas of need. With clear identification, families, teachers, and schools can implement tailored interventions and educational supports. These might include accommodations such as extra time on tests, alternative learning strategies, or assistive technologies. The assessment also helps families understand and support their child’s learning journey with greater confidence.

Assessment process

The assessment involves standardised tests that measure skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. We also gather information from developmental history, educational background, and input from parents or teachers to get a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s learning profile. As part of the process, a cognitive assessment is also completed. By assessing both academic and cognitive functioning, we are able to pinpoint the exact nature of the learning difference while ensuring no broader intellectual challenges are overlooked.

What is Intellectual Developmental Disorder?

Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) is a brain-based neurodevelopmental difference that affects intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, problem-solving, abstract thinking) and adaptive behaviour (e.g., communication, social skills, daily living tasks). These differences emerge during development and impact an individual’s ability to navigate certain areas of everyday life. In addition to challenges with intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, individuals with IDD may also experience difficulties in areas such as learning, memory, academic skills, and motor coordination.

These challenges can affect performance across various environments, including school, work, and social settings. However, it’s important to remember that individuals with IDD also possess unique strengths and capabilities, and with the right supports in place, they can live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Benefits of an intellectual assessment

An Intellectual Developmental Disorder assessment helps identify an individual’s cognitive strengths and support needs. This understanding can guide educational placement, therapeutic approaches, and access to services such as the NDIS and Centrelink Disability Support Pension. It equips families and caregivers with the knowledge to create a supportive environment that fosters growth, independence, and well-being.

Assessment process

The assessment process for Intellectual Developmental Disorder is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's intellectual functioning and adaptive skills. This helps us identify areas of strength and where additional support may be needed. The assessment involves evaluating cognitive abilities, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and memory, alongside adaptive behaviours, which include skills related to communication, social interactions, and daily living tasks.

We also conduct a thorough review of school records and educational history to gain a fuller picture of the individual’s learning experiences and developmental progress. Gathering input from caregivers, teachers, and other relevant individuals allows us to understand how the person functions in different environments and helps us assess any gaps between their intellectual abilities and adaptive functioning.

If you are seeking an assessment to support an initial NDIS or Centrelink Disability Support application, additional assessment will be required. Alongside the standard assessment and report, we will provide a letter that outlines your specific needs based on the criteria for either NDIS or Centrelink. For Centrelink, this letter will address how your circumstances align with their disability support criteria. For NDIS, the letter will highlight areas where you experience functional limitations and require support. This ensures that your needs are clearly communicated to meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

If you are undergoing a review of your current support needs for NDIS, we provide brief assessments and review relevant areas such as adaptive, social, behavioural, and emotional functioning. This review helps update your current support needs based on your existing diagnosis. You will receive a letter outlining any updated needs related to the NDIS review. This letter will explain how your support requirements may have changed and ensure that your current needs are reflected in the review process, aligning with the NDIS eligibility criteria.

Please note that while our assessments and reports are designed to support your NDIS or Centrelink Disability Support application or review, completing an assessment does not guarantee approval or access to these services. Final decisions are made by NDIS or Centrelink based on their independent review of all submitted documentation.