How an assessment works
Every assessment follows the same four steps. The testing in step 2 is tailored to the question you are asking about your child.
1
Initial consultation
An hour to talk through your concerns and your options. You may feel something is wrong without being sure what it is. This hour is for exploring that, with advice and extra strategies before you decide on next steps.
If an assessment is recommended, the consultation is included in the assessment fee and is not an extra charge.
[Typical wait for a first appointment: Samantha to confirm]
2
Assessment sessions
Testing happens in the relaxed setting of the Mosman Park practice. Depending on the assessment, it can include:
- Intellectual testing, chosen by age.
- Educational testing of phonological processing, reading, writing, spelling and maths.
- Behaviour rating scales completed by parents, teachers and the young person.
- Interviews with parents, children and adolescents.
[Number and length of sessions: Samantha to confirm]
3
Written report
A comprehensive psychological report sets out the findings, any diagnosis where the criteria are met, and practical recommendations. Samantha also reviews your child’s developmental and educational history, interventions already tried and any previous reports.
[Typical time to receive the report: Samantha to confirm]
4
Feedback session
Samantha explains the results to parents or carers and talks through next steps for home and school. The aim is for you to understand your child’s needs well enough to support their learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
[How reports are shared with schools and referrers: Samantha to confirm]
Which assessment fits your concern?
| If your concern is | Ask about |
|---|---|
| Reading, spelling, writing or maths is much harder than it should be | Learning difficulties and dyslexia |
| Attention, restlessness or impulsive behaviour | ADHD assessment |
| A child who learns quickly and may need more challenge | Gifted assessment |
| A broad picture of learning, behaviour and emotions together | Comprehensive assessment |
| Understanding overall thinking strengths and weaknesses | Intellectual assessment |
| Re-checking progress, or Year 12 ATAR exam accommodations | Literacy and numeracy review |
| Not sure yet, and want to talk first | Initial consultation |