A psychology ADHD assessment is a multiple step process comprising clinical evaluation, interview, behavioural observations and completion of rating scales and a cognitive assessment. It typically involves information gathering from a variety of sources including parents, relatives, teachers, partners and the client themselves. It is typically diagnosed by a clinical psychologist and psychiatrist. The medical examination by the psychiatrist is done to look for evidence of other psychiatric comorbidities, evidence of congenital disorders, vision or hearing impairments, neurodevelopmental immaturity in relation to gross and fine motor functions and motor or vocal tics. A SPECT scan may also be requested by your medical specialist which measures blood flow within the brain. It is also used as a neuroimaging technique and diagnostic tool for individuals suspected of having ADHD. The psychologist conducts the behavioural and cognitive assessment. You will be asked to book 5 assessment sessions. The cognitive testing takes between 2-3 hours. The remaining appointments are generally one hour long. School and university reports and records are generally required.
Session 1. Initial interview, background information, developmental history.
Session 2. Cognitive assessment
Session 3. DIVA (with parents and client)
Session 4. 30 minute online or phone consultation with: somebody who knew you from your childhood and somebody who knows you well currently. E.g. Parents, partner, best friend, teachers, siblings, godparents.
Session 5. Feedback session with diagnostic report and treatment planning.
You, your parents/and or partner and or teachers will be asked to complete a series of behavioural rating scales for ADHD.
For costs and a quote please contact reception on 03 98518200
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts people’s social abilities and alters the way that they interact with the world. An autism assessment at Dr Tania Pietrzak Psychological Services is a multiple step process which consists of clinical evaluation, behavioural observation, interviews, rating scales, and often a cognitive assessment. Whilst autism characteristics generally appear in early childhood, we conduct assessments for all ages to assist you no matter what stage of life you or your child is in.
An autism assessment is completed by a range of specialists including a paediatrician or psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a speech pathologist to conduct a speech and language assessment. A psychology assessment requires 5-8 assessments in total which covers the below topics/tests:
1. Initial session – This is the first sessions to meet your psychologist and get to know each other. The primary aim of this session is to get family and developmental history.
2. Behavioural assessment – The behavioural assessment we use is called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and is a structured series of structured and semi-structured tasks designed to look at communication, social interaction, play and restricted and repetitive behaviour. The ADOS-2 is a highly reliable and accurate test of current symptoms.
3. Cognitive assessment – Cognitive assessments are an important part of evaluating ASD as they help to determine cognitive functioning and assist with assigning appropriate specifiers for diagnosis and recommendations.
4. Other rater interview/observation: For students, a teacher interview is required, however for adult assessments we require an informant who knows you well outside of your family. This increases the validity of your diagnosis and allows for your psychologist to help you in the best way possible.
5. Final session – This session is after all testing is completed and goes over the major results, recommendations, and therapeutic goals. See “Treatment of ASD” for more information.
If you, or someone you know, is looking into an autism assessment, it is important to do so in a safe environment which supports them. This is what Dr Tania Pietrzak Psychological Services aims to provide during your assessment. Our clinic also provides ongoing therapy support for ASD strategies such as social thinking and emotional regulation.
For more information and for the cost of an autism assessment please call our admin team on (03) 9851 8200.