An assessment consultation with our psychologists can guide parents/families in deciding which assessment would be most appropriate for the child, as well as the process involved. It also may be useful for families who recently completed an assessment but are unsure what the results. We can assist in providing understanding and clarity of different diagnoses and explain or further explore associated recommendations.

Cognitive assessments (also known IQ assessments) are a formal, standardised test of a person’s cognitive abilities.

A cognitive assessment involves sessions with the child and their parent(s) or caregivers.

The assessment will likely include:

• A clinical interview with the child’s parent(s) or caregivers to discuss developmental and background history.
• The cognitive assessment (IQ assessment) to develop an understanding of the child’s thinking, problem solving, and reasoning abilities (WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, or WAIS-IV).
  

On completion of the assessment, the parent(s) or caregivers will be given a detailed written report during a feedback session, which will outline results from the assessment and any recommendations. The psychologist will explain the results and provide an opportunity for any questions.

A referral is not required for a cognitive assessment.

The assessment process at Step by Step Psychology involves sessions with both the child and their parents, and involves the following:

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS-2) or MIGDAS assessment with the child, depending on age and needs.
• Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) with the child’s parents or caregivers.
• Consultations with other professionals or staff involved with the child so that a wide range of information can be gathered. This may also include a school or kinder observation of the child.
• A detailed written report outlining information regarding the assessment results and recommendations.
• A parent feedback session whereby the psychologist can explain the results and provide an opportunity for any questions.

Step by Step Psychology utilises a neuro-affirming approach to assessing ADHD.

An ADHD assessment involves sessions with the child and their parent(s) or caregivers.

The assessment may include:

• A clinical interview with the child’s parent(s) or caregivers to discuss developmental and background history.
• A cognitive assessment (IQ assessment) to develop an understanding of the child’s thinking, problem solving, and reasoning abilities (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V).
• Questionnaires sent to parent(s) and teachers to assess behaviours consistent with symptoms of ADHD (Conners-4).
• An observation of the child at school (primary school aged only) to understand the child’s experience within the classroom environment.
• A self-report questionnaire and clinical interview (secondary school aged only) to gather information directly from the young person’s own perspective and experiences.

On completion of the assessment, the parent(s) or caregivers will be given a detailed written report during a feedback session, which will outline results from the assessment and any recommendations. The psychologist will explain the results and provide an opportunity for any questions.

A referral is not required for an ADHD assessment.

Step by Step Psychology utilises a neuro-affirming approach to assessing learning difficulties.

A psychoeducational assessment involves sessions with the child and their parent(s) or caregivers.
The assessment may include:

• A clinical interview with the child’s parent(s) or caregivers to discuss developmental and background history.
• A cognitive assessment (IQ assessment) to develop an understanding of the child’s thinking, problem solving, and reasoning abilities (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V).
• An academic assessment to develop an understanding of the child’s academic abilities (WIAT-III).
• Additional assessments for phonological processing and writing (CTOPP-2 and/or TOC).

On completion of the assessment, the parent(s) or caregivers will be given a detailed written report during a feedback session, which will outline results from the assessment and any recommendations. The psychologist will explain the results and provide an opportunity for any questions.
A referral is not required for a psychoeducational assessment.

Step by Step Psychology utilises a neuro-affirming approach to assessing Autism.

• Structured clinical interview with the child’s parents or caregivers to discuss developmental and background history (ADI-R).
• Structured observational assessment of the child to determine how they prefer to communicate, interact socially, and function (ADOS-2 or MIGDAS, depending on age and needs).
• Cognitive assessment (IQ assessment) to develop an understanding of the child’s thinking, problem solving, and reasoning abilities (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V)
• An observation of the child at kinder or school to understand how the child interacts in a non-clinical environment.

On completion of the assessment, the parent(s) or caregivers will be given a detailed written report during a feedback session, which will outline results from the assessment and any recommendations. The psychologist will explain the results and provide an opportunity for any questions.

Autism assessments often involve consultation between a paediatrician, psychologist, and speech pathologist. A referral for an autism assessment is not required, but Medicare rebates may be available with a referral from a paediatrician.

Step by Step Psychology utilises a neuro-affirming approach to assessing Autism.

An autism assessment involves sessions with the client and, if available, another adult involved in the person’s life

The assessment will likely include:

• Coping strategies – implementing calming tools in the moment
• A sensory based interview to develop a behavioural profile of the client (MIGDAS assessment).
• Cognitive assessment (IQ assessment) to develop an understanding of a person’s thinking, problem solving, and reasoning abilities (WISC-V or WAIS-IV).

On completion of the assessment, the client will be given a detailed written report during a feedback session, which will outline results from the assessment and any recommendations. The psychologist will explain the results and provide an opportunity for any questions.

A referral is not required for an adult autism assessment.

Step by Step Psychology utilises a neuro-affirming approach to assessing behavioural difficulties.

An adaptive behaviour assessment involves sessions with the child and their parent(s) or caregivers.

The assessment may include:

• A clinical interview with the child’s parent(s) or caregivers to discuss developmental and background history.
• Questionnaires sent to parent(s) and teachers to assess adaptive behaviours (Vineland-3).
• A cognitive assessment (IQ assessment) to develop an understanding of the child’s thinking, problem solving, and reasoning abilities (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V).
  

On completion of the assessment, the parent(s) or caregivers will be given a detailed written report during a feedback session, which will outline results from the assessment and any recommendations. The psychologist will explain the results and provide an opportunity for any questions.

A referral is not required for an adaptive behaviour assessment.