Assessments
Assessment services
I offer cognitive, academic and behavioural assessments for children. Please note, while I do not write diagnostic reports for ASD or ADHD, the behaviour assessments, such as the BASC-3 and ABAS-3, alongside the ADHD and ASD screeners I use, provide useful information for Paediatricians and other professionals who diagnose childhood disorders. If you are seeking a full ASD or ADHD assessment for yourself or your child, my colleagues at Hope Psychology QLD, conduct such assessments in Cleveland for both adults and children. If you are uncertain as to which assessments may be appropriate for your child, feel free to get in touch and we can have a [complimentary] chat about how best to proceed.
Child cognitive assessment
Cognitive assessments for children aged 6 years and older
A cognitive assessment is sometimes referred to as an IQ test, or a psycho-educational assessment. Such assessments enable an individual's cognitive strengths and areas for growth to be identified. I use the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V Australian and New Zealand Adaptation).
Fee = $1600
Assessment sessions are usually about 50 minutes in duration, including introductions and settling activities. The intake information collection session with parents (by phone or in person), prior to testing, generally takes between 30 and 40 minutes. The written report, including recommendations, is shared and discussed with parents in a meeting that usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes. Results from hearing and vision checks are required prior to testing.
Alongside adaptive behaviour assessments (also available) and other information about an individual child, the results from cognitive assessments may be used in the diagnosis of intellectual disability by a Paediatrician.
Learning difficulty assessment
It is possible to determine if children are achieving academically in line with their learning potential. Using the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition (WIAT-III) an individual’s achievement compared to age- or grade- peers can be determined.
This information may be compared to the individual's cognitive scores, measured by an IQ test (conducted at the same time) to identify specific learning difficulties including specific reading difficulties (previously known as Dyslexia), specific mathematical difficulties (previously known as Dyscalculia) and specific difficulties with writing (previously known as Dysgraphia). The cost of this assessment includes the collection and interpretation of background information including school reports, administration of an age-appropriate cognitive assessment, administration of the specific achievement tests related to the referral question (e.g., reading/ math/ spelling), and a written report detailing results and recommendations. The report is shared and discussed with parents in a session that usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes.
Fee = $2950
BASC-3 Behaviour screener
The BASC-3 (Behaviour Assessment System for Children, Third Edition) is a comprehensive set of tools used by psychologists and educators to evaluate the emotional and behavioral strengths and challenges of children and adolescents (ages 6-21), using reports from parents, teachers, and the child themselves (self-report) to provide a complete picture for identifying issues and guiding interventions.
The assessment covers maladaptive (problem) and adaptive (strength) behaviours, fitting into clinical (DSM-5) frameworks.
Key Components
- Multi-Source Data: Gathers info from Parents (PRS), Teachers (TRS), and Students (SRP: when appropriate) for a full view.
- Comprehensive Scales: Measures emotional/behavioral concerns (e.g., Anxiety, Depression, Aggression), behaviours (e.g., Hyperactivity, Attention, Atypical behaviours, Withdrawal) and adaptive skills (e.g., Leadership, Social Skills).
- Age-Specific Forms: Available for Child (6-11), and Adolescent (12-21) levels.
- Screening Tools (BESS): A quick screening version (Behavioral and Emotional Screening System) to flag potential issues.
Fees
BESS screener: $550
Comprehensive BASC 3: $1250
Fees include written report, pre-assessment interview and feedback session.
ABAS-3: Assessing independent living skills
The ABAS-3 (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition) is a comprehensive, norm-referenced assessment tool used to evaluate the practical, everyday skills (adaptive behaviors) of individuals from 5 to 21 years of age. Three main domains are scored: Conceptual, Social, and Practical, to help identify an individual's strengths/weaknesses for interventions related to developmental delays, autism, intellectual disabilities, and more. The assessment is completed by parents, teachers, or caregivers.
What it Measures (Domains & Skills)
- Conceptual Domain: Communication, Functional Academics, Self-Direction, Health & Safety.
- Social Domain: Leisure, Social Skills.
- Practical Domain: Self-Care, Home Living, Community Use, Health & Safety, Work (age-dependent).
- Purposes:
- Part of the data collected to diagnose and classify disabilities (e.g., Intellectual Disability, ASD).
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses in daily functioning.
- Developing intervention plans and tracking progress over time.
Fee = $850 including report, pre-assessment interview and feedback session.