Assessments

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Assessment

(ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person's ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. It's characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, though the specific symptoms and their severity can vary widely. ADHD is not a result of poor parenting, and it's often misunderstood. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Symptoms:

Inattention - Difficulty paying attention, easily distracted, forgetfulness, trouble organizing tasks, and difficulty following instructions. 

Hyperactivity - Excessive fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty staying still, talking excessively, and acting without thinking. 

Impulsivity - Difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others, acting without thinking, and making hasty decisions. 

Impact:

ADHD can impact various aspects of life, including:

School - Difficulty with academic performance, completing assignments, and managing classroom behavior. 

Work - Challenges with time management, organisation, and staying on task. 

Relationships - Difficulties with social interactions, communication, and managing emotions. 

ADHD Assessment - Involves a comprehensive evaluation by Pam to determine if they meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

• This evaluation Includes gathering information about the individual’s developmental history, observing their behaviour, and using standardised assessments and questionnaires.

• This process is conducted over 3 sessions (3 hours in total).

• On completion, a diagnosis report is formulated by Pam and discussed with you. A copy will be sent to your GP and/or Psychiatrist

• $1600 + GST

Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment

(ASD)

Early signs of this condition can be noticed by parents/caregivers or pediatricians before a child reaches one year of age. However, the need for services and supports typically become more consistently visible by the time a child is 2 or 3 years old. In some cases, the problems related to autism may be mild and not apparent until the child starts school, after which their deficits may be pronounced when amongst their peers.

Social communication deficits may include:

  • Decreased sharing of interests with others.

  • Difficulty appreciating their own & others' emotions.

  • Aversion to maintaining eye contact.

  • Lack of proficiency with use of non-verbal gestures.

  • Stilted or scripted speech.

  • Interpreting abstract ideas literally.

  • Difficulty making friends or keeping them.

Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours may include:

  • Inflexibility of behaviour, extreme difficulty coping with change.

  • Being overly focused on niche subjects to the exclusion of others.

  • Expecting others to be equally interested in those subjects.

  • Difficulty tolerating changes in routine and new experiences.

  • Sensory hypersensitivity, e.g., aversion to loud noises.

  • Stereotypical movements such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning.

  • Arranging things, often toys, in a very particular manner.

 ASD Assessment - Involves a comprehensive assessment by Pam to determine if they meet the criteria for an ASD diagnosis.

• This evaluation includes gathering information about the child's developmental history, and their behaviour, and using standardised screening tools and psychometric questionnaires.

• This process is conducted over 3 sessions (5 hours in total)

• On completion, a diagnosis report is formulated by Pam and discussed with you. A copy will be sent to GP and/or Psychiatrist

• $3400 + GST

Introducing AuDHD: When Traits Combine

(AuDHD) - Some people don’t fit neatly into one category. An individual may struggle to sit still and follow instructions (linked to ADHD), while also needing routines and finding social communication difficult (linked to autism). These individuals may fall into a grey area where their traits are often misunderstood or overlooked. The term “AuDHD” is used informally to describe individuals who have both Autism and ADHD. Though it’s not a formal diagnostic category, it reflects a common reality: up to 80% of autistic individuals demonstrate symptoms of ADHD, and many people with ADHD have autistic traits. Though ADHD and Autism can share symptoms like inattention and social difficulties, the underlying causes differ.

• Infographics showcase key areas where these conditions overlap and diverge.

• Co-occurring ADHD and Autism is not uncommon.

• There isn’t a single self test for either condition, but qualified professionals use a battery of evidence based tools to diagnose them.

• Treatment approaches vary, but both ADHD and Autism can benefit from therapy, medication (for ADHD), and other support systems.

• An AuDHD assessment involves a comprehensive assessment to determine if a child meets the criteria for an AuDHD diagnosis.

• This evaluation Includes gathering information about the individuals developmental history, observing their behaviour using standardized psychometric assessments and questionnaires. This assessment combines the ADHD and ASD assessments to gather information to identify whether both diagnosis are present.

• This process is conducted over 3 sessions (5-6 hours in total).

• On completion an assessment report is generated including further recommendations and discussed with you. A copy will be sent to your GP and/or Psychiatrist

• $3700 + GST

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale Assessments

This is a psychological evaluation that assesses an individual's cognitive abilities, utilising the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), Welsher Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).

This assessment provides insights into various cognitive domains, including verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed, helping to strengths and weaknesses in cognitive functioning.

What it measures:

• Overall intelligence quotient (IQ) and specific cognitive areas such as verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.

Applications:

• Identifying learning disabilities, assessing giftedness, evaluating cognitive decline in older adults, supporting educational planning, and assisting with NDIS applications.

Different versions:

  • WIPPS (typically aged 2 years 6 months to 7 years)

  • WISC (for children aged 6 to 16 years)

  • WAIS (for adults aged 16 years and older)

  • This process is conducted over 1 sessions that is 2-3hrs.

    • On completion an assessment report is generated including further recommendations and discussed with you. A copy will be sent to your GP and/or Psychiatrist.

    • $1100 + GST

Other Information on Psychological Assessments

Can I use a mental health care plan or get a Medicare rebate?

  • No. Medicare mental health care plans do not apply to assessments with psychologists. This means that we cannot accept mental health care plans for assessments. Third Party providers such as NDIS and DVA may cover assessments if individual is eligible.

  • The cost of all assessment’s includes testing materials, administration and assessment, as well as brief outcome/results report. There is no further expense.

  • Assessment are conducted on Thursday afternoon’s at Pam Saunders-Ward Psychology, located within Lilydale Doctor’s practice. Please note that ADHD assessments can also be conducted online if you wish.

    For More Information contact Pam Saunders-Ward Psychology

    Ph: 0417 489 207

    E: reception@pamsaunders-wardpsychology.com.au