With increased awareness of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and it’s unique influence on an individual’s perception, behaviour and social interactions, there is growing demand for quality ADHD and ASD assessments. At VPC we recognise the importance of assessing people who may not have undergone assessments during their earlier years and proudly offer assessments to those individuals 10 years and over. We also offer cognitive assessments (commonly known as IQ tests) for those interested in assessing their cognitive ability.
ADHD Assessments
An attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation, led by a registered psychologist, with training and experience in the assessment of ADHD.
Key components of an ADHD Assessment include:
- An interview,
- Administering specific questionnaires,
- Administering a cognitive assessment (an assessment that evaluates cognitive abilities), and
- Gathering relevant information from other sources and people (with the individual's consent).
An ADHD assessment aims to understand an individual’s developmental history, their current symptoms, and how their symptoms impact on daily functioning. The psychologist uses this information to determine whether an individual meets diagnosis for ADHD. Following this, the psychologist may recommend a treatment plan, which may include psychoeducation and psychological interventions. Sometimes, the assessing psychologist may recommend that the person is referred to a psychiatrist for medication.
Please note that a psychological assessment does not guarantee that an individual will be prescribed medication. The prescribing of medication is at the discretion of the psychiatrist.
We currently offer ADHD Assessments to individuals aged 10 years and over.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments
The key components of an ASD assessment includes:
- An initial interview,
- The psychologist completing specific observations,
- Administering specific assessments for behaviour, cognition, language, and social skills, and
- Collecting relevant collateral information and gathering information about the individual's history (with the individual's consent).
Following the comprehensive assessment, the assessing psychologist provides feedback to the individual, including informing whether the individual meets diagnostic criteria for ASD diagnosis. A report is also prepared and provided that outlines the types of support the individual may benefit from, considering the individual’s unique characteristics and needs.
We currently offer ASD Assessments to individuals aged 10 years and over.
Cognitive Assessments
A cognitive assessment assesses an individual’s cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, problem solving and language skills. A cognitive assessment is commonly known as an IQ test. The assessing psychologist will look at different aspects of the individual’s thinking, including problem solving, memory and processing. The findings of a cognitive assessment, provide an overall picture of an individual’s mental strengths and areas where they may benefit from some additional support.
Cognitive assessments are standardised tests, meaning they are administered and scored in a consistent manner, enabling fair comparison of individuals or groups.
After administering the cognitive assessment, the assessing psychologist will write a report detailing the findings and explain the results to the individual in a feedback session. The psychologist may also suggest ways in which the individual can improve certain skills or recommend things that can make the individual’s everyday life easier. As such, a cognitive assessment can be a helpful process used in education, psychology, and healthcare, to support an individual’s mental wellbeing and learning.
We currently offer Cognitive Assessments to individual’s aged 10 years and over.
