Psychological Assessments
Psychological assessment can help make sense of how a person thinks, learns, communicates and experiences the world. We offer cognitive and neurodevelopmental assessments for autism and ADHD for adolescents and adults. We continue to expand our offerings.
No two people need exactly the same assessment, so we tailor the process to you wherever possible in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed way. We’re happy to provide clients with social scripts and illustrations of each assessment step and what it involves, as well as regular updates on progress through the process. We can offer telehealth appointments, break appointments into shorter sessions, and gather as much information from external sources as possible if some things are hard to talk about.
Not sure which assessment is right for you?
You don’t need to know exactly what you need before getting in touch. We can help work out the most appropriate assessment based on the questions you would like answered.
Get in touchA cognitive assessment looks at how a person processes and works with information. It can help identify an individual's pattern of strengths and differences across areas such as verbal and visual reasoning, problem solving, working memory and processing speed. It may be useful when exploring intellectual functioning, giftedness, learning difficulties or educational needs.
Cognitive assessments at Silver Birch Psychology use the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V), or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition (WAIS-5), depending on age.
- Pre-interview questionnaires to gather relevant information.
- A 50 min. interview to clarify the questions you would like answered and gather history.
- 60-90 min. of 1:1 cognitive testing, which can be broken into shorter sessions if needed.
- A 50 min. feedback session to walk through the results and answer any questions.
- A comprehensive report detailing findings, tailored recommendations and resources.
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Cognitive assessments are currently available for young people aged 12 years and older.
Silver Birch Psychology does not currently offer learning disorder or academic functioning assessments. We work closely with a trusted educational assessment service that may be able to assist, with results from both services incorporated into a single report for your convenience.
An ADHD assessment explores lifelong patterns of attention, organisation, activity level and impulse control, and the impact these have across everyday life.
Our assessment approach is informed by the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD, which emphasises clinician interview, rating scales and information from multiple sources.
For those who "just want to know", we offer a lower cost option where you will be provided with a diagnostic letter summarising your results.
For those seeking tailored recommendations or who require formal documentation to access medication or support, we offer a comprehensive report option.
- Pre-interview questionnaires sent to you and two informants, where appropriate.
- Screening for co-occurring conditions including autism, anxiety and depression.
- A 50 min. structured ADHD interview with you, and an informant where appropriate.
- Collation of additional information provided, which may include school reports, past assessments and GP correspondence.
- A 50 min. feedback session to discuss findings, recommendations and next steps.
- A diagnostic letter or comprehensive report.
Considering ADHD medication? Psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD, but cannot prescribe medication. If medication is your main reason for seeking assessment, we suggest talking to your GP about the most cost-effective pathway for assessment. We are also happy to provide further information on your options.
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Cognitive assessment add-on: Cognitive testing is not required for an ADHD diagnosis, although it may be useful where there are additional questions about intellectual functioning. A cognitive assessment can be added to your ADHD assessment any time prior to the commencement of report writing if you feel it would be helpful.
Autism assessment add-on: We routinely screen for autism as part of an ADHD assessment, as the two commonly co-occur. Where indicated, or where it would be useful to you, we can add an autism assessment at any stage prior to the commencement of report writing, and we’ll simply adjust the fee to the combined ADHD and autism assessment rate detailed on our Fees and Referrals page.
An autism assessment explores a person's lifelong pattern of social communication, relationships, sensory experiences, interests, routines, flexibility and ways of interacting with the world. Assessment considers both strengths and areas where a person may need greater understanding or support.
Our assessment approach is informed by the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia. Autism-specific tools may include structured developmental interviews, observational assessment and validated rating measures selected for the individual. Tools support clinical judgement rather than providing a diagnosis by themselves.
For those who "just want to know", we offer a lower cost diagnostic letter detailing your results.
For those seeking greater insight into their individual profile, tailored recommendations and documentation appropriate for support and funding applications including the NDIS, we recommend our comprehensive report option.
- Pre-interview questionnaires sent to you and two informants, where appropriate.
- Screening for co-occurring conditions including ADHD.
- Standardised assessment of functioning.
- A 50 min. structured interview and assessment with you.
- A 50 min. structured interview with an informant, where appropriate.
- Collation of additional information provided, including school reports, past assessments and correspondence.
- A 50 min. feedback session to discuss findings, recommendations and next steps.
- A diagnostic letter or comprehensive report.
A collaborative approach. Best-practice autism assessment considers information from more than one perspective. The Australian National Guideline recommends a multidisciplinary approach depending on the person's needs and diagnostic complexity. Gen may seek or recommend input from a paediatrician, psychiatrist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist or another treating professional where appropriate.
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Cognitive assessment add-on: As part of an autism assessment, it can be important to consider intellectual functioning and a person's broader cognitive profile. Cognitive testing may be suggested to you where there are questions about your intellectual functioning or cognitive profile. Cognitive testing can also be included where you would find this information helpful.
ADHD assessment add-on: We routinely screen for ADHD as part of an autism assessment, as the two commonly co-occur. Where indicated, or where it would be useful to you, we can add an ADHD assessment at any stage prior to the commencement of report writing, and we’ll simply adjust the fee to the combined ADHD and autism assessment rate detailed on our Fees and Referrals page.
Silver Birch Psychology is closely monitoring recent and proposed changes to the NDIS. Our comprehensive assessment reports can be used as supporting evidence when applying for NDIS funding; however, we cannot guarantee eligibility or acceptance. If you are undertaking an assessment specifically to support an NDIS application, please let us know so we can ensure the assessment appropriately considers and documents functional capacity and support needs.
A combined autism and ADHD assessment explores both possibilities together, recognising that autism and ADHD commonly co-occur and can overlap in areas such as executive functioning, sensory experiences, social communication and emotional regulation. Assessing both at the same time allows us to build a more complete picture of your individual strengths, differences and support needs, while reducing unnecessary duplication across the assessment process.
As with our standalone assessments, we offer a diagnostic letter or a comprehensive report for combined assessments, depending on your individual circumstances and goals for assessment.
If you initially opt for a diagnostic letter but later find that you need a comprehensive report, you’ll only need to pay the difference in fees. There is no need to repeat any part of the assessment.
- Pre-interview questionnaires sent to you and two informants, where appropriate.
- Screening for co-occurring conditions.
- Standardised assessment of functioning.
- Structured interviews and assessments with you and an informant, where practical.
- Collation of additional information provided, including school reports, past assessments and correspondence.
- A feedback session to discuss findings, recommendations and next steps.
- A diagnostic letter or comprehensive report.
More Information
Cognitive assessment add-on: As with our standard assessments, you may request or we may recommend a cognitive assessment for additional clarity, particularly if you intend to apply for funding or supports.
For an overview of our assessment fees, please click here.
The assessment process with Silver Birch Psychology doesn't end when you get your report. A diagnosis can spark a multitude of reactions, so we always provide space to explore your thoughts and feelings, and can support you to share your diagnosis with family and friends.
We prioritise making sense of the findings and what they may mean for everyday life, and can often provide ongoing psychological support where helpful. Gen also enjoys linking people with local allied health practitioners, GPs and other services you may benefit from. All our reports include a list of free resources, and details on how to apply for the NDIS, should you be eligible to do so.
