Cognitive & Diagnostic Assessments
A comprehensive psychological assessment does two things. It maps how a person thinks - identifying cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty - and, where the clinical picture calls for it, confirms or rules out specific diagnoses.
Assessments are available for children, adolescents and adults, and are tailored to the referral question.
When an assessment can help
Understanding why school, university or work feels harder than it should or why you’re not getting the results you expect
Clarifying a long-suspected difficulty that has never been formally assessed
Distinguishing between conditions that can look similar on the surface - for example ADHD, anxiety, trauma or a learning disorder
Documenting cognitive strengths and weaknesses for educational, workplace or NDIS planning
Confirming or ruling out a specific diagnosis when this will change treatment, support or accommodations
What a cognitive profile can show
General intellectual ability
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Working memory
Processing speed
Attention and executive function
Memory and learning
Academic skills in reading, writing and mathematics where relevant
Diagnoses we can assess for
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Specific Learning Disorders (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
Intellectual disability and intellectual giftedness
Personality presentations, when a formal personality assessment is indicated
Other conditions where cognitive testing forms part of the clinical picture
What the process can look like
Detailed clinical interview covering developmental history, current functioning and other relevant background
Standardised cognitive and diagnostic testing chosen to suit the referral question
Questionnaires completed by the client and, where appropriate, someone who knows them well
Review of school reports, previous assessments and other relevant background
A written report with findings explained in plain language (if requested)
A feedback session to discuss the findings and recommendations
Funding options
Medicare (limited funding options - discuss with your GP)
NDIS (if requested/approved)
Private health insurance (check with your insurer)
Private (self-funded)
Assessmentsa are available in person at Meadows Medical Centre, Mullumbimby.