What assessments are available for children and adolescents?
Benchmark Psychology offers assessments for children and adolescents in a range of developmental areas, including:
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger’s Syndrome, and Social Communication Disorder (2+ years)
- Cognitive testing for learning difficulties, dyslexia, memory problems, IQ/intelligence, or cognitive functioning (6-16 years)
- Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (4+ years)
Benchmark Psychology also offer a comprehensive Developmental Assessment Package, inclusive of diagnostic assessment of autism spectrum disorders, cognitive testing, and/or additional referral to our partners at Bloom Therapies for an occupational therapy or speech-language assessment.
What does an assessment include?
Following best practice guidelines, all of our assessment options start with a parent-only intake session. In this session, the clinician will ask you questions around your child's abilities, challenges, and developmental history, and ask you to complete some questionnaires. This session will allow you to learn more about the assessment procedure, and ensure that we tailor the assessment sessions specifically to your child's individual needs.
Your child will then come in for their assessment sessions with the clinician. The number and length of child assessment sessions required will depend on the purpose of the assessment (e.g. ASD, ADHD, cognitive testing).
We also include a parent-only feedback session at the end of all diagnostic or cognitive assessments. In this session, the clinician will provide you with a copy of the written report and talk you through the assessment results and recommendations. You will also be able to ask questions about 'What next?' to make sure you are on the right path after the assessment.
ASD Assessments (4+ yrs)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder commonly diagnosed in early childhood. All children with ASD are unique, although parents often notice that their child has challenges in how they communicate socially and has a narrow range of interests and repetitive behaviours.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is considered the "gold standard" test to assess and diagnose ASD. The assessment is completed in a single session with the child and a trained clinician. The assessment includes tasks such as make-believe and interactive play, conversations and story-telling, emotions and social difficulties. The observation must be conducted using standardised materials and can only be conducted by a trained professionals who have done advanced training is the administration of this test.
If you are worried that your child has ASD, we suggest families start by visiting their GP to talk through the service options. We also offer a single-session ASD Initial Screener to start you on the right track if you are unsure.
Families who are referred for an ASD assessment service by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist can access Medicare rebates through the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) program. A rebate of $84.80 is available for up to four diagnostic or assessment sessions and can all be used on the same day if required. We understand that this process can be confusing , so if you are unsure of your requirements, please contact our reception on (07) 3349 5511 and we will be happy to answer your questions.
Cognitive Assessments (6-16 yrs)
Is your child not making expected progress at school or performing below their potential? Do you feel like there are barriers stopping your child from making progress, or that they struggle with reading, maths, learning new things, or concentration and focus? Are you worried that your child is struggling to fit in because they may be gifted?
A cognitive assessment can help you to understand your child’s thinking skills and their potential, maximize the way they use their cognitive abilities, develop strategies to overcome areas of weakness, and assess learning disorders (e.g. dyslexia, maths disorder) or attention problems (e.g. ADHD).
At Benchmark Psychology, we have access to a number of different assessment tools, including the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT), Children's Memory Scale (CMS), California Verbal Learning Test (CVTL-Child), Conners 3, and others.
We understand that cognitive assessments can be overwhelming for many families. To make the journey easier, we provide assessments in a relaxed environment and a with straight-forward assessment process. Your clinician will step you through the assessment options and explain which assessments are required to meet your individual needs.
ADHD Assessments (4+ yrs)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition that can make it challenging for children and adolescents to pay attention, focus and complete tasks, organise themselves, control impulsive behaviours, and even sit still.
Parents often notice that their child is struggling to complete schoolwork, never seems to listen, is not reaching their potential, or seems to be unable to control their behaviour at home or school.
If you are worried that your child has ADHD, we suggest families start by visiting their GP or paediatrician to talk through the service options. Otherwise you can give us a call on (07) 3349 5511 and book in for an initial appointment to get started straight away.