ADHD and Cognitive Assessment (Child to Adolescent)

Delivery: Combined Face to Face and Telehealth
Now taking bookings for April 2024
Cost: $1,650.00 (after pay available)

Who is this suitable for:

Children aged 6 to 18 years of age.

Does your child struggle with concentration and is easily distracted? Do they appear fidgety and unable to sit still. Do they often act without thinking or appear forgetful? Do they struggle to control their impulses, struggle to take turns, and interrupt others. Are they always on the go, have a short attention span, or experience difficulty organising themselves and their belongings? Do they appear to have difficulties remembering and following instructions? These are just some of the symptoms of ADHD, a disorder marked with inattentiveness (difficulties concentrating and focusing) and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD can cause significant problems in a child’s life, such as underachievement at school, potential social difficulties, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and a misconception that they are the ‘naughty’ kids.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment involves a set of interviews, cognitive evaluations and observations of the child that involve the input of parents/carers, the child, teachers and other professionals. Not every child displaying hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive behaviours necessarily has ADHD. Many children may unintentionally blurt out remarks, shift rapidly between tasks, or exhibit forgetfulness. To assess ADHD, several critical questions are considered, such as whether the behaviours are persistent and not merely a response to a temporary situation, and whether they occur in various settings or are confined to specific places like the playground.

Psychologists at Immersive carefully analyse the results to ascertain whether the child's behaviour aligns with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).

Why do cognitive testing?

A cognitive evaluation, commonly referred to as an IQ test or psychometric assessment, assists in uncovering a child's learning potential and preferred learning approach. Psychologists utilize cognitive assessments to pinpoint a child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses across various skill domains, encompassing verbal comprehension, visuospatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Cognitive testing provides clarity around possible other diagnoses that might look like ADHD but isn’t (such as other neurodevelopment disorders such as Autism and learning difficulties and disability).

Cognitive testing can:

• Contribute to help identifying learning challenges or disabilities in children, aiding in the development of customized learning plans, and suggesting classroom adjustments.
• Assess a child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses to understand their learning style.
• Gauge the extent and influence of intellectual disabilities on a child's learning, offering practical strategies for classroom support.
• Supply relevant details for school or government funding applications, teaching assistance, and special provisions.
• Recognise intellectual giftedness in children.

What it Includes:

• 1 hour interview with parents (offered via Telehealth or face to face)
• 1 hour feedback session (offered via Telehealth)
• 2 hours of cognitive testing and assessments (in person)
• Parent observer report (able to be completed at home)
• Teacher observer reports (able to be completed outside of sessions)
• Self-report by the child
• Access to school reports and school report review
• Comprehensive Diagnostic summary and Report that provides:
  • Recommendations for school support and environmental adaptations
  • Recommendations on how to support your child.
  • Recommendations for contact with a broader health care team if appropriate
  • Recommendations for ongoing therapeutic support

A non-refundable 50% deposit it required to secure a booking. After pay is available. Full payment is due before the initial session.

Note: You may be eligible for a rebate for a cognitive assessment from your private health insurance, contact them to ascertain if that applies to your level of cover.

Prior to your appointments, if relevant, please provide earlier reports by professionals such as a speech therapist, occupational therapist, pediatrician, school counsellor or psychologist to assist with your child’s assessment. Please also include the last 2 school reports.

If you need further information, our Assessments Manager will be happy to answer your questions. They can be contacted by email at ad***@im**********************.com or call: 0400428593.