ASSESSMENTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Do you have questions about your child’s behaviour or functioning? 

• Is it normal for my child to dislike going to school? What is contributing to my child’s dislike of going to school?
• Is my child learning in the same way as their peers?
• Does my child have trouble sitting still more than other children?
• Is my child performing better than their peers?
• Is there a problem with my child’s attention?
• Can I be doing anything more to support my child’s learning needs?

While assessments are a really helpful way to explore some of these, we understand that assessments can feel intimidating. Parents often worry about what the process will involve and whether it will truly benefit their child. At Mind Matters, our approach is centered on providing personalised, insightful services that prioritise your comfort. Our clinic rooms are designed to be child-friendly and create a calming environment, ensuring that you and your child feel safe to openly discuss any challenges. We will always be transparent and explain our assessment process clearly, helping you understand exactly what to expect.

How does an assessment work?

Our transparent, 7-step assessment process is designed to be child-friendly and calming and provide you with detailed insights.

1. Pre-assessment questionnaire 
Prior to the first appointment, we send a set of pre-assessment questions to parents to gather information about the child and the concerns that are present.

2. Interview session 
We conduct an interview with the parent/s to understand concerns, discuss in greater depth what the assessment will cover, and decide on the most suitable assessment to address the concerns. 

3. Testing session 
We have a dedicated session with the child to administer assessment tools relevant to the concerns raised by the parent/s. Depending on the nature of the assessment, 1-2 testing sessions are required. 

4. Gathering collateral information
We send online forms to parents and teachers to get information regarding the child’s social-emotional-behavioural functioning. This helps us gain a thorough understanding of what they are experiencing and how this might relate to any initial concerns.

5. Compiling test scores and information
Following the testing phase, we score and interpret the assessments and collate the results to generate a comprehensive overview.

6. Composing a report
We compose a detailed report that incorporates the assessment outcomes, insights from the interviews, and an analytical perspective on the collected data and relevant recommendations. 

7. Feedback session 
We’ll hold a feedback session to review the report and any potential diagnoses and recommendations. Additional feedback sessions can be arranged by the parent if required at the clinician’s hourly rate.

5 types of assessments we offer

1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments
• Identifies if a child meets DSM-V diagnostic criteria

2. Cognitive assessments
• Evaluates thinking and reasoning abilities
• Identifies giftedness or intellectual disabilities
• Determines suitability for gifted programs or learning support

3. Learning/educational assessments
• Explores academic abilities
• Detects learning difficulties (reading, mathematics)

4. School readiness assessments
• Evaluates social, emotional, and physical development
• Informs school entry decisions

5. Highschool and HSC Preparation Assessments
• Explores young peoples’ academic and emotional functioning as they enter their senior years
• Provides support strategies for managing HSC stressors

Assessments may include the following tests:

– Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth edition (WISC-V)
– Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third edition (WIAT-III)
– Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth edition (WPPSI-IV)
– Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System – Third edition (ABAS-3)
– Conners – Fourth edition
– Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Young People (Young DIVA-5)
– Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA)
– Behaviour Assessment System for Children – Third edition (BASC-3)
– Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales – Third edition

What happens after the assessment?

Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a report with the results as well as a comprehensive list of recommendations for both home and school. These recommendations are based on a thorough investigation of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and can help you understand them better, find them the right support and intervene where necessary to help them reach their full potential.

Have a question about our fees or want to book an assessment for your child?
Contact our friendly team today or give us a call on (02) 8080 9601.