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Package 10 : Combined Child and Youth Autism and ADHD Combined Assessment
- This package is available for children aged 6 years and older.
- At Brilliant Minds Psychology, we offer a unique and comprehensive assessment experience for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We follow a gold standard approach to assessment, ensuring the highest quality evaluation. ASD is a developmental disability that affects individuals of all ages. It is characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, difficulties in building and maintaining relationships, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and often sensory sensitivity. These difficulties can significantly impact various aspects of an individual's life, including home, school, and community interactions.
- ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development at home, school, and in the community. ADHD commonly coexists with ASD, making it essential to assess their presence simultaneously.
- Our dual assessment approach provides a comprehensive understanding of a child's cognitive strengths and areas of need, along with recommendations for school and learning support. It is important to note that this assessment does not guarantee a diagnosis of ASD and ADHD. Please be aware that school visits are not included in this package.
- The Comprehensive Child Autism and ADHD Assessment package includes the following sessions:
- Session 1: Parent Only Clinical Interview using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the DSM-5-TR ASD and ADHD Criteria (3 Hours)
- This session involves a comprehensive interview with parents/guardians to gather essential information. No children are required to attend this intake session.
- Session 2: Assessment Session with Child - Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) (1 Hour)
- This session focuses on conducting an assessment using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule.
- Session 3: Cognitive Assessment with Child - WPPSI-IV or WISC-V (2 Hours)
- This session is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and involves assessing cognitive abilities.
- Session 4: Attention Assessment with Child:
- For ages 5-7 years: Test of Everyday Attention-2 (TEA-Ch2) (1 Hour)
- OR
- For ages 8 years and older: Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT-3) and Conners Auditory Test of Attention (CATA) (1 Hour)
- Session 5: Parent/Guardian Feedback Session (1 Hour)
- In this session, the results and findings of the assessment will be discussed with the parent/guardian.
- A comprehensive written report encompassing both Autism and ADHD assessments will be provided as part of this package. Please note that the report writing process typically takes two to three weeks. However, if the assessment is conducted with a Provisional Psychologist, the report writing turnaround time is four weeks.
Having an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment with a psychologist can be useful in several ways:
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly impact daily functioning. An assessment by a psychologist with training in assessment of ADHD can help determine whether an individual meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A proper diagnosis is important for understanding the individual's challenges, providing appropriate interventions, and accessing support services.
Intervention planning: An ADHD assessment provides valuable information about the individual's specific symptoms, impairments, and associated difficulties. This information helps in developing an individualised intervention plan. Intervention options for ADHD may include behavioral interventions, psychoeducation, medication options (need to refer for psychiatrist assessment), organisational strategies, and lifestyle modifications. An accurate assessment helps tailor these interventions to the individual's needs, maximizing their effectiveness.
Identifying co-occurring conditions: ADHD often co-occurs with other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood conditions. A comprehensive assessment can help identify any co-occurring conditions, allowing for a more holistic understanding of the individual's difficulties and guiding the selection of appropriate interventions. Addressing co-occurring conditions alongside ADHD can lead to improved outcomes and overall well-being.
Educational accommodations and support: A formal ADHD diagnosis can qualify individuals for educational accommodations and support services in school or TAFE or university settings. These accommodations may include extended time for exams, preferential seating, note-taking assistance, or access to resource programs or support services. The assessment helps establish the need for such accommodations and supports, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary resources to succeed academically.
Self-awareness and self-management: An ADHD assessment can increase self-awareness and understanding of one's strengths and challenges. It helps individuals recognise their ADHD-related difficulties, such as time management, organisation, and impulse control. With this awareness, individuals can develop strategies and coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms effectively, enhance their self-management skills, and improve overall functioning.
Family and social support: An ADHD assessment not only benefits the individual but also their family and social networks. It helps family members understand the nature of ADHD, its impact on daily life, and appropriate ways to provide support. It also allows for the development of strategies and interventions that promote positive family dynamics and improved social relationships.
An ADHD assessment conducted by a psychologist with training in ADHD can lead to an accurate diagnosis, guide treatment planning, identify co-occurring conditions, provide access to educational accommodations, promote self-awareness and self-management, and facilitate family and social support. These outcomes contribute to better understanding, intervention, and overall well-being for individuals with ADHD
Intervention planning: An ADHD assessment provides valuable information about the individual's specific symptoms, impairments, and associated difficulties. This information helps in developing an individualised intervention plan. Intervention options for ADHD may include behavioral interventions, psychoeducation, medication options (need to refer for psychiatrist assessment), organisational strategies, and lifestyle modifications. An accurate assessment helps tailor these interventions to the individual's needs, maximizing their effectiveness.
Identifying co-occurring conditions: ADHD often co-occurs with other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood conditions. A comprehensive assessment can help identify any co-occurring conditions, allowing for a more holistic understanding of the individual's difficulties and guiding the selection of appropriate interventions. Addressing co-occurring conditions alongside ADHD can lead to improved outcomes and overall well-being.
Educational accommodations and support: A formal ADHD diagnosis can qualify individuals for educational accommodations and support services in school or TAFE or university settings. These accommodations may include extended time for exams, preferential seating, note-taking assistance, or access to resource programs or support services. The assessment helps establish the need for such accommodations and supports, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary resources to succeed academically.
Self-awareness and self-management: An ADHD assessment can increase self-awareness and understanding of one's strengths and challenges. It helps individuals recognise their ADHD-related difficulties, such as time management, organisation, and impulse control. With this awareness, individuals can develop strategies and coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms effectively, enhance their self-management skills, and improve overall functioning.
Family and social support: An ADHD assessment not only benefits the individual but also their family and social networks. It helps family members understand the nature of ADHD, its impact on daily life, and appropriate ways to provide support. It also allows for the development of strategies and interventions that promote positive family dynamics and improved social relationships.
An ADHD assessment conducted by a psychologist with training in ADHD can lead to an accurate diagnosis, guide treatment planning, identify co-occurring conditions, provide access to educational accommodations, promote self-awareness and self-management, and facilitate family and social support. These outcomes contribute to better understanding, intervention, and overall well-being for individuals with ADHD