Assessments

Assessments are tailored to each individual’s needs. Below is an overview of the typical assessment process.

Pre-referral Requirements:

Before an initial consultation, please provide following documents:

• Hearing and Vision Assessments: Recent reports to rule out sensory impairments.
• Previous Assessments and Reports: Any relevant documents from other professionals (e.g., Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Paediatricians). These help provide context for the assessment and build a comprehensive picture of strengths and challenges.

Initial Consultation Session:

The initial consultation is a meeting with Dr Megan Henderson to discuss concerns and background information. For children, this appointment is held with parents / carers only.

During this session, we will:

• Discuss Current Concerns: Explore challenges in areas such as learning, behaviour, attention, social functioning, or emotional wellbeing.
• Review Background Information: Go over relevant developmental, medical, mental health, and educational or work history.
• Establish an Assessment Plan: Outline the areas to be assessed and the methods to be used.
• Clarify Expectations: Discuss timeframes and what to expect throughout the assessment process.
• Answer Questions: Address any queries about the process or how results will be used.

Following the initial consultation, a Service Agreement will be developed based on the individual’s needs and provided prior to commencing the assessment. This process ensures that the assessment is clinically indicated and appropriate before proceeding.

Information Gathering:

To gain a full understanding of the individual’s needs, we collect information from relevant sources, which may include:

• Questionnaires: completed by parents, teachers, partners, caregivers, or the individual themselves.
• Collaboration with Schools or Workplaces (with consent) to gather additional observations and context.

Testing Sessions:

Testing sessions involve standardised assessments tailored to the person’s age and referral concerns. These may include:

• Cognitive Testing: such as the WPPSI-IV, WISC-IV, WAIS-IV/V.
• Academic Achievement Testing: Recent school reports or NAPLAN results (for students) can be helpful.
• Attention and Executive Functioning: Measures such as the Conners Rating Scales completed by parents, teachers, adults or the individual.
• ASD Assessments: Tools such as the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2), Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS) and other appropriate measures to evaluate ASD characteristics.
• Functional Assessments: Assessments such as the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS) and Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales to understand daily living and independence skills.

Behavioural Observations:

Behaviour is observed during assessment sessions to understand how the individual approaches tasks, copes with challenges, and interacts. For children, additional observations may be completed in educational settings if clinically required.

Analysis and Interpretation:

After all components are completed, we:

• Review and interpret test results
• Integrate behavioural observations
• Synthesise information from questionnaires, history, and reports
• Develop diagnostic conclusions (if applicable)

Feedback Session:

The feedback session is an opportunity to discuss:

• Key findings from the assessment
• Any diagnoses (where relevant)
• How the results relate to learning, behaviour. work, or daily functioning
• Practical, tailored recommendations for support, home, school, or work

Questions are encouraged to ensure you feel confident and informed.

Comprehensive Report:

A detailed report is provided after the feedback session. This includes:

• Assessment results and explanations
• Relevant diagnoses (if revenant)
• Recommended supports, strategies, and reasonable adjustments
• Referrals for additional services if needed

The report is designed to be a useful tool for families, schools, workplaces, and other professionals.

At Megan Henderson Psychology, assessment fees are based on our hourly rate of $250.00. Comprehensive assessments generally require 8 to 12 hours to complete, depending on the referral question and the level of detail required.

During the initial consultation, we will discuss your assessment needs, develop a tailored assessment plan, and provide a Service Agreement outlining the fees, structure, and expected timeframe.

Payment Terms: Payment in full is required after the initial parent consultation and before assessment sessions are scheduled. This ensures that all arrangements are confirmed and allows the assessment process to proceed without delay.

Megan Henderson Psychology provides outreach assessment services for regional areas. Please note that travel costs will apply for these services.