DIAGNOSTIC & ASSESSMENT SERVICES
All assessment services are currently completed by Janelle Nichols. Wait time is generally 6 weeks. Below is an outline of assessment services provided and applicable fees.
Enquiries to [email protected]
COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN
A cognitive assessment investigates strengths and weaknesses in how someones brain works; including verbal comprehension, memory, processing speed, reasoning, visual and spatial abilities, academic performance and the ability to function independently in the world.
ASSESSING INTELLIGENCE including GIFTEDNESS & INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Assessments of intelligence involve the use of highly regarded standardised and normed assessment tools developed by Wechsler. Subtests measure auditory and visual working memory, the ability to reason, verbal comprehension, processing speed and visual spatial abilities
ASSESSING LEARNING DISABILITIES including DYSELXIA, DYSCALCULIA & DYSGRAPHIA.
Learning disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia) are now collectively called Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD).
We utilise the following evidence-based standardised instruments :
WAIS IV: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is a Cognitive Assessment used to identify an adults Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and is used in conjunction with the ABAS to assess intellectual disability.
WISC V : The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children is a Cognitive Assessment used to identify a child's Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and is used in conjunction with the ABAS to assess intellectual disability.
WIAT III: The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test is a Children's Performance and Learning assessment, used in conjunction with the WISC V to aid diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia).
ABAS III: The Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System is used to assess functional capacity when investigating intellectual abilities and limitations.
FEE OPTIONS
ATTENTION DEFICIT & HYPERACTIVITY DISORDERS
Assessing ADHD and making a diagnosis aligned with DSM 5 diagnostic requirements is an involved process. It entails gathering observational information about children’s behaviour in at least two different settings, usually school and home, as well as measuring attention and hyperactivity.
FEE OPTIONS
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
We do not offer Autism assessments at this time. We recommend that you contact the Tasmanian Autism Diagnostic Service to access this free service. Rosie's Psychology also offer fee based private ADHD & ASD assessments.
Enquiries to [email protected]
COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN
A cognitive assessment investigates strengths and weaknesses in how someones brain works; including verbal comprehension, memory, processing speed, reasoning, visual and spatial abilities, academic performance and the ability to function independently in the world.
- Cognitive assessments enable psychologists to diagnose intellectual disability, and learning disorders including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia & Dysgraphia or giftedness.
- Results are often utilised to inform the adjustments required to support a child or adult in the education or workplace setting. They may also be used to support application for NDIS assistance.
ASSESSING INTELLIGENCE including GIFTEDNESS & INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Assessments of intelligence involve the use of highly regarded standardised and normed assessment tools developed by Wechsler. Subtests measure auditory and visual working memory, the ability to reason, verbal comprehension, processing speed and visual spatial abilities
- The WISC V or WAIS IV generally takes 45-60 minutes.
- Tasks are completed via a combination of iPad, hands on and pencil and paper format.
- Participants/parents also complete a questionnairre about developmental history.
- The process identifies intellectual strengths, challenges and learning styles.
- Giftedness is tested with the WISC V (children) or WAIS IV (adults).
- Intellectual disability (ID) is tested with the WISC V (children) or WAIS IV (adults) & the ABAS III. The process to diagnose ID is more involved as an assessment of Adaptive Behaviour (ABAS) is required to confirm diagnosis.
- If ID is confirmed, participants will be eligble for the NDIS.
ASSESSING LEARNING DISABILITIES including DYSELXIA, DYSCALCULIA & DYSGRAPHIA.
Learning disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia) are now collectively called Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD).
- People with SLD's generally have average or above average IQ but their performance on specific academic tasks like, reading, maths, or writing, being significantly lower than expected.
- To assess a learning disability in children both a WISC V (IQ assessment) and WIAT III (academic assessment) are required.
- To assess a learning disability in adults both a WAIS V (IQ assessment) and WIAT III (academic performance) are required.
- An IQ assessment is required to rule out Intellectual Disability.
- Even though an SLD can cause significant impairment in specific areas of learning, diagnosis of an SLD does not provide eligibility for the NDIS.
We utilise the following evidence-based standardised instruments :
WAIS IV: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is a Cognitive Assessment used to identify an adults Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and is used in conjunction with the ABAS to assess intellectual disability.
WISC V : The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children is a Cognitive Assessment used to identify a child's Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and is used in conjunction with the ABAS to assess intellectual disability.
WIAT III: The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test is a Children's Performance and Learning assessment, used in conjunction with the WISC V to aid diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia).
ABAS III: The Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System is used to assess functional capacity when investigating intellectual abilities and limitations.
FEE OPTIONS
- $1200: This fee applies if only one assessment tool is required e.g., WISC V only. Ascertains IQ.
- $2000: This fee applies when two assessment tools are required e.g., WISC V and WIAT III or WISC V and ABAS. This fee applies when looking to diagnose Specific Learning Disabilties (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia) or Intellectual Disabilities.
- $2600: This fee applies when three assessment tools are required e.g., WISC V, WIAT III and ABAS III.
ATTENTION DEFICIT & HYPERACTIVITY DISORDERS
Assessing ADHD and making a diagnosis aligned with DSM 5 diagnostic requirements is an involved process. It entails gathering observational information about children’s behaviour in at least two different settings, usually school and home, as well as measuring attention and hyperactivity.
- As such parents and teachers complete questionnaires (Connors forms often sent via email).
- In addition, a person's sustained attention and distractibility is also assessed using an objective measure called a continuous performance test (MOXO-CPT).
FEE OPTIONS
- $800 : This fee applies if a Cognitive Assessment has already been completed by Janelle, and all services are completed at Cocoon office. The rate is reduced as there is no requirement to travel or read other reports.
- $1200: This fee applies if a Cognitive Assessment has been completed by a different therapist, and/or if services are to be completed within a school. The fee is higher to account for time spent travelling and reading existing reports.
- $2400: This fee applies if a WISC V or WAIS IV assessment is also required. Note, Janelle Nichols requires an IQ assessment prior to assessing ADHD, to rule in-out intelllectual causes for divergent behaviour (e.g., poor memory, comprehension, processing speed etc). For children this fee includes the WISC V, Connors and MOXO. For adults this fee includes the WAIS IV, Connors and MOXO.
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
We do not offer Autism assessments at this time. We recommend that you contact the Tasmanian Autism Diagnostic Service to access this free service. Rosie's Psychology also offer fee based private ADHD & ASD assessments.
