ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
When to seek an assessment?
Whether you are seeking an assessment for yourself or your child it is worthwhile investigating diagnoses if behaviour, mood and/or academic performance noticeably deviates from same age peers. Assessments investigate whether symptoms have been present lifelong, regardless of circumstances, and impact functioning significantly, and to a degree that meets DSM 5 diagnostic criteria.
Why choose Cocoon Psychology for an assessment?
At Cocoon, our director, Janelle Nichols provides assessments. Janelle loves working with children and adults and understands that undertaking an assessment can provoke anxiety and feel daunting. We maintain standardised processes whilst also providing a caring approach to help you/your child feel comfortable in all aspects. Janelle uses the most advanced psychometric measures of child and adult cognitive ability, based on recent research in the area of cognitive neuroscience (Pearson et al). It is important to note that an assessment is an investigation of how the mind operates, and uncover learning style, and the profile of strengths and weaknesses unique to individuals. A formulation of results may or may not lead to diagnosis - either way, you will have a deeper understanding of why some things are easier and some things more challenging - you will also gain peace of mind knowing whether diagnosis is applicable.
Whether you are seeking an assessment for yourself or your child it is worthwhile investigating diagnoses if behaviour, mood and/or academic performance noticeably deviates from same age peers. Assessments investigate whether symptoms have been present lifelong, regardless of circumstances, and impact functioning significantly, and to a degree that meets DSM 5 diagnostic criteria.
Why choose Cocoon Psychology for an assessment?
At Cocoon, our director, Janelle Nichols provides assessments. Janelle loves working with children and adults and understands that undertaking an assessment can provoke anxiety and feel daunting. We maintain standardised processes whilst also providing a caring approach to help you/your child feel comfortable in all aspects. Janelle uses the most advanced psychometric measures of child and adult cognitive ability, based on recent research in the area of cognitive neuroscience (Pearson et al). It is important to note that an assessment is an investigation of how the mind operates, and uncover learning style, and the profile of strengths and weaknesses unique to individuals. A formulation of results may or may not lead to diagnosis - either way, you will have a deeper understanding of why some things are easier and some things more challenging - you will also gain peace of mind knowing whether diagnosis is applicable.
At Cocoon we provide neuropsychological services to assess a range of areas listed below:
What is a Continuous Performance test?
A continuous performance test (CPT) is a computerized neuropsychological assessment that measures sustained attention, selective attention, and impulsivity. Participants observe a stream of visual and/or auditory information, and are required to respond to target stimuli and inhibit responses to non-target stimuli. Performance is measured and provides imperative objective measures of ADHD and ADD symptoms.
CPTs are commonly used as a supplementary tool to help diagnose Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder alongside questionnaires. At Cocoon we use the MOXO - CPT and Connors Questionnaires to help gather information to diagnose or rule out ADHD and ADD.
What is a cognitive assessment?
A cognitive assessment is a test that evaluates an individual's mental abilities, such as memory, attention, reasoning, language, and problem-solving skills. It provides a score referred to as an Intelligence Quotient (IQ score) and helps to understand overall cognitive functioning, and to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses which can be useful for diagnosing learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, giftedness and cognitive impairment. At Cocoon we used the WISC-V to assess children and adolescents between the ages of 6 years 0 months through 16 years 11 months. We use the WAIS-V to assess adolescents and adults between the ages of 16 years to 90 years, 11 months.
What is an academic assessment?
Academic assessments identify the level of academic skills compared to peers of the same age. We will typically explore oral language, reading, written expression and mathematics skills. To investigate the presence of specific learning disabilities, both the Cognitive assessment and Academic assessment are necessary.
We may use a range of assessment tools to assess academic skills but often use the WIAT-IV.
What next?
After the psychologist makes her diagnostic formulation, you will meet to discuss the outcome of the assessment and future recommendations. Regardless of the outcome of the diagnostic process, you will always be provided with a comprehensive report that includes individualised and detailed recommendations.
If the assessment is for a young person and you would like the child’s school involved in feedback, we are very happy to accommodate. Janelle’s reports are highly regarded as she is an experienced psychologists, with a strong background in educational settings and supporting NDIS participants. Janelle regularly collaborates with all school systems in Tasmania including Catholic Education, government (DECYP), and Independent schools, and tailors recommendations to suit learning plans. This makes it easy for your child's learning plan to be developed or updated.
To receive an information pack and confirm fees please email [email protected]
- ADHD/ADD (6+ & adults) is assessed via a Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Questionnaires
- Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia are collectively referred to as Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). To identify an SLD a comprehensive educational assessment (WISC V or WAIS V and WIAT IV) is completed.
- Intellectual Disability (ID) is assessed via Cognitive (WISC V/WAIS V) and Adaptive Functioning Assessments (ABAS)
- Intellectual Giftedness is assessed via a Cognitive Assessment (WISC V/WAIS V) and provides an IQ scoreFee ranges from $1400 - $1900
What is a Continuous Performance test?
A continuous performance test (CPT) is a computerized neuropsychological assessment that measures sustained attention, selective attention, and impulsivity. Participants observe a stream of visual and/or auditory information, and are required to respond to target stimuli and inhibit responses to non-target stimuli. Performance is measured and provides imperative objective measures of ADHD and ADD symptoms.
CPTs are commonly used as a supplementary tool to help diagnose Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder alongside questionnaires. At Cocoon we use the MOXO - CPT and Connors Questionnaires to help gather information to diagnose or rule out ADHD and ADD.
What is a cognitive assessment?
A cognitive assessment is a test that evaluates an individual's mental abilities, such as memory, attention, reasoning, language, and problem-solving skills. It provides a score referred to as an Intelligence Quotient (IQ score) and helps to understand overall cognitive functioning, and to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses which can be useful for diagnosing learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, giftedness and cognitive impairment. At Cocoon we used the WISC-V to assess children and adolescents between the ages of 6 years 0 months through 16 years 11 months. We use the WAIS-V to assess adolescents and adults between the ages of 16 years to 90 years, 11 months.
What is an academic assessment?
Academic assessments identify the level of academic skills compared to peers of the same age. We will typically explore oral language, reading, written expression and mathematics skills. To investigate the presence of specific learning disabilities, both the Cognitive assessment and Academic assessment are necessary.
We may use a range of assessment tools to assess academic skills but often use the WIAT-IV.
What next?
After the psychologist makes her diagnostic formulation, you will meet to discuss the outcome of the assessment and future recommendations. Regardless of the outcome of the diagnostic process, you will always be provided with a comprehensive report that includes individualised and detailed recommendations.
If the assessment is for a young person and you would like the child’s school involved in feedback, we are very happy to accommodate. Janelle’s reports are highly regarded as she is an experienced psychologists, with a strong background in educational settings and supporting NDIS participants. Janelle regularly collaborates with all school systems in Tasmania including Catholic Education, government (DECYP), and Independent schools, and tailors recommendations to suit learning plans. This makes it easy for your child's learning plan to be developed or updated.
To receive an information pack and confirm fees please email [email protected]
