Frequently Asked Questions
Assessment
What is the assessment process?
1. An initial intake form to gather brief background information, general developmental history and personal history to determine whether to move forward with assessment. This form was developed to save both financial and time-related costs associated with the identification process. We also determine if we are a good fit to work together, as we have some limits in our scope of practice that may require us to refer you onto a different clinician.
2. Review of previous school reports, and previous documentation or reports if necessary and appropriate.
3. Completion of standardised questionnaires, tests and forms by individual assessed (and parents/teachers where required).
4. Three hour structured interview with yourself.
(Follow -up 15-20 min call or email with a reference/ parent/caregiver, to help with information if an adult)
5. Scoring, interpretation
6. Report preparation and writing
7. Feedback session, one hour (helping interpret your report, as well as offering next steps and how to process your diagnosis moving forward, comes often 4-6 weeks after assessment).
Please note: Costs for your feedback session are not included in the assessment cost.
What assessment tools do you use for the assessment?
We choose to use the MIGDAS-2 and DIVA-5 as our main assessment interview preference. However, we use numerous assessment tools and questionnaires within our assessment and identification battery. These are considered some of the most highly recommended resources for assessment, as they are both comprehensive and can provide detailed information.
How should I prepare for the assessment?
Having accessible reports or detailed information about your childhood/adolescence is always preferred.
Bringing snacks and water for the day of your assessment.
Bringing any comfort items on the day of your assessment.
All you really need to bring is yourself, and ensure you have a support person to take you home and/or prepare to take the day off work as these can be emotionally draining days!
How long will it take?
The assessment itself will be roughly 2-3 hours in-person (or via Telehealth) depending on how much we get through, but you will likely be completing questionnaires in your own time additional to this. We cannot estimate how long these will take you, as it is variable.
How much does it cost altogether and how do you justify this cost?
The costs breakdown for our assessments can be found here
The breakdown of assessment cost overall includes:
Materials purchased
Hourly rate x 3 for assessment
Review of reports, documents and other referral information
Application and administration of assessments
Scoring and interpretation of questionnaires
Discussion/review and synthesizing of informant information (teachers, friends, parents)
Ruling in vs out diagnoses
Report writing (accrued hours)
Written report costs
Do you have payment plans or options for low-income earners?
We can offer payment plans on a fortnightly schedule, however we do need to be informed if you are a low-income earner prior to your assessment date. The release of the report can only occur following payment, so please tell us ASAP so we can ensure the timeline between assessment and receiving your report is not too long!
We also offer the option for clients to have their assessment complete and receive a 2-3 report summary. This is a shorter, briefer version of a full report and may be suited for individuals that are seeking identification without formalised support integration.
What is the difference between a summary report and a detailed report?
A summary report is usually 2-3 pages and will include:
A diagnosis
General recommendations
A brief summary of your main areas of difficulty
A brief summary of your strengths
Identification of assessment tools used
A detailed report is usually 16-20 pages and will include:
The same as the summary report AND
Detailed outlines of sensory impacts
Detailed outlines of communication differences
Detailed outlines of your neurotype and your background information