Autism & ADHD Assessments
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the natural variations in human neurology, both neurotypical (NT) and neurodivergent (ND). Neurodivergent (ND) is a term used to identify individuals whose brains work differently in some way, particularly in the way they process information, understand and respond to the world around them. Here at Rise & Thrive Psychology we are offering a comprehensive assessment to understand your neurotype.
Autism Assessment Sessions
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Initial intake session (2 hours); During this session you will be asked a range of questions about your current circumstances and difficulties. Prior to the initial session, we will send you a range of questionnaires to complete and return. You are welcome to bring a support person to the sessions. For child sessions, it is reccommended that the initial session be parent only to gather background information.
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Subsequent session (90min-120mins); This session is for child (6-17 years) clients ONLY, it involves the cognitive assessment using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V). The WISC-V is used to understand intellectual ability across different domains including verbal comprehension, visual spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory and processing speed.
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Subsequent session/s (2 hours); During these sessions, we will explore traits related to autism using the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2) interview protocol. This involves a semi-structured interview where we ask questions related to areas such as language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, and sensory use and interests.
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Feedback session (1 hour); This is the final session together where we will provide you with a copy of the comprehensive report which contains the results of the questionnaires and interview. During this session we will also discuss next steps in supporting your specific needs.
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ADHD Assessment Sessions
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Initial intake session (2 hours); During this session, we will ask a range of questions about your current circumstances and difficulties. Prior to the initial session, we will send you a range of questionnaires to complete and return. You are welcome to bring a support person. For child sessions, it is reccommended that the initial session be parent only to gather background information.
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Subsequent session (90min-120mins); This session is for child (6-17 years) clients ONLY, it involves the cognitive assessment using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V). The WISC-V is used to understand intellectual ability across different domains including verbal comprehension, visual spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory and processing speed.
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Subsequent session/s (2 hours); During these sessions, we will explore traits related to ADHD using the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults (DIVA-5) interview protocol. To gain the most comprehensive picture of your neurotype, we will ask about traits that have been present in adulthood and childhood. Therefore it can be useful to have a parent, carer, or another safe adult who knew you during childhood (e.g. before you were 12 years old) attend this session. Collateral information will also be sought from school reports (if available).
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Feedback session (1 hour); This is the final session together where we will provide you with a copy of the comprehensive report which contains the results of the questionnaires and interview. During this session we will also discuss next steps in supporting your specific needs.
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An important note about ADHD Assessments
At this time, Psychologist are not able to prescribe medication for any condition or diagnosis. Therefore, if your main goal in getting an ADHD assessment is to trial ADHD medication, we suggest speaking to your GP about a referral to a suitably qualified Psychiatrist or Paediatrician who can complete their own assessment with you.
Some people have no interest in trialling medication and do not need to see a Psychiatrist or Paediatrician and therefore may benefit from having an ADHD assessment completed by a Psychologist and once they obtain their diagnosis, they find it easier to navigate the neurotypical world because they have a better understanding of themselves and why they find certain aspects of life challenging.