Thank you for your interest in the assessment process with me - I've written the commonly needed information here with the view of the most easeful and comprehensive providing and receiving of information. Questions are welcome via email at info@elysiathomaspsychology.com
This page covers adult, child, and teenage assessment information. Please note: Some of the info on this page may be subject to change but any changes will be communicated clearly prior to your sessions.
Info on Assessments with me:
Telehealth or In-Person
Assessments can generally be completed via Telehealth or in person in Ringwood.
Exceptions and caveats below:
For children:
If the person being assessed is between 6 and 12 years old it is beneficial, though not essential, to meet with them in person for Autism Assessment (using MIGDAS). This is due to the design of the assessment tool, and the ability for a child of this age to build a strong rapport with myself in an assessment session (which is important for accurate assessments).
It is generally more possible with 12+ year olds to build similar rapport via telehealth as compared with in-person, and the MIGDAS assessment can more easily accomodate an online assessment for this age group.
If a Cognitive Assessment is needed:
If a Cognitive Assessment is needed it is essential to meet in person due to the nature of the assessment tool (see below in pink text at the end of this page for why a Cognitive Assessment may or may not be selected). It is not always necessary to complete a Cognitive Assessment.
Options for Assessments with me:
You can choose to include Autism Assessment, ADHD Assessment, Cognitive Assessment in your package. I am also able to assess for Eating Disorders, c-PTSD and OCD, please enquire with me for more information on this.
Pricing:
Autism only - $2070
Autism and ADHD - $2430
ADHD only - $1620
Autism, ADHD, Cognitive (WISC) - $3050
Autism & Cognitive (WISC) - $2700
ADHD & Cognitive (WISC) - $2040
**Please also refer to the info below 'Important Info on Adult ADHD Assessments' in green text if you are an adult considering an ADHD only assessment.
Please also note: Adult assessment sessions are most often 2-3 interview style sessions, where information for assessments is covered across these sessions in a less-structured and more conversational way. Teenage assessments may follow the format of adult assessment. For a child's assessment, the structure will be guided by intake information and will generally have most sessions with parents, and some without parents. For all assessments there may be additional pre-assessment questionnaires, or other online measures sent for completion online.
Payment splitting:
Payments for assessments are divided over multiple sessions. Typically, the total amount is distributed across the number of sessions. Each assessment consists of 2 to 4 sessions. (please note: each payment amount varies slightly due to its categorization in my payment system, but the overall total cost of assessment remains the same).
Session Duration and Assessment Process Duration
Sessions can vary from 1-2 hours depending on session type. 2 hours is allocated for some sessions, though at times these do conclude slightly earlier.
Reports and Feedback sessions will usually be booked and provided within 2-4 weeks of the second last assessment session, meaning you will have a completed report in that session. These sessions go for 1 hour.
(Please note: This is not a guaranteed timeline, and may change depending on my overall bookings and capacity, or unforeseen sick days for either party. My aim is to provide reports and feedback as quickly as possible understanding that the waiting time once commencing an assessment can feel quite emotionally challenging for most.)
Session Style:
My aim is to conduct assessments that feel truly affirming. I use humour, warmth and lightness (but sessions are also a 'toxic positivity' free zone). Initially we will focus on forming a connection with each other (meaning we will chat about yours or your child/teen's special interests or topics you raise) and then there will be components of our time that will be semi-structured, meaning that sometimes I will direct the conversation to ask specific questions needed for assessment criteria. Most of the time (except within some parts of a Cognitive Assessment) you/your child or teen are able to share thoughts as they arise, interrupt as needed, and ask questions.
It is important to note that my perspective on Autism and ADHD is that self-identification is valid, and if a person is attending a psychological assessment with me and strongly identifies with the criteria and shared experiences of a neurodivergent individual (or their parents feel the same), this will be taken on board in the assessment with the utmost of seriousness and respect.
Choosing which Assessment type
Generally it is recommended for Autism and ADHD Assessments to be combined due to the high co-occurence of these two diagnoses. This is particularly the case for children (for adults it can also be just as valuable to book Autism with a psychologist, ADHD with a psychiatrist). I can provide guidance in the first appointment as to whether a symptom profile is emerging for both, or just one.
Cognitive Assessments are not required to diagnose ADHD or Autism, however they can be useful for school-aged children or anyone who would like to better understand their cognitive profile (refer to the below section with pink text for more info).
Assessment Tools Used
For Autism Assessments, the MIGDAS-2 is used in conjunction with other screening tools such as Vinelands & BRIEF-2/BRIEF-A and sometimes CAT-Q. Importantly, neuroaffirming questioning relating to internalised and masked presentations is prioritised.
For ADHD Assessments, a comprehensive verbal interview is conducted with inclusion of information from screening tools such BRIEF-2/BRIEF-A and Diva/Young Diva and sometimes Vinelands. Again, neuroaffirming questioning relating to internalised and masked presentations is prioritised.
For Cognitive Assessments, the WISC-5 (children) is used. Educational Assessments are conducted using WIAT-3, however, I currently do not have capacity to complete Educational Assessments and will refer you to someone with capacity if this is needed (Please note: I am unable to conduct cognitive or educational assessments on children under 6 years old at this time).
If you would like to book your assessment, please email me.
---- OTHER INFORMATION (please dismiss if not relevant)
Important note on Adult ADHD Assessments -
If you are an adult who is wanting an ADHD Assessment only (without Autism assessment) AND you are wanting to trial medication then the most cost-effective and direct path is to undertake an assessment with psychiatrist (not a psychologist). Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
To do this you see your GP and request a 291 Assessment Referral which you then take to a psychiatrist. It is still important to find an assessing professional who is savvy to internalised and masked ADHD presentations. You are welcome to email me for recommendations.
If you are an adult undertaking an assessment with me (either for Autism, or for both Autism and ADHD) and would like to trial medication, I also recommend you follow the above process in addition to our assessment process, to ensure you can access a psychiatrist as swiftly as possible.
If your assessment is for your child/teenager then a paediatrician is also recommended for medication and medical management, however, they will often request a psychologist's comprehensive assessment. This then means it continues to be worthwhile pursuing an assessment process with me, or an alternative psychologist.
What is a Cognitive assessment and do I (or does my child) need one?
Often those undertaking an ADHD or Autism assessment with a psychologist will be offered or recommended to do a Cognitive assessment. Normally a Cognitive assessment is a WISC-V or WAIS, however, some other cognitive assessments can be used depending on the psychologist.
A Cognitive assessment is not required as part of an ADHD or Autism assessment, and does not form part of the diagnostic criteria for either.
For a child the paediatrician will often request a Cognitive assessment in addition to Autism and/or ADHD assessment. This is because a Cognitive assessment provides useful information in conjunction with these assessments.
If the person being assessed is a child, a Cognitive assessment can be very useful in gaining an understanding of their cognitive strengths and areas of challenge for the purpose of supporting their education. In particular, if the child is appearing to have either higher academic achievement or capacity, or areas of significant notable challenge, then a cognitive assessment (and an Educational assessment such as the WIAT-III) can be very useful to gain a better understanding of the person's unique capacity across many educational and cognitive areas. This can then assist schools to better support this individual.
Adult Cognitive assessments can also be useful for similar reasons, to support university or higher education, or to promote self understanding around neurotype, cognitive strengths/challenges, or any learning challenges such as dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia.
It can add significant cost to the assessment process to engage in the Cognitive and/or Educational assessment.
ADHD & Autism Assessments for internalised/masked presentations.
Up until recently it was often more challenging to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and Autism if a person was female, gender-diverse, multiply neurodivergent, gifted, non-white, or an adult. This is thankfully changing.
Not all professionals identify internalised or masked presentations as yet, so it is recommended to seek out a diagnostic professional (psychologist, psychiatrist or other) who openly advertises as being able to assess 'internalised or masked presentations'. Again, an openly neurodivergent psychologist is also a great idea to explore. If my overall style or availability are not the right fit for you, please feel free to ask me for recommendations of neuroaffirming assessing psychologists or psychiatrists.
What if I want to trial medication (for myself or my child)?
If your main priority is to trial medication for ADHD it is often recommended to focus on getting an appointment with a paediatrician or psychiatrist, depending on the relevant person's age. A paediatrician and psychiatrist can also support with medication for anxiety, OCD, depression, or other co-occuring mental health experiences. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
Can any psychologist conduct assessments and diagnose?
There is a lot of misinformation about this. All psychologists (clinical, counselling, educational and developmental, general, provisional etc.) are trained to conduct assessments and make diagnoses.
It is recommended to seek diagnosis with a psychologist who is highly trained and experienced with ADHD and Autism assessments. Not all psychologists choose this as their area of expertise. It is also great to consider gaining an assessment with a psychologist who is neurodivergent themselves, or a psychologist who describes themselves as neuroaffirming.
Please note, NDIS currently lists clinical psychologists as the only type who can currently assess and diagnose without a multi-disciplinary team, or secondary diagnosing professional (such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist). In most cases, a paediatrician and psychiatrist are already involved in someone's care team, so it is not often a problem to be diagnosed by a general psychologist (or other type of psychologist), but still important to be aware of. It is hoped that NDIS will change their processes to reflect the capacity of all psychologists to effectively assess and diagnose.
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