Assessments
Psychological assessments provide a structured way of clarifying questions about how a person thinks, learns,
relates to others and the world, and manages emotions in everyday life.
Often, they are sought to clarify whether a person may be neurodiverse.
At Shared Journey Psychology, assessments are thoughtfully structured to develop an understanding of the whole person, including their strengths, challenges, and factors contributing to difficulties, and how these impact on daily life. This is essential to guide individualised recommendations.
If a diagnosis is reached, we understand that this brings many emotions for the person and family. We guide you through next steps and provide space to process what this means.
Assessments involve several sessions, including an initial consultation to clarify questions and concerns, several assessment sessions, a feedback session, and a comprehensive report.
ADHD Assessments
An ADHD assessment explores attention, regulation, executive functioning, and patterns of behaviour
across settings.
The assessment process includes:
- Clinical interviews to obtain detailed
developmental history - Standardised questionnaires
- Cognitive and executive functioning measures
- Information from school or other professionals when appropriate
ADHD assessments may be helpful to clarify concerns about:
- Ongoing difficulties with focus or organisation
- Emotional regulation challenges
- High levels of distractibility or restlessness
- Impulsive and / or explosive behaviours
- Long-standing patterns of underperformance despite ability
Autism Assessments
Autism assessments explore social communication, sensory experiences, patterns of thinking and behaviours, language differences, and behavioural preferences across development.
The assessment process includes:
- Clinical interviews to obtain detailed
developmental history - Clinical observation (where appropriate)
- Standardised assessment tools (ADOS or MIDGAS)
- Questionnaires and collateral information (where relevant)
Autism assessments may be helpful to understand:
- Longstanding social communication differences
- Sensory sensitivities
- A strong preference for predictability or routine
- Difficulties in establishing and maintain social connections
- Emotion dysregulation
Cognitive & Educational Assessments
Cognitive assessments are helpful to understand the cognitive strengths and difficulties of a person while educational assessments aim to clarify difficulties in learning, including reading, writing, or mathematics. Assessment findings can provide practical guidance for school, university, or workplace adjustments.
The assessment process includes:
- Clinical interviews to obtain detailed
developmental history - Cognitive and executive functioning measures
- Academic achievement measures (e.g. reading, writing, mathematics)
- Information from school or other professionals when appropriate
These assessments may help clarify:
- Learning strengths and challenges
- Cognitive profile
- The presence of specific learning differences
- Educational support needs
Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch to arrange an appointment or request a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Where to find us
6 Mornington-Tyabb Road
Tyabb VIC 3913
info@sharedjourneypsychology.com.au