ASSESSMENTS

The assessment tools that I use are clinically recognised. They provide standardised scores understood by teachers, HSE therapists, and other professionals working with your child. Afterwards you will receive a written report describing: your child’s strengths and needs; assessment details; scores; and recommendations. This provides essential information to help you decide the best course of action for your child. I will take time to talk through my findings in detail with you. Then I will answer any questions you may have and recommend what action to take next. The report will be posted to the parents/guardians of the child or individual within five to eight weeks of the assessment being paid in full. If you wish, I will discuss the findings with your child’s teachers, HSE, and other healthcare providers.

Autism Diagnostic Assessment

I provide best-practice autism diagnostic assessments for both children and adults. The assessment is multi-disciplinary and carried out by a Child & Educational Psychologist. I have expertise in assessing complex and contentious cases; and those where the traditional routes of assessment cause difficulty. This includes: children who are 24+ months old, women & girls with autistic spectrum conditions; adolescents and adults with co-morbid presentations; and children with complex developmental history or backgrounds. I use the clinically recognized ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) and GARS3 as well as a Diagnostic Interview tools questionnaire. For a private assessment to be accepted by the HSE, they require the use of the ADOS-2 tool as well as the assessment to be multi-disciplinary. I will obtain information from your child's educational placement and other professionals working with your child. I provide feedback on the day of the assessment and follow up with a comprehensive written report (within one month), accepted by the HSE, Social Welfare and Department of Education that includes practical recommendations. An information booklet with recommendations and contacts is included with the report. Whether I diagnose autism or not, I will guide you on your next steps. 

Standard Psychology Assessment

A psychology assessment is a formal evaluation, using standardized best-practice tools and standardised questionnaires and developmental assessments; of cognitive skills (learning); adaptive functioning (daily living skills); and behaviour. Cognitive skills assessed include verbal and non-verbal skills, memory, and processing speed. The results of the assessment will show your child's strengths, needs, and recommendations on how to support their learning. The duration of the assessment varies depending on the age of the child and how they progress through the activities.

Attainment Assessment

This includes the evaluations of the standard assessment and adds an assessment of attainment to determine whether the individual has a specific learning disability such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. An educational placement report is sought for the purpose of this assessment. (questionnaire emailed prior to assessment)