At the risk of oversimplifying, I like to say that something is a problem if it is causing a problem. So If you are noticing that your child is having issues that are getting in the way of learning and thriving then it might be worthwhile investigating. Some examples would include:

-       Difficulties connecting with their peers. 

-       Issues managing emotions, including regular ‘meltdowns’

-       Displaying challenging behaviors, being impulsive and not thinking things through, getting in trouble at a home and/or at school 

-       Having learning difficulties. This may include difficulty keeping up with their peers, or it may be that you notice that your child’s ability doesn’t seem to match with their academic results. 

-       Difficulty coping in the class environment, including trouble focusing on work, remaining still or concentrating and completing school work. 

The aim of the assessment process would be to work out what is going on for your child and identify what supports would be required in order to help them reach their full potential. 

In these assessments we look at your child’s cognitive abilities (also known as IQ testing), and we also investigate their academic abilities (i.e. how they are actually going across areas such as mathematics, reading, spelling, comprehension). This testing can highlight things such as:

-       Specific learning disorders. These include difficulties with reading (dyslexia), writing and mathematics 

-       Giftedness

-       Learning anxiety 

-       Intellectual disability 

While these are lifelong conditions, there is evidence that early intervention can improve outcomes. Also, as a child gets older and the academic demands increase we are able to communicate with the school to accommodate the child’s need and ‘level the playing field’ so they are not at a disadvantage when compared to their peers. 

Sometimes we have a child that is gifted and requires a more tailored approach to learning. Identifying giftedness can assist to get your child into the best learning environment, and reduce the likelihood of boredom and associated challenging behaviours or loss of motivation. 

Identifying intellectual disability will assist to ensure your child is receiving the level of support that they require. Having access to the best levels of support will assist your child to have a fulfilling school experience and work to improve independence. 

No not necessarily. I recognise that testing is a big investment for families and can be time consuming. Each assessment is tailored to suit individual needs. I strive not to over-service clients and will not recommend any services that are not clinically required or that might be unnecessary.

This testing can identify: Intellectual disability, Specific learning disorders, Giftedness and Learning anxiety

These assessments aid in the identification of: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Oppositional Defiance Disorder and/or Conduct Disorder