Assessment Services

Your Mind Matters provides various assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Services available include psychological, educational, and neurodevelopmental assessments that involve multiple methods of gathering information such as interviews, observations, formal testing and questionnaires. Assessments at Your Mind Matters will provide individuals with insight and validation, a better understanding of their strengths, differences and challenges, and access to necessary supports and adjustments.

Autism Assessments

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder and brain-style difference that influences how an individual socialises, communicates, thinks, and processes information. Autistic people experience and interact with the world differently than non-Autistic people including (but not limited to) a preference for minimal eye contact, talking passionately about their interests, security in routines, self-stimulatory behaviour (i.e., stimming). Given their pattern of differences, Autistic people can find it challenging to naturally connect with neurotypical people, manage unexpected changes and/or filter out sensory sensations. In addition to recognising strengths and differences, a comprehensive neurodiversity-affirming assessment identifies whether an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5-TR, which could assist with gaining access to NDIS, or other funding opportunities.

Autism assessments at Your Mind Matters can vary depending on the individual, their needs and referral reason; however, the process typically involves the components below. An autism assessment can also be combined with an ADHD assessment as they commonly co-occur. An assessment of cognitive abilities and/or academic achievement can also be added if necessary. Please get in touch with the clinic to discuss tailoring the assessment specific to your needs. Your assessment will also be discussed with you in your first session with your clinician.

Assessment instruments used with young people often include:

  • Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum – Second Edition (MIGDAS-2)
  • Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
  • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2)
  • Childhood Autism Rating Scale – Second Edition (CARS-2)
  • Social Responsiveness Scale – Second Edition (SRS-2)
  • Gilliam Autism Rating Scale – Third Edition (GARS-3)
  • Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale – Third Edition (Vineland-3)

What’s The Process?

Assessment instruments used with young people often include:

  • Pre-assessment questionnaire: to be completed before session 1 to provide background information about the young person, their health, well-being, and reason for assessment.
  • Session 1: Intake session with your clinician to gain an in-depth understanding of any queries/concerns, as well as assessment goals and needs (1 hour).
  • Session 2: Clinical interview with parent/carer and young person (if appropriate) based on diagnostic criteria (2 hours).
  • Session 3: Direct play/interaction and observations with the young person (1 hour)
  • Standardised questionnaires and collateral: a variety of parent/carer, teacher, and self-report (if appropriate) questionnaires will be sent out to collect further information. Relevant documentation (e.g., previous assessments, medical records, and school reports) will be reviewed and other professionals (e.g., teacher, paediatrician, psychologist, occupational therapist etc.) will be consulted (2 hours).
  • Written report: Completion of a tailored, comprehensive report that includes all assessment results, any relevant diagnosis, and recommendations for support (6 hours).
  • Session 4: Feedback and discussion of assessment outcomes and path forward (1.5 hours). This typically occurs 4 weeks after the last assessment session.

Cost: The base fee for a child and adolescent autism assessment is $2,970* This is determined by 13.5 hours of professional work. Medicare rebates may be available if a referral under ‘Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Eligible Disabilities’ by a paediatrician or psychiatrist is provided.

Assessment instruments used with adults often include:

  • Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum – Second Edition (MIGDAS-2) or another diagnostic interview (e.g. Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
  • Social Responsiveness Scale – Second Edition (SRS-2)
  • Gilliam Autism Rating Scale – Second Edition (under 22yo; GARS-3)
  • Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)
  • World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0)

What’s The Process?

The typical assessment process for adults involves:

  • Pre-assessment questionnaire: To be completed before session 1 to provide background information about you, your health, well-being, and reason for assessment.
  • Session 1: Initial intake session to gain an in-depth understanding of any queries/concerns, as well as assessment goals and needs (1 hour).
  • Session 2: Clinical interview based on diagnostic criteria (2.5 hours).
  • Session 3 (if required): in-depth review of mental and/or physical health (1 hour).
  • Standardised questionnaires and collateral: a variety of self, parent, carer and/or relative questionnaires will be sent out to collect further information. Relevant documentation (e.g., previous assessments, medical records, and school reports) will be reviewed and other professionals (e.g., doctor, psychologist, occupational therapist etc.) will be consulted (2 hours).
  • Written report: Completion of a tailored, comprehensive report that includes all assessment results, any relevant diagnosis, and recommendations for support (6 hours).
  • Session 4: Feedback and discussion of assessment outcomes and path forward (1.5 hours). This typically occurs 4 weeks after the last assessment session.

Autistic traits in adulthood and childhood will be reviewed, therefore, you may be requested to bring a parent, partner, carer, or other adult who knew you during childhood to some of the assessment appointments (e.g., Session 2). This will be discussed with you during your first session with your clinician.

Cost: The base fee for an adult autism assessment is $2,860*. This is determined by 13 hours of professional work. Medicare rebates may be available for individuals under 25 years of age if a referral under ‘Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Eligible Disabilities’ by a paediatrician or psychiatrist is provided.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessments

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition and brain-style difference that affects an individual’s self-regulation, executive function, attention and/or impulsivity. ADHDers experience and interact with the world in a unique way including (but not limited to) high energy, noticing a lot of things at once and focusing intensely on things they enjoy. This can make it challenging for ADHDers to be still, focus on one thing at a time, get started with tasks and/or sustain attention during activities that they are not interested in. In addition to recognising strengths and differences, a comprehensive neurodiversity-affirming assessment identifies whether an individual meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.

ADHD assessments at Your Mind Matters can vary depending on the individual, their needs and referral reason; however, the process typically involves the components below. An ADHD assessment can also be combined with an autism assessment as they commonly co-occur. An assessment of cognitive abilities and/or academic achievement can also be added if necessary. Please get in touch with the clinic to discuss tailoring the assessment specific to your needs.

Assessment instruments used with young people often include:

  • Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Young People (Young DIVA-5)
  • Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
  • Conners – Fourth Edition (Conners-4)
  • Behavior Assessment for Children – Third Edition (BASC-3)

The typical assessment process for young people involves:

  • Pre-assessment questionnaire: To be completed before session 1 to provide background information about the young person, their health, well-being, and reason for assessment.
  • Session 1: Initial intake to gain an in-depth understanding of any queries/concerns, as well as assessment goals and needs (1 hour).
  • Session 2: Clinical interview with parent/carer and young person (if appropriate) based on diagnostic criteria (1.5 hours).
  • Session 3: Direct play/interaction and observations with the young person (1 hour).
  • Standardised questionnaires and collateral: A variety of parent/carer, teacher, and self-report (if appropriate) questionnaires will be sent out to collect further information. Relevant documentation (e.g., previous assessments, medical records, and school reports) will be reviewed and other professionals (e.g., paediatrician, teacher, psychologist, etc.) will be consulted (2 hours).
  • Written report: Completion of a tailored, comprehensive report that includes all assessment results, any relevant diagnosis, and recommendations for support (5 hours).
  • Session 4: Feedback and discussion of assessment outcomes and path forward (1 hour). This typically occurs 4 weeks after the last assessment session.

Cost: The base fee for a child and adolescent ADHD assessment is $2,530.

This is determined by 11.5 hours of professional work. Medicare rebates may be available if a referral under ‘Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Eligible Disabilities’ by a paediatrician or psychiatrist is provided.

Assessment instruments used with adults often include:

  • Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults – Third Edition (DIVA-5)
  • Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning – Adult (BRIEF-A)
  • Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales – Second Edition (CAARS-2)
  • Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)

The typical assessment process for adults involves:

  • Pre-assessment questionnaire: To be completed before session 1 to provide background information about you, your health, well-being, and reason for assessment.
  • Session 1: Initial intake to gain an in-depth understanding of any queries/concerns, as well as assessment goals and needs (1 hour).
  • Session 2: Clinical interview based on diagnostic criteria (2 hours).
  • Standardised questionnaires and collateral: A variety of self, parent, carer, and/or relative questionnaires will be sent out to collect further information. Relevant documentation (e.g., previous assessments, medical records, and school reports) will be reviewed and other professionals (e.g., doctor, psychologist, etc.) will be consulted (2 hours).
  • Written report: Completion of a tailored, comprehensive report that includes all assessment results, any relevant diagnosis, and recommendations for support (5 hours).
  • Session 4: Feedback and discussion of assessment outcomes and path forward (1 hour). This typically occurs 4 weeks after the last assessment session.

Cost: The base fee for an adult ADHD assessment is $2,420.

This is determined by 11 hours of professional work. Medicare rebates may be available for individuals under 25 years of age if a referral under ‘Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Eligible Disabilities’ by a paediatrician or psychiatrist is provided.

Cognitive or Intellectual Assessment

Cognitive assessments, which are commonly referred to as “IQ tests”, provide insight into an individual’s ability to think and reason. It involves the administration of different tasks that measure a person’s language, problem-solving, memory and processing speed abilities. Assessment of cognitive functioning allows for ascertaining specific cognitive strengths and challenges, as well as any adjustments and supports needed for learning and life. A cognitive assessment can also identify whether an individual meets the criteria for a diagnosis of intellectual developmental disorder (i.e., intellectual disability) or global developmental delay (GDD).

Note: Your Mind Matters offers cognitive assessments to individuals aged 16 years and below. Cognitive assessments for individuals aged 17 years and above are not currently available.

What is involved in a cognitive assessment?

Some of the following assessment tools will be used:

  • Wechsler Preschool and Primary School Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)
  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
  • Behavior Assessment for Children – Third Edition (BASC-3)

The typical assessment process involves:

  • Pre-assessment questionnaire: To be completed before session 1 to provide background information about the young person, their health, well-being, and reason for assessment.
  • Session 1: Initial intake to gain an in-depth understanding of any queries/concerns, as well as assessment goals and needs (1 hour).
  • Session 2: Administration of formal cognitive testing (2 hours).
  • Standardised questionnaires and collateral: A social-emotional-behavioural questionnaire will be included, as such factors can have an impact on cognitive functioning. If needed, relevant documentation (e.g., previous assessments, medical records, and school reports) will be reviewed and other professionals (e.g., doctor, psychologist, occupational therapist etc.) will be consulted (1 hour).
  • Written report: A comprehensive report that includes all assessment results, any relevant diagnosis, and recommendations for support (3 hours).
  • Session 4: Feedback and discussion of assessment outcomes and path forward (1 hour). This typically occurs 4 weeks after the last assessment session. 

How much does a learning assessment cost?

The base fee for cognitive assessment is $1,760*.  This is determined by 8 hours of professional work. Medicare rebates may be available if a referral under ‘Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Eligible Disabilities’ by a paediatrician or psychiatrist is provided.

Learning or Educational Assessment

Learning assessments at Your Mind Matters can vary depending on the individual, their needs and referral reason; however, the process typically involves the components below.

Some of the following assessment tools will be used:

  • Wechsler Preschool and Primary School Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)
  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
  • Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing – Second Edition (CTOPP-2)
  • Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third Edition (WIAT-III)
  • Woodcock Reading Mastery Test – Third Edition (WRMT-III)
  • Behavior Assessment for Children – Third Edition (BASC-3)

The typical assessment process involves:

  • Pre-assessment questionnaire: To be completed before session 1 to provide background information about the young person, their health, well-being and reason for assessment.
  • Session 1: Initial intake to gain an in-depth understanding of any queries/concerns, as well as assessment goals and needs (1 hour).
  • Session 2: Administration of formal cognitive testing (2 hours).
  • Session 3: Administration of formal academic testing (2.5 hours).
  • Standardised questionnaires and collateral: A social-emotional-behavioural questionnaire will be included, as such factors can have an impact on learning. Relevant documentation (e.g., previous assessments, medical records, and school reports) will be reviewed and other professionals (e.g., doctor, psychologist, occupational therapist etc.) will be consulted (2 hours).
  • Written report: A comprehensive report that includes all assessment results, any relevant diagnosis, and recommendations for support (5 hours)
  • Session 4: Feedback and discussion of assessment outcomes and path forward (1 hour). This typically occurs 4 weeks after the last assessment session.

How much does a learning assessment cost?

The base fee for learning assessment is $2,970*. This is determined by 13.5 hours of professional work. Medicare rebates may be available if a referral under ‘Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Eligible Disabilities’ by a paediatrician or psychiatrist is provided.

School Readiness Assessment

Knowing if your child is ready to begin school can be a challenging decision. While a child needs to be intellectually and academically ready, they also need to be socially, emotionally, and physically ready. This is pivotal in order for a child to transition successfully into the school environment. School readiness assessments at Your Mind Matters can help parents/carers obtain a better understanding of their child’s development, so they can then make an informed decision about their placement at school. This can include whether to attend a mainstream or special school, as well as to start school early, at the typical time, or after an additional year of kindergarten. This information can be especially beneficial for parents or caregivers in Victoria if their child reaches the age of five by April 30th of the year they are due to commence school.

What is involved in a school readiness assessment?

School readiness assessments at Your Mind Matters can vary depending on the individual, their needs and referral reason; however, the process typically involves the components below.

Some of the following assessment tools will be used:

  • Wechsler Preschool and Primary School Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)
  • Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third Edition (WIAT-III)
  • Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale – Third Edition (Vineland-3)
  • Behavior Assessment for Children – Third Edition (BASC-3)

The typical assessment process involves:

  • Pre-assessment questionnaire: to be completed before session 1 to provide background information about you, your health, well-being, and reason for assessment.
  • Session 1: Initial intake to gain an in-depth understanding of any queries/concerns, as well as assessment goals and needs (1 hour).
  • Session 2: play-based assessment and observations (1 hour).
  • Session 3: administration of formal cognitive testing (2 hours).
  • Session 4: administration of formal academic testing (1.5 hours).
  • Standardised questionnaires and collateral: a variety of self, parent, carer and/or teacher questionnaires will be sent out to collect further information. Relevant documentation (e.g., previous assessments, medical records, etc.) will be reviewed and other professionals (e.g., paediatrician, teacher, etc.) will be consulted (2 hours).
  • Written report: A comprehensive report that includes all assessment results, any relevant diagnosis, and recommendations for support (6 hours)
  • Session 4: Feedback and discussion of assessment outcomes and path forward (1 hour). This typically occurs 4 weeks after the last assessment session.

How much does a school readiness assessment cost?

The base fee for learning assessment is $3,190*.  This is determined by 14.5 hours of professional work.

*Our fees are calculated based on the time it takes to complete the assessment and the clinician’s qualifications (provisional psychologists charge a lower rate per hour). At times, there may be instances where an additional session is needed to complete an assessment (e.g., a complex mental health history that requires more thorough diagnostic exploration). If your assessment is complex and we estimate more time is needed, the fee will be higher. In such situations, clients will be informed about the need for an additional session as early as possible in the assessment process.