BLOG | 01 JUL 2021

What Psychological Assessment might my child or I need? 

At Shoalhaven Psychology Services we conduct a range of assessments that assist in providing you with diagnosis, recommendations and information about a number of issues such as Specific Learning Disorders, Intellectual Disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We can also assess for Giftedness in school-aged children.

Specific Learning Disorders

A Specific Learning Disorder is characterised by difficulties with learning that effect academic achievement. 

There are three types of Specific Learning Disorders:

–   Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading (previously known as Dyslexia)

–   Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in written expression (previously known as Dysgraphia)

–   Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in mathematics (previously known as Dyscalculia)

To diagnose a Specific Learning Disorder the following assessments are conducted:

Intellectual Disability

An Intellectual Disability is characterised by impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning. An impairment in intellectual functioning is represented by difficulties with learning, problem solving, and judgement. An impairment in adaptive functioning is represented by difficulties with completing day to day activities such as independent living and communication. 

To diagnose an Intellectual Disability the following assessments are conducted:

Giftedness

Giftedness is characterised by an individual having natural abilities well above average range for their age. Giftedness can occur in a specific area of ability or in more than one area. Signs that your child might be gifted include such characteristics as:

–   Advanced development

–   Intellectual curiosity

–   Independence in work and study

–   Creativeness and inventiveness

–   Great memory

–   Prefer talking to older children or adults

To diagnose Giftedness the following assessments are conducted:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Whilst ADHD is commonly diagnosed during childhood, sometimes ADHD goes undiagnosed and in adulthood issues persist causing difficulties in daily functioning. 

There are three subtypes of ADHD:

–   Inattentive Subtype

–   Hyperactive/Impulsive Subtype

–   Combined (Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive) Subtype

Some of the common signs of ADHD include:

–   Difficulty sustaining attention

–   Easily distracted

–   Forgetfulness

–   Poor organisation

–   Restlessness

–   Appearing “on-the-go”

–   Difficulty waiting turn

To diagnose ADHD the following assessments/interviews are conducted:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is characterised by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, and restrictive/repetitive patterns of behaviour.  

Some social communication and interaction characteristics related to ASD can include:

–   Avoidance of eye contact

–   A dislike or difficulty with small talk, sarcasm or understanding jokes

–   Not using or understanding gestures like pointing

–   Using sounds, signs, gestures or pictures to communicate instead of spoken words

–   Might prefer to play alone or next to others more than with them

–   Does not share interests with others

Some restrictive/repetitive patterns of behaviour related to ASD can include:

–   Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed

–   Repeats words or phrases over and over

–   Gets upset by minor changes

–   Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles

–   Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

An individual with ASD may also present with the following characteristics:

–   Unusual mood or emotional reactions

–   Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry

–   Lack of fear or more fear than expected

–   Delayed cognitive or learning skills

–   Delayed language skills

–   Delayed movement skills

To diagnose ASD the following assessments/interviews are conducted:

If you or child present with and/or struggle with any of the above, an assessment might be warranted to clarify possible diagnosis and recommendations for ongoing support.

For further information regarding the types of psychological assessments performed at Shoalhaven Psychology Services, you can visit the following page on our website:

https://shoalhavenpsychology.com.au/service/psychological-assessments/

To enquire about a psychological assessment, please email admin@shoalhavenpsychology.com.au

Also, you can always ask your psychologist any questions during your next session!

By Kaelan Jones 

Psychologist