Assessment Services
Step One- Come See Us—Referral Optional
No referral? No problem. Referrals can be made directly by you via our website or telephone. Alternatively, referrals made through your child’s school, an education specialist, your general practitioner, another health professional are also acceptable. We will engage in a consultation with you and, where appropriate, the referring party to gain a comprehensive understanding of your concerns and to determine the most suitable assessment tools for your child. You will be required to complete a consent form and a background questionnaire, prior to commencing the assessment. Additionally, where appropriate we will request relevant information from your child’s school and any other professionals involved in their care.
Step 2- Choose Your Adventure (Assessment Edition!)
There are a range of assessments available, depending on the specific concerns identified. We conduct cognitive, behavioural, and educational assessments including multidisciplinary evaluations of Autism Spectrum Disorder. We also have extensive experience in assessing and diagnosing specific learning disorders, including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.
We understand that every child is different, so we offer flexible options for assessment. We can come to your child’s daycare, kinder, or school. Alternatively, you are welcome to visit us at our office in Macleod on appointment bases. Being in a familiar environment often helps children feel more comfortable and keeps their day as smooth and relaxed as possible.
Step 3- Outcome & Recommendations
Upon completion of the assessment(s), a comprehensive report will be prepared, detailing the findings in clear and accessible language. Subsequently, we will arrange a feedback meeting to review the results in depth, discuss specific recommendations, and outline targeted strategies to support your child’s development and learning.
During this meeting, we will discuss the insights gained from the assessment and guide the development of appropriate support plans tailored to your child’s individual needs. We will also allocate time to explore potential next steps, should further services be indicated. These may include referrals or coordination with other professionals such as NDIS supports, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Behavior Support Practitioners, Social Skills Groups, other Allied Health or Council Services.
In addition, NSC offers the unique expertise of an Educational Therapist who can work closely with your child’s school team to implement accommodations and employ effective strategies that promote engagement, confidence, and learning success within the educational environment. It is recommended that school’s relevant personnel be involved, to ensure a collaborative approach and shared understanding of the recommendations.
ADHD Assessment Package Academic
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Academic/Achievement Assessment Package
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Intellectual (Cognitive) IQ Assessment Package
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Educational Assessment Package
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Autism Assessment Package
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ADHD Assessment Package Academic 〰️ Academic/Achievement Assessment Package 〰️ Intellectual (Cognitive) IQ Assessment Package 〰️ Educational Assessment Package 〰️ Autism Assessment Package 〰️
Assessment Packages
View assessment package
ADHD Assessment Package
Cognitive Assessment Package
Academic/Achievement Assessment Package
Educational Assessment Package
Autism Assessment Package
ADHD Assessment Package
An ADHD assessment helps identify whether a child’s behaviours align with the diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This process includes gathering a detailed developmental history, observing behavioural patterns, and collecting information through checklists completed by parents, teachers, and, when appropriate, the child.
There is no single test for ADHD. Instead, diagnosis relies on a comprehensive overview of how a child functions across different environments — such as home, school, and social settings.
How Do I Know if My Child Has ADHD?
The key signs of ADHD often fall into three categories:
Inattention – Difficulty staying focused, forgetting instructions, and switching tasks before finishing them.
Impulsivity – Interrupting others, acting without thinking, or emotional outbursts.
Overactivity (Hyperactivity) – Constant fidgeting, restlessness, or difficulty staying seated.
ADHD may present in different forms: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined type.
What’s Involved in the Assessment?
Our ADHD assessments are comprehensive and collaborative. The process typically includes:
An initial consultation with both the child and parent to explore developmental history, current challenges, and behavioural observations.
Checklists and questionnaires completed by caregivers, teachers, and other key adults who regularly interact with the child.
Report preparation, which includes interpretation of the gathered data and formulation of findings and recommendations.
A feedback session to go over the assessment results, discuss next steps, and answer any questions you may have.
ADHD can impact both learning and relationships, but with the right supports, children with ADHD can thrive. While the exact cause of ADHD isn’t known, research suggests a strong genetic link. It is important to remember that ADHD is not caused by poor parenting.
We aim to provide clear insights and practical strategies to help your child feel more confident, focused, and supported in all areas of life.
Cognitive Assessment Package
How Can a Cognitive Assessment Help My Child?
A cognitive assessment is designed for children aged 6 to 16 and provides a detailed picture of a child's thinking and learning abilities. Conducted in a supportive, one-on-one setting, the assessment explores various aspects of cognitive functioning that are essential for learning and academic development. This assessment provides important insights into key brain functions—including memory, reasoning, processing speed, and verbal ability—and offers an understanding of your child’s overall IQ. These results can help explain learning strengths and challenges, guide support strategies, and inform educational planning—both in and out of the classroom.
What’s Involved in the Assessment?
A cognitive assessment typically includes:
A parent consultation to gather background information and understand your child’s developmental and learning history
Standardised cognitive testing with your child
Comprehensive report writing, including results, interpretation, and practical recommendations
A feedback session to discuss the outcomes and next steps, with time for your questions and planning support
This type of assessment can be especially helpful if your child is experiencing learning difficulties, requires support at school, or you're seeking insight into their learning profile for future planning.
Academic/Achievement Assessment Package
What Is an Academic Assessment?
An academic assessment evaluates a person’s learning progress and achievement across key educational areas- using widely used standardised tools.
This assessment explores core academic skills such as:
Reading
Writing
Oral Language
Mathematics
It’s particularly helpful in identifying specific learning difficulties, tracking educational progress, or providing evidence for school-based supports or accommodations.
What’s Involved in the Assessment?
The academic assessment process typically includes:
A parent consultation to gather relevant background information about the child’s development and current concerns
Standardised testing to assess academic strengths and challenges
A comprehensive report detailing the results, interpretations, and tailored recommendations
A feedback session to go through the results and discuss next steps for home or school
This type of assessment can support learning plans, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), or applications for additional educational assistance.
Educational Assessment Package
How Can an Educational Assessment Help My Child?
An Educational Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that helps uncover your child’s unique learning profile. It brings together two key components—a cognitive (intellectual) assessment and an academic achievement assessment—to provide a detailed understanding of how your child thinks, learns, and performs in school settings.
This type of assessment is essential for identifying learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia, as well as gaining insights into attention, memory, problem-solving, and processing skills. It supports early diagnosis, informs Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and empowers parents and educators with practical strategies to meet your child’s specific learning needs.
What’s Involved in the Assessment?
The assessment process typically includes:
A parent intake session to gather background and developmental information
One-on-one standardised testing sessions with your child
A comprehensive report outlining results and tailored recommendations
A feedback session to explain the findings and guide next steps
Educational assessments not only support diagnosis of learning disorders but also help schools and families work together more effectively to support your child’s growth and success.
Autism Assessment Package
How Can an Autism Assessment Help My Child?
An Autism Assessment explores whether your child meets the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While there’s no medical test to diagnose autism, a comprehensive evaluation by a trained psychologist using gold-standard tools can provide clarity and guidance.
These assessments help identify developmental differences and offer valuable insights into your child’s behaviour, communication, and social interactions. Understanding these patterns can empower families to access the right supports and interventions to help their child thrive.
Common early signs of autism include:
Limited or absent eye contact
Repetitive or unusual play behaviours
Difficulties with speech or communication
Emotional responses that seem restricted or out of sync
Exploring a diagnosis can bring relief and understanding. Early identification and support have been shown to improve outcomes significantly.
What Tools Are Used?
At NSC, we use the ADOS-2—the gold standard in autism assessments—alongside other tools and detailed developmental interviews with parents. We may also consult with teachers, paediatricians, and others involved in your child’s care.
What’s Involved in the Assessment?
Our autism assessments include:
A detailed parent interview to gather developmental and behavioural history
Structured observation sessions with your child
Input from educators or health professionals (as appropriate)
A comprehensive report with results and tailored recommendations
A parent-only feedback session to go through the findings and next steps
