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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Information
Who conducts the assessments?
All Assessments and Answers Psychologists are generally registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), with extensive training and experience in the assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Specific Learning Disorders. All our psychologists are competent and qualified to provide diagnostic assessments in accordance with AHPRA guidelines and the NDIS Operational Guidelines regarding evidence of disability.
What does the process involve?
We use a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and standardised tests to provide a comprehensive summary of behaviour. A breakdown of assessment components can be seen here [our services]
Why are cognitive assessments required for an ASD/ADHD diagnosis?
Cognitive assessments are important for diagnosing ASD and ADHD because they help understand how a person thinks, learns, and processes information. They identify strengths and weaknesses, rule out other conditions, and guide tailored support strategies. These assessments also meet best-practice diagnostic guidelines, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate support.
Which areas do you service?
We offer services throughout Southeast Queensland, including Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book directly through the “Book Assessment” button on our homepage, reach out to us by phone or email, or or simply click one of the buttons below. We’re happy to help you find a time that works best for your family.
I'm not sure what kind of assessment my child needs, so what should I do?
A great place to start is with our free online screening tool on the homepage. If you’d like more personalised guidance, we also offer an optional online intake session (30–60 mins) with a psychologist to help point you in the right direction.
Is there a waiting list?
Our service was established to meet the growing demand for timely, high-quality assessments. By focusing exclusively on assessment (rather than offering both assessment and ongoing intervention), we’re able to prioritise fast access for families seeking clarity and support. As a result, our wait times are typically measured in weeks—not months. When booking, you can select your preferred date; if it’s unavailable, we’ll offer the next closest option and work with you to find a time that suits your needs.
Do both parents need to provide consent?
In Australia, both parents are usually considered to share equal parental responsibility for major decisions about their child’s health and wellbeing — including psychological assessments. This means we typically require informed consent from both parents before proceeding with an assessment.
If you are separated or divorced, we kindly ask that you:
- Let us know if there are any court orders or parenting agreements in place
- Provide written consent from both parents, unless legal documents show that one parent holds sole parental responsibility
Our aim is to work respectfully with both parents and ensure we’re meeting our legal and ethical obligations. If you’re unsure whether both signatures are required, please contact us — we’re happy to help clarify what’s needed for your child’s assessment to proceed smoothly.
Purpose and Benefits of Assessment
Why should I consider an assessment for my child?
If you’re noticing challenges in your child’s attention, learning, behaviour, or social interactions, a psychological assessment can provide valuable insights. Our assessments help understand your child’s needs but also facilitate timely access to support services, educational accommodations, and resources like NDIS funding.
My child's teacher has raised concerns, how can an assessment help?
An assessment can offer valuable insights into how your child learns, behaves, and interacts. This information helps teachers better understand your child and adjust classroom strategies to support them effectively.
Will this help with getting school or NDIS support?
Yes. Our reports are written to support applications for school accommodations, therapy planning, and NDIS submissions. However, final decisions are made by the school or NDIS based on the full application.
Assessment Process
What do the assessments involve?
Our assessments are designed to be clear, supportive, and helpful. We start by learning about your child from you, their school, and any previous reports. Then, we spend time with your child using fun, structured activities and gold-standard tools to understand how they think, learn, and interact.
We might observe things like attention, problem-solving, language, memory, social skills, and emotions — depending on what you’re concerned about. We also work with teachers (with your consent) to get a full picture of how things are going at school.
How should I prepare for the assessment?
Please share any reports or documents that might be helpful — like previous assessments, school reports, medical records, or even any checklists or workbooks you’ve used to reflect on your child’s strengths and challenges. All of this helps us build a comprehensive picture of your child’s needs.
How can I help my child feel comfortable?
Helping your child feel comfortable begins with setting the right expectations. We recommend framing the assessment as a chance to explore how their brain works — through activities that involve talking, puzzles, games, drawing, or problem-solving. Avoid using terms like “testing” or “diagnosis,” which can increase anxiety.
You can reassure your child that there are no right or wrong answers and that the psychologist is there to support and understand them — not to judge or grade them. Having a familiar item (like a toy or fidget item) can also help ease nerves, especially for younger children. At Assessments and Answers Psychology, we prioritise building rapport and adjusting our approach to match each child’s comfort level and developmental needs.
What if my child masks their symptoms?
It’s very common for children—especially those with neurodivergent traits—to mask or hide their difficulties in structured or unfamiliar settings. Our clinicians are highly skilled at recognising subtle signs of masking. We use a combination of standardised assessments, structured tasks, naturalistic observations, and insights from parents, teachers, and caregivers to build a complete picture of your child’s strengths and challenges. By gathering information across settings, we can better identify underlying needs that may not be immediately visible in a one-on-one session.
How long does the assessment take?
Our assessments include several components: direct, face-to-face testing with your child; structured interviews (often with parents); review of background information (e.g., school reports, prior assessments); analysis and interpretation of results; and preparation of a comprehensive written report with tailored recommendations.
The total time required varies depending on the type of assessment and your child’s engagement, attention span, and needs. Time is billed based on the actual hours required.
Below is a general guide to the total time commitment, including all components (clinical interview, direct testing, scoring, interpretation, and report writing):
- ADHD Assessment – ~8 hours
- Autism Assessment – ~10 hours
- Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment – ~15 hours
- Giftedness or Learning Assessment – ~8 hours
Visit our Services page for a full breakdown of assessment components.
Will the assessments be face-to-face or online?
We do all assessments face-to-face to ensure accuracy and standardised testing. We offer mobile assessments at home or school for added convenience. However, initial consultations, parent interviews, and follow-up discussions may be conducted online.
Where are the assessments conducted?
Assessments can be conducted at your home, your child’s school, or another convenient location to ensure comfort and accurate observations.
How can I prepare my home the session?
A quiet space with minimal distractions is ideal, somewhere your child feels safe and relaxed.
After the Assessment
What happens next?
Once all assessment components are complete, we’ll provide a comprehensive written report within 4–6 weeks. This report and its findings will be communicated during the feedback appointment. During this session, we’ll review your child’s assessment results, discuss any consistencies or discrepancies across different measures, and highlight key strengths and areas of difficulty. We’ll also talk through any diagnoses (if relevant), outline practical recommendations for home and school, and suggest appropriate supports, including allied health professionals or therapy options if needed. Most importantly, this is your opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity, and work with us to plan the next steps for your child’s development and wellbeing.
Is everything confidential?
Yes — everything you and your child share with us is treated with strict confidentiality. Your information is only shared with others (such as schools or other professionals) if you give us written permission, or unless we’re legally required to act for safety reasons. We follow all privacy laws and ethical guidelines to protect your family’s information at every step.
What can I do if my child is diagnosed?
If your child receives a diagnosis, we’re here to support you in understanding what it means and what comes next. During your feedback session, we’ll explain the diagnosis clearly and offer practical recommendations tailored to your child’s needs. This might include school supports, therapy options, NDIS pathways, or referrals to other professionals. A diagnosis can be an important step in accessing the right help and making informed decisions about your child’s future.
What if no diagnosis is given?
Even if a diagnosis isn’t made, the assessment still provides valuable insight into your child’s strengths, challenges, and support needs. We’ll discuss all findings with you and offer tailored recommendations to help your child thrive at home, at school, and in everyday life. In some cases, further monitoring, additional supports, or re-assessment at a later stage may be recommended.
Fee Explanation
Why are there fees for assessment materials and software?
These material costs typically cover:
1. Screening Questionnaires & Scoring
Standardised screening tools (such as parent and teacher questionnaires) may require digital scoring tokens or one-time activation codes. These fees are set by test publishers and ensure valid scoring and interpretation.
2. ADOS-2 Materials
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) involves specialised stimulus materials, manuals, and administration booklets. Most components are reusable, but replacement items and updated scoring resources attract ongoing costs to maintain compliance with publisher requirements.
3. Digital Scoring & Test Administration Platforms
Many cognitive and behavioural assessments are administered and scored through secure digital platforms (e.g., Q-interactive and online scoring portals). These systems charge per-use fees and licence costs to generate standardised results and reports.
4. Consumables & Printing
Some assessments require single-use forms, printing of questionnaires, or consumable materials that cannot be reused.
Additional Support
Can you refer us to other professionals?
Absolutely. We’re happy to connect you with speech therapists, occupational therapists, paediatricians, or other specialists your child may benefit from.
Do you offer therapy or intervention services?
At this stage, we focus solely on assessments. However, we can refer you to highly regarded therapists or services based on your child’s needs.
Still have a few questions? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out here!
