Why are assessments conducted?

Assessments are conducted by Clinical Psychologists for a variety of reasons. This can be due to concerns about a child's development, speech and language skills, interaction and social development, attention or academic skills, as well as a number of other reasons. 

The assessments conducted are always individualised to each child's specific needs and are based on evidence-based and best-practice guidelines. All assessments begin with a clinical interview with parents to consider a child's developmental history, followed by the formal assessment of the child on a one-to-one basis. 

Various tasks and activities are completed with the child to consider their cognitive or intellectual functioning, academic skills, as well as their memory, attention, social and emotional skills.  This varies depending on the child's presentation.  

As part of the assessment process, teachers are consulted for information from the academic setting, with a number of children being observed within the classroom to gather information about their academic behaviours and skills. Additionally, parents and teachers are required to complete short questionnaires to consider their perspectives on the child's functioning.  

Assessments can be conducted at the clinic or within the child's school environment, although this depends on each child's presentation. 

When completed, extensive reports are provided outlining the various findings from the assessment process, as well as how the child can be supported moving forward.