Services
Therapy
50-60 minute therapy sessions
Purpose
To help you get back on track, learn new skills or work on your wellbeing or mental health goals. We work with children and adults, usually those who identify as neurodivergent, but we are open to all.
What is involved
Usually weekly or fortnighty sessions, focused on the areas you would like support with. Our first session is a chance for both of us to get to know each other, and for us to find out more about your goals. We then agree some goals and how best to help you achieve these. Therapy is about having someone to talk with who is on your side, to help guide you through changes you want to make to make life easier.
What you will get
Each session lasts 50 minutes to an hour, and this is usually weekly or fortnightly initially. We will suggest how many sessions we think you need to start with when we meet the first time.
Service fee
$190 plus travel (if required)*.
Assessments
Screening assessment - Autism / ADHD / Neurodiversity - (all ages)
Purpose
A screening assessment for children, adolescents and adults that identifies whether the person has a sufficient number or degree of characteristics of autism, ADHD, or related neurodiversity to justify a more detailed formal diagnosis. This is the first stage of a full autism/ADHD/neurodiversity assessment. It is not needed for adults who want option 4 (brief assessment).
What is involved
An interview with the person, that, for children and adolescents, must include the parent or caregiver, and for adults, may include a significant other. Completion of questionnaires that screen for neurodiversity characteristics and other needs. If wanted, this assessment can take place via Zoom.
What you will get
A letter summarising the findings, and letting you know if further assessment is needed. Recommendations for further information and support may be included.
Formal assessment - Autism / ADHD / Neurodiversity - Children and Adolescents (6 – 17 years)
Purpose
A formal neurodiversity diagnostic assessment for children and adolescents aged between 6 and 17 years.
What is involved
Interviews with the child/teenager, their parents, legal guardians or other significant family members, and other professionals who know the child/adolescent (psychologist, doctor, teacher). Review of previous medical, mental health, psychological and educational reports and a selection of psychological tests to identify autism characteristics and other needs.
What you will get
A comprehensive psychological report that thoroughly outlines the psychologist’s findings and interpretation of conducted tests and interviews and may provide a diagnosis based on diagnostic criteria set by the DSM-5. This report will include a list of tailored recommendations for further information, access to funding and support services based on the assessment outcome. The psychologist will have a follow-up session with the referrer or the parents of the child/teenager, and sometimes the child/teenager, to discuss the report in detail, answer questions and work through possible next steps.
Formal Assessment - Autism - Adults (18+)
Purpose
For people wanting a formal autism diagnosis, perhaps to apply for funding and further support services.
What is involved
Interviews with you, your significant other, a close family member, or other professionals (employer, psychologist, doctor). Review of previous medical, mental health, psychological and educational reports. Completion of questionnaires and administration of formal assessments of autism/ADHD/neurodiversity and other psychological matters.
What you will get
A comprehensive psychological report that thoroughly outlines the psychologist’s findings, including their interpretation of psychological test findings. The report may provide an autism/ADHD/neurodiversity based on diagnostic criteria set by the DSM-5. It will include tailored recommendations for further information, access to funding and support services based on the assessment outcome. The psychologist will have a follow-up session with you to discuss the report in detail, answer your questions and work through possible next steps.
Brief assessment - Autism / ADHD / Neurodiversity - Adults (18 years +)
Purpose
For people who suspect they may have a neurodiverse condition and want clarification to understand themselves better.
Please note: A brief autism / ADHD / neurodiversity assessment does not result in a formal diagnosis and cannot generally be used for accessing funding and further support services. To be consistent with best practice guidelines, we do not do brief assessments for children or teenagers.
What is involved
Interviews with you and people close to you about your life and completion of questionnaires that screen for neurodiversity characteristics and other needs.
What you will get
A letter explaining the psychologist’s diagnostic opinion, including recommendations for further information and support.
Cognitive Assessment - all ages (6 +)
Purpose
For people seeking information about their intellectual ability or that of a child/adolescent or other adults. This assessment can diagnose giftedness and intellectual disability and facilitate access to support.
What is involved
Interviews with the person being assessed and their parent, significant other or a close family member. Administration of psychological tests that investigate intellectual and adaptive functioning. Review of medical, mental health, psychological and educational reports. Liaison with previous testers when needed.
What you will get
A comprehensive psychological report that thoroughly outlines the test results and the psychologist’s findings. Diagnosis is based on criteria set by the DSM-5, if possible. The report will include tailored recommendations for further information, access to funding and support services based on the assessment outcome.
* Travel costs
When we come to you
We are based in Hamilton (New Zealand) and most of our assessments are carried out here, but we also travel to carry out assessments where required. Travel is charged at $0.94 per km and $97.50 per hour.
