Assessment Types
Autism Assessments
These assessments can determine whether someone is on the autism spectrum (i.e., diagnostic assessment). They are also useful for individuals who have previously been diagnosed but are now wanting an updated assessment and additional information (e.g., to assist with funding applications or support planning) (i.e., review assessment).
Autism assessments can determine whether someone is on the autism spectrum (i.e., diagnostic assessment) and then provide detailed information about their strengths and support needs. This process typically involves one-on-one assessment, interviewing parents/carers/family members (as appropriate), and gathering background information through reviewing past reports or speaking with teachers/therapists. In addition to diagnosing autism, the assessment provides information about strategies and supports that may be of assistance. The report provided after the assessment contains a summary of the assessment process and can assist in support planning and applications (e.g., NDIS).
Autism assessments can also be helpful for individuals who already have a diagnosis of autism, but are needing more information for applications (e.g., NDIS) and support planning (i.e., review assessment). Review autism assessments can be particularly useful at times of transition (e.g.: starting primary school or high school, preparing to leave school). The focus of the autism assessment in this context is on providing current information about social skills, behavior, everyday living skills, and current support needs. A comprehensive report is provided after the assessment.
Verbal feedback is generally provided on the day of the assessment, although will be provided on an alternate date if the clinician needs to seek additional information. A comprehensive report outlining the assessment results and recommendations is provided within 2 to 4 weeks of the assessment appointment.
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Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Second Edition (ADOS-2)
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales - Third Edition (VABS-3) or Adaptive Behavior Assessment System - Third Edition (ABAS-3)
Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS 2)
Gilliam Autism Rating Scale - Third Edition (GARS-3)
PDD Behavior Inventory (PDDBI)
Psychoeducational Profile (PEP-3)
Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
Social Responsiveness Scale – Second Edition (SRS-2)
Structured Program for Early Childhood Therapists Working with Autism (SPECTRA)
Developmental Profile - Fourth Edition (DP-4)
Screening questionnaires for mood and other presenting issues
Cognitive Assessments
These help to determine an individual’s learning capability by identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and can assist with the development of individualized support and learning plans.
In addition to providing autism assessments, NexGenCounselling is able to provide cognitive assessments. Cognitive assessments help to determine an individual’s learning capability by identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses and can assist with the development of individualized support and learning plans. They are often requested by schools in order to provide additional information about support needs prior to school entry, and are helpful if there are concerns about an individual’s learning abilities or capacity to be independent.
A cognitive assessment generally takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes. We use the Wechsler intelligence scales, with the exact assessment depending on the individual’s age:
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence- Fourth Edition, Australian Adaptation (WPPSI-IV): for children aged 2 years, 6 months to 7 years, 7 months.
Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children- Fifth Edition, Australian Adaptation (WISC-V): for children aged 6 years, 0 months to 16 years, 11 months.
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV): for individuals aged 16 years to 90 years.
The activities involved vary depending on the individual’s age and include a series of tasks designed to provide insight into how a person thinks, reasons, and processes information. Some of the tasks are pencil and paper-based tasks, while others involve completing puzzles, answering questions, and solving problems. Some of the tasks may be completed on an iPad.
We also include a measure of adaptive behavior with all cognitive assessments. Adaptive behavior refers to daily living skills- that is, what someone is able to do without the assistance of others. Understanding a person’s daily living skills assists with support planning and funding applications. This information is gathered via an online questionnaire, and the measures that we usually are the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales- Third Edition (VABS-3) or the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System- Third Edition (ABAS-3).
Forms and Information
NexGenCounselling Assessment Participant Handbook
NexGenCounselling Assessment Fees