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A neuropsychological assessment is made up of scientific tests that measure mental capabilities, cognitive strengths, and behavioural styles.

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Neuropsychological Assessment

Neuropsychological Assessment is the most comprehensive and specialised kind of assessment. It can only be conducted by a trained Neuropsychologist, and involves a combination of psychometric testing and psychological assessment. It considers cognitive, medical, developmental, social, family and mental health factors, to determine what a person’s strengths and weaknesses are, why they might be happening, and how this impacts a person’s ability to function in their environment.

The Assessment Process

The assessment takes place over a five-hour period which includes breaks in-between each stage of the assessment. The actual time it takes each individual can vary depending on how the client presents through each stage of the assessment.

  1. Initial Clinical Interview (approximately 60 min)
  2. Neuropsychological Assessment including intellectual, academic skills, language, attention, executive functioning, psychosocial functioning (approximately 3 hours)
  3. Feedback Session approximately (minimum) 2 – 4 weeks later (45 min)
  4. Comprehensive Written Report with results, feedback and recommendations, approximately (minimum) 6 weeks after the feedback session

Jump to Frequently asked questions

What to Expect on Assessment Day

Arrive to ADHD WA Reception, Check-In

Arrive & Finalise Bill | The day starts in reception, we are located at the ADHD WA Hub – 109 Montgomery Ave, Mount Claremont. Please make yourself known to our friendly administration team to be marked as arrived, and to finalise the billing ahead of appointment.

Initial clinical interview

If you are a child, teenager or even perhaps an adult, it is important to have the parent(s), caregiver or other significant person in this session who can help provide insights into the specific questions asked during this history taking session. We will discuss medical history and also ‘thinking skills’ (things you are good at and things you find difficult) and these questions may relate to development from conception through to early childhood development, school aged educational development up until the current stage of life and including any medical history.

Please note: For assessment clients under 18 years, a legal guardian must attend the initial clinical interview to provide consent before we can begin our assessment. They will also be needed to participate in aspects of the clinical interview itself as above. Additionally, for all clients under the age of 16 years, we require a responsible adult to remain onsite whilst they are attending for assessment or therapy.

If the client is sensitive to discussing history, for example a child, we can complete this process with the parent or caregiver while the child is busy with an activity in the waiting room.

For assessment clients over 18 years, you are welcome to bring a significant other with you to support you during this time and maybe answer some questions in the interview, however it is not essential. We will ask you to provide contact information for one or more who knows you well so they can complete some questionnaires. This does not have to be during the appointment time.

Cognitive IQ Assessment

After a short break following the history taking session, the client being assessed will now start the cognitive IQ assessment individually with the assessor.

If the client is a child, parents or caregivers should wait in the clinic waiting room as there will be breaks for the child, including lunch. If the client is a teenager or adult, parents, caregivers or support people are welcome to leave or leave and come back at the end. For younger children and teenagers, parents will have some questionnaires to complete that they can do while waiting.

Neuropsychological assessment

Following a break, usually for lunch, the next session is the neuropsychological assessment including academic skills, language, attention, executive functioning, psychosocial functioning.

Feedback Session

Approx. 2 to 4 weeks after your assessment, you will come back for a 45 minute feedback session where we will go over your results in detail with you so that you have a chance to hear the findings in plain English (layperson terms), and ask any questions.

Comprehensive Report

Approx. 6 weeks after your feedback session, you will receive your comprehensive written report with results, feedback and recommendations so that you can improve your skills or adapt.

What Purposes can the Report be Used For?

You will be sent some information about confidentiality in your pre-assessment form, and your clinician will take you over our confidentiality policy when you have your clinical interview during the first appointment. Your information will be treated in the strictest of confidence, in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics, meaning that we won’t disclose the information to other third parties except under certain special conditions: for example to prevent risk of harm or if the information is subpoenaed by a lawyer due in the event of a legal case. Usually, the report goes to the referrer, the patient, and any other nominated healthcare professionals chosen by the patient.

The main uses for the report are for your own information and to share with other stakeholders in your life, such as healthcare professionals and schools/teachers. We do not send the report to schools directly, as it is better for you to do so once you have read it and are happy with its contents.

The reports are not prepared for the purposes of the Court or legal system, for example in child/custody hearings or Medicolegal claims or fair work claims: therefore we request that the report is not used for these purposes as it is not prepared with these purposes in mind or using the techniques/methods required for these purposes.

Fees

The fee for a Neuropsychological Assessment is $1,375 which includes the comprehensive assessment (approximately 5 hours), analysis, feedback session, and finally, a comprehensive report with recommendations. A deposit of $500 is taken two (2) weeks before your appointment which will go toward the full cost of the assessment and be deducted from the balance due on the day.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not provide a rebate for psychometric testing, therefore Medicare rebate is unavailable.

Unfortunately, private health insurance providers do not provide rebates for psychometric testing, therefore private health cover is unavailable.

Bookings

Register for a Neuropsychological Assessment

Neuropsychological Assessments can only be booked for children aged 6 and above (as well as for teens and adults of all ages). However, children younger than 6 years old will be considered in exceptional circumstances such as acquired brain injury or epilepsy.

Please complete a Neuropsychological Assessment Waitlist Form and a member of the ADHD WA Team will be in contact you to offer an appointment as you rise to the top of the waitlist.  Completing this form does not commit you to an assessment.  We will contact you as soon as we can to offer you a suitable appointment date.

 

Neuropsychological Assessment Cancellation Policy

We have a waiting list for appointments and appreciate as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Deposit:
You will be contacted two (2) weeks prior to your appointment to take a $500 deposit, which will go toward the full cost of the assessment and be deducted from the balance due on the day.

Cancellation:
Three (3) business days’ notice is required to cancel or change an appointment.
Notice received less than 3 business days before the appointment will forfeit your $500 deposit. Please be advised we accept medical certificates should you have to cancel due to illness.

Please contact us on (08) 6255 8880 or email hello@adhdwa.org if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

A reminder email is sent approx. 2 weeks before your appointment, as well as a text messages and follow up emails asking you to confirm your appointment and pay your deposit. This is intended to provide ample opportunity for you to reschedule if required.

Practitioners

Our Neuropsychological Assessments are conducted by Clinical Neuropsychologists, Clinical Neuropsychology Registrars, Provisional Psychologists, and Provisionally Registered Psychologists. Neuropsychology Student placements also conduct assessments under the supervision of Dr Andrew Sheridan – Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist.

Please note: Neuropsychological assessments with Dr Andrew Sheridan (Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist) follow a format whereby Dr Sheridan and his UWA Neuropsychology PhD student carry out the assessment together. Dr Sheridan has over 20 years’ of experience and training as a Psychologist, and this knowledge is applied throughout the assessment process. Our Neuropsychology students are in their 7th year of Psychology studies and are in either their 3rd or 4th out of 4 training placements. Dr Sheridan and the student will conduct the ‘clinical interview’ together, and then the student will administer the Psychometric tasks. The interpretation of the test results and symptom descriptions, which is the most specialised part, is completed jointly between Dr Sheridan and the student in a series of meetings prior to your feedback appointment; and then the feedback appointment to discuss your results is with Dr Sheridan and the Neuropsychology student. Lastly, the detailed report is written jointly by Dr Sheridan and the student.

What are Clinical Neuropsychology Registrars?

Registrars are general Psychologists who are completing additional training in order to specialise in a particular psychology practice area. At ADHD WA, our Psychologists are specialising in Clinical Neuropsychology.

Our Registrars are fully qualified to diagnose ADHD and provide comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessments.

Dr Andrew Sheridan

Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist | Clinical Lead ADHD WA

Dr Andrew Sheridan trained in the UK as a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist and holds dual registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Towards the beginning of his career, he focused on Paediatric Neuropsychology at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Oxford Children’s Hospital. Since moving to Australia, he has focused on both child and…

View Bio for Dr Andrew Sheridan
Availability:

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

$240 per session (Medicare rebate available)

Dr Andrew Sheridan

Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist | Clinical Lead ADHD WA

Dr Andrew Sheridan trained in the UK as a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist and holds dual registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Towards the beginning of his career, he focused on Paediatric Neuropsychology at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Oxford Children’s Hospital. Since moving to Australia, he has focused on both child and adult Neuropsychology, specialising in conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Acquired Brain Injury. He is also skilled in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and behaviour management approaches.

Dr Sheridan’s approach is person centred, ensuring that each individual feels comfortable, understood, and supported. He also maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, staying current with advancements in the field through his active roles as a researcher, lecturer, and supervisor in Neuropsychology at the University of Western Australia.

In his spare time, Dr Sheridan enjoys spending time with his wife and two gorgeous daughters, singing, enjoying WA’s beautiful beaches and ice-baths to de-stress.

Dr Cayla Bellagarda

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr Cayla Bellagarda is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who completed her Masters & PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology at UWA, and Registrar training at ADHD WA with Dr Sheridan. She has experience conducting neuropsychological assessments across the lifespan, including children, adults and older adults. Cayla is passionate about providing a way for her clients to explore their…

View Bio for Dr Cayla Bellagarda
Availability:

Wednesdays and Fridays

Dr Cayla Bellagarda

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr Cayla Bellagarda is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who completed her Masters & PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology at UWA, and Registrar training at ADHD WA with Dr Sheridan. She has experience conducting neuropsychological assessments across the lifespan, including children, adults and older adults. Cayla is passionate about providing a way for her clients to explore their own unique brain to better understand their strengths and obstacles. Her approach emphasizes comprehensive investigation of both strengths and weaknesses to inform solution-focused, personalised strategies to provide “roadmap” for all aspects of life. She also assists with developing and facilitating group-based therapies to assist with many of the challenges occurring alongside ADHD, and she is always interested in talking all things ADHD in presentations, workshops etc. Alongside her clinical work, Cayla has completed a PhD in the Human Vision Laboratory at UWA. Her research work focused on non-invasive methods of studying visual processing in the brain, and how this may inform our understanding of the sensory features of neurodevelopmental disorders. She has recently joined a project focused on monitoring and supporting early childhood development.

Assessment Enquiry

Maira Braga

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Maira is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who completed her MPsych in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Western Australia. Maira's clinical experience includes conducting comprehensive paediatric, adult and older adult neuropsychological assessments for differential diagnosis of ADHD, Learning Disorders and other complex problems such as cognitive impairment due to an affective disorder, in both hospital settings…

View Bio for Maira Braga
Availability:

Monday and Tuesday

Maira Braga

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Maira is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who completed her MPsych in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Western Australia. Maira’s clinical experience includes conducting comprehensive paediatric, adult and older adult neuropsychological assessments for differential diagnosis of ADHD, Learning Disorders and other complex problems such as cognitive impairment due to an affective disorder, in both hospital settings and private practices. Maira is passionate about understanding how the brain produces and control behaviour and mental processes including learning and remembering, problem-solving, personality and emotions, as well as in interacting with clients and providing quality feedback and practical recommendations for them and their families. Maira’s approach is based on being able to genuinely engage in the therapeutic relationship by ensuring that clients feel comfortable, heard, validated, and encouraged to learn about their strengths and weaknesses so they can feel empowered to overcome challenges and grow.

Dr Alex Mladenovic

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr Alexander Mladenovic is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who completed his PhD and Masters of Clinical Neuropsychology through the University of Western Australia. He has worked across private and public settings and has experience conducting neuropsychological assessments across the lifespan, including children, adults and older adults. Alex has a longstanding interest in the assessment of ADHD…

View Bio for Dr Alex Mladenovic
Availability:

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Dr Alex Mladenovic

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr Alexander Mladenovic is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who completed his PhD and Masters of Clinical Neuropsychology through the University of Western Australia. He has worked across private and public settings and has experience conducting neuropsychological assessments across the lifespan, including children, adults and older adults. Alex has a longstanding interest in the assessment of ADHD and neurodiversity more broadly and takes a holistic approach when considering treatment recommendations, working with individuals to develop personalised strategies that address their unique challenges. His approach emphasises empathy, acceptance and curiosity to help his clients feel comfortable and understood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can make an ADHD diagnosis?
As per the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) Clinical Practice Guideline:
Clinicians conducting ADHD diagnostic assessments should be registered, trained in diagnostic assessment techniques and experienced in ADHD diagnostic assessment specifically. Given that assessments should include an awareness of developmental, mental health and medical history, it is largely the province of paediatricians and psychiatrists, but adequately trained and experienced GPs and clinically experienced psychologists are in a position to make an ADHD diagnosis.
What are the different types of assessments?

Psychometric Assessment:  Psychometric tests are a standard and scientific method used to measure individuals’ mental capabilities and behavioural style.  They are designed to tap into  particular cognitive (thinking) abilities (e.g. intelligence, or more generally memory, attention etc). Psychometric tests are not restricted to Psychologists, and can be used in OT/Speech Therapy/HR and recruitment etc. Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessments can and do use psychometric tests as part of a broader battery. We use psychometric testing within our Neuropsychological Assessment.

Psychological Assessment is a general term, not specific to what is included or who can administer it. Often this is interpreted to mean an assessment for treatment or diagnosis of mental health conditions. For example, assessments done by a clinical or general Psychologist to inform what kind of treatments they need to administer are typically called Psychological Assessments.

Neuropsychological Assessment is the most comprehensive and specialised kind of assessment. It can only be conducted by a trained Neuropsychologist, and involves a combination of psychometric testing and psychological assessment. It considers cognitive, medical, developmental, social, family and mental health factors, to determine what a person’s strengths and weaknesses are, why they might be happening, and how this impacts a person’s ability to function in their environment.

Psychiatric Assessment can occur after a person has already seen a psychologist or neuropsychologist, and is then seeking medication from a Psyciatrist. The main goal is to comprehensively screen for any physical or psychiatric comorbidities that can preclude a person from receiving certain medications. Some conditions (e.g. heart disease, drug use, certain mental illnesses) may make someone ineligible for some types of medication.

Psychiatric assessments are different from Neuropsychological Assessments because they do not include a psychometric component, and they do assess both physical and mental health. There may be brief overlaps in ADHD questions asked in both assessments. However, this is usually done as a quicker part of proceedings to get an up to date overview of ADHD symptoms by Psychiatrists, and is complementary to the highly detailed Neuropsychological Assessment.

Mental Health Assessment is done by a GP. This usually involves a short questionnaire to determine whether further support is needed, such as a referral to a specialist and/or a Mental Healthcare Plan.

What is a Neuropsychological Assessment?

A neuropsychological assessment is made up of scientific tests that measure mental capabilities, cognitive strengths, and behavioural styles.

How long does the assessment at ADHD WA take?

The assessment takes place over a five hour period with plenty of breaks in between. Assessments typically start at 10am and finish by 3pm. The time it takes each client varies based off their individual performance and occasionally it may take longer, or may finish earlier.

What do I need to bring with me?

Depending on your age, it is ideal to bring as many school reports as possible but the school age Year 4 through to Year 8 are the most useful. If you do not have a copy, you could try getting in touch with your school to see if they can provide an electronic copy to you. While having school reports is extremely helpful in the assessment process, many adults who completed schooling some time ago may no longer have access which is also fine.

Bring any reports or assessments you have have completed. These may include reports from specialists such as a paediatrician, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, psychologist, or other.

Bring a water bottle, lunch and snacks. There are cafés close by should you wish to purchase your lunch during a break.

Can I bring a support person with me?

Absolutely, in fact it is useful to bring along a significant other whether it is a partner, parent, family member or other person who knows you well, in particular, knew you well as a child to participate in the initial one hour interview.  After this time, we do encourage your support person wait outside of the office if they wish to stay, to allow room for other clients coming and going throughout the day.

If the client is a child under the age of 16, a parent or caregiver must remain for the entire duration of the assessment and we appreciate your support in finding alternative care for other children or siblings.

Will I find out the results on the day?

No. Once you have completed the assessment on the day, your results will be analysed along with reviewing school reports, other reports, questionnaires completed on the day and depending on the age of the client, we may wish to ask a teacher that knows the client well to also complete a questionnaire.

Results of your assessment are usually given verbally at the 45 minute feedback session approximately two to three weeks later along with a brief summary page to take away with you.

Very occasionally the assessor will ask for a further test or questionnaire to be administered depending on the results so far.

Can ADHD WA prescribe medication to treat ADHD?

No. The prescribing of stimulant medicines is restricted to medical practitioners who are:

  • Authorised in writing by the Department of Health;
  • In a category of approved specialist medical practitioner; and
  • Treating approved indications.

Medical practitioners approved to prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD include:

  • Paediatrician
  • Child and adolescent psychiatrist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Neurologist
  • Paediatric neurologist

With a shortage of ADHD treating specialists across WA, once you have booked your assessment with us, we recommend booking visiting your GP for a referral to an approved medical practitioner for 6-8 weeks after your assessment date. This allows time for you to receive your report and will help reduce a wait time to see a specialist once you receive the results of your neuropsychological assessment, should your assessment indicate ADHD.  Be sure to research and find an available specialist before visiting your GP for the referral.

Will I need to do further assessments after receiving an ADHD diagnosis?

Should an individual decide to pursue medical options for managing ADHD, they will need to see a Psychiatrist/Paediatrician.

Psychiatrists and Paediatricians are medical practitioners who may conduct further assessments before prescribing medication for ADHD, even if the individual already has an ADHD diagnosis.