Assessment services

Neurodevelopmental assessment

Understanding your child is the key to setting them up for success.

Dr Vanessa Petersen, Clinical Neuropsychologist

My assessments are comprehensive because your child's story has depth. The same struggles, whether with focus, friendships, or emotional regulation, can stem from entirely different sources.

That's why I assess the whole child, not just symptoms. Understanding what's truly driving your child's experiences is how we identify the right diagnosis and create strategies that fit your child.

Who is this assessment for?

Children 6–12 and young people 13–25 experiencing challenges like these:

Attention difficulties Learning challenges Social communication differences Sensory sensitivities Anxiety or mood concerns Executive functioning struggles Behavioural challenges Emotional regulation difficulties

What does an assessment investigate?

A comprehensive picture across six key areas of development

Social Interaction

  • Building and maintaining friendships
  • Reading social cues and body language
  • Reciprocal conversation skills
  • Navigating group dynamics and adapting to change

Cognitive Skills

  • Verbal reasoning and problem solving
  • Non-verbal and visual spatial thinking
  • Fluid and inductive reasoning
  • Speed of thinking
  • Working memory and attention
  • Executive functioning (planning, organisation, task initiation, cognitive flexibility and self-monitoring)

Learning & Academic

  • Reading, writing and fine motor skills
  • Mathematics
  • Memory and attention
  • Academic strengths and challenges

Behaviour & Emotional Regulation

  • Managing big emotions, mood and anxiety
  • Impulsivity and flexibility in thinking
  • Repetitive behaviours and routines
  • Sensory sensitivities and responses
  • Coping strategies and self-awareness

Sensory Processing

  • Touch, sound, visual and movement sensitivities
  • Sensory seeking or avoiding behaviours
  • Impact on daily functioning and participation

Strengths & Wellbeing

  • Personal strengths and interests
  • Self-concept, identity and self esteem
  • Wellbeing and quality of life

Assessment options and fees

Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment

$2,800

Every assessment includes comprehensive neuropsychological testing, clinical and developmental interviews with your child and family, teacher questionnaires, review of medical history and school reports, assessment for co-occurring conditions, and a results feedback session.

You will receive a detailed diagnostic report, personalised recommendations, a school support letter, and an NDIS support letter if applicable.

Tests typically used
WISC DKEFS NEPSY WIAT Vineland CVLT

Autism spectrum assessment

$600

When autism is being queried, the assessment is extended to include autism-specific neuropsychological testing, validated questionnaires, sensory differences and social communication exploration, and comprehensive differential diagnosis considering co-occurring conditions. The total for a combined assessment is $3,400.

Tests typically used
ADOS MIGDAS CAT-Q CATI

The assessment journey

  1. 1 Initial consultation

    15-minute phone call to discuss your needs

  2. 2 Information gathering

    Completing forms, questionnaires, and sharing history

  3. 3 Assessment sessions

    Testing and observation sessions

  4. 4 Report writing

    Comprehensive analysis and report preparation

  5. 5 Feedback session

    Results discussion and planning next steps

  6. 6 Report

    Written report delivered digitally

Common questions

How long does a full assessment take?

A comprehensive assessment typically involves 6–8 hours of direct testing, spread across multiple sessions to prevent fatigue. The entire process, from initial consultation to receiving your report, usually takes 4–6 weeks.

Will my child need to prepare for the assessment?

No special preparation is needed. Just ensure your child is well-rested and has eaten before sessions. We'll handle everything else, including breaks and accommodations as needed.

What if my child is anxious about testing?

This is completely normal and expected. I specialise in working with anxious children and will take time to build rapport, explain everything clearly, and can modify the environment to help your child feel comfortable.

Can I stay with my child during testing?

Parents typically aren't present during testing to ensure accurate results, but you're always nearby. For very anxious children, we can arrange modified approaches that might include gradual separation or other accommodations.

Take the first step toward understanding

Book your initial consultation to discuss your child's needs and how a comprehensive assessment can help.