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Neuropsychology and educational assessments

Psychologists at Offspring Health offer comprehensive assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults to understand learning, cognitive, and emotional development. Our strength-based approach delivers practical, individualised strategies to support growth and success.

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A Comprehensive and Supportive Approach to Assessment

Psychologists practising at Offspring Health provide neurodevelopmental assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults that comprehensively explore socio-emotional functioning, intellectual development, and academic achievement. Assessments include a detailed review of core cognitive processes such as language, memory, processing speed, attention, and executive functioning alongside review of day-to-day adaptive functioning.

Neurodevelopmental and educational assessments help families understand the relationship between a young person’s brain development, thinking skills, and behaviour. This insight supports learning, social growth, and the development of effective study and vocational pathways.

Our neuro-affirming, strength-based and engaging approach ensures that young people feel supported throughout the process.

We aim to highlight areas of resilience as well as areas requiring support, forming the basis for individualised strategies that promote wellbeing, learning, and confidence.

We collaborate closely with families, schools, and other professionals to ensure support is practical, coordinated, and leads to lasting positive outcomes.

Who Provides a Cognitive Assessment?

At Offspring Health, cognitive assessments are conducted by psychologists with postgraduate qualifications in Clinical Neuropsychology or Educational and Developmental Psychology. These professionals have advanced training and a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, ensuring high-quality, developmentally informed assessments grounded in current research and best-practice standards.

Clinical Neuropsychologists specialise in understanding brain development and its impact on thinking skills, learning, emotions, and behaviour throughout childhood and adolescence.

Educational and Developmental Psychologists focus on supporting learning and development by assessing and addressing educational, emotional, and behavioural challenges, promoting positive growth and wellbeing in children and adolescents.

Together, they provide comprehensive evaluations that guide tailored strategies to support each young person’s unique needs
Neuropsychology and educational assessments

Core Cognitive and Developmental Areas We Assess

Intellectual development

Attentional function

Language development

Executive Functioning

Memory and New Learning

Academic Skills

Social and Emotional Functioning

Common Reasons to Seek Cognitive Assessment

Cognitive assessments provide valuable insights into a child’s thinking, learning, and behaviour. Parents, educators, or health professionals may seek an assessment for a variety of reasons, including the following:

When a child is not reaching expected milestones in areas such as speech, motor skills, or social interaction, a cognitive assessment can help identify underlying factors and guide early support.

Assessment can determine whether a child is developmentally prepared to start school, helping to guide decisions about early learning interventions or adjusted school starting ages.

Difficulties with reading, writing, or mathematics often stem from specific learning disorders. Cognitive assessments can pinpoint areas of strength and difficulty to tailor effective educational support.

An assessment can clarify the presence of IDD by evaluating intellectual functioning and adaptive skills, guiding appropriate educational placements and support services.

Children struggling with attention, impulse control, or hyperactivity may benefit from assessment to support diagnosis and inform behavioural and educational strategies.

Assessment offers a comprehensive understanding of the unique cognitive, social, and communication profiles of children with ASD. Psychological evaluations are typically conducted in collaboration with paediatricians, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists to provide coordinated support and develop tailored interventions that value and affirm neurodiversity.

When emotional wellbeing or social skills impact a child’s functioning, cognitive assessment can help uncover contributing factors and inform therapeutic approaches.

Children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure may present with cognitive and behavioural challenges; assessment assists in identifying specific needs and supports.

Conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, or genetic disorders can affect brain function and development; assessment helps evaluate cognitive impact and guide support.

Injuries sustained before or after birth can affect cognition and behaviour. Neuropsychological assessment identifies areas of impairment and guides rehabilitation strategies.

What is involved in a Neuropsychology and Educational Assessment?

A neuropsychology assessment is a thorough evaluation designed to understand how a young person’s brain functions and how this impacts their learning, behaviour, and everyday life. The assessment process typically involves several key components:

Initial Interview and History Gathering

We begin by meeting with the family (and sometimes the young person) to gather detailed information about developmental history, medical background, educational experiences, and current concerns.

Standardised Testing

The core of the assessment involves a series of structured tasks and tests that evaluate cognitive skills such as:

  • Attention and concentration
  • Memory and learning
  • Language and communication
  • Processing speed
  • Executive functions (e.g., planning, organisation, problem-solving)
  • Visual-spatial abilities
  • Academic skills including reading, writing, and numeracy

Some commonly used tests include the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), which assesses cognitive abilities, the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT), which evaluates academic skills, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), used to assess behaviours associated with autism spectrum disorder. These tests are age-appropriate, engaging, and provide objective data about strengths and areas of difficulty.

Behavioural and Emotional Functioning

Assessment also includes exploring socio-emotional development and behavioural functioning, often using questionnaires or interviews with parents, teachers, or the young person themselves.

Feedback and Recommendations

After completing testing, we provide a detailed report explaining the results in clear, understandable terms. This report includes practical recommendations tailored to the young person’s needs, which can support learning, social skills, and wellbeing. We also offer feedback sessions to discuss the findings and next steps with families and relevant professionals.

Collaboration and Follow-Up

We often work closely with schools, healthcare providers, and families to ensure that recommendations are effectively implemented, and we can support ongoing monitoring or intervention if needed.

What is involved in a Neuropsychology and Educational Assessment?

A neuropsychology assessment is a thorough evaluation designed to understand how a young person’s brain functions and how this impacts their learning, behaviour, and everyday life. The assessment process typically involves several key components:

We begin by meeting with the family (and sometimes the young person) to gather detailed information about developmental history, medical background, educational experiences, and current concerns.

The core of the assessment involves a series of structured tasks and tests that evaluate cognitive skills such as:

  • Attention and concentration
  • Memory and learning
  • Language and communication
  • Processing speed
  • Executive functions (e.g., planning, organisation, problem-solving)
  • Visual-spatial abilities
  • Academic skills including reading, writing, and numeracy

Some commonly used tests include the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), which assesses cognitive abilities, the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT), which evaluates academic skills, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), used to assess behaviours associated with autism spectrum disorder. These tests are age-appropriate, engaging, and provide objective data about strengths and areas of difficulty.

Assessment also includes exploring socio-emotional development and behavioural functioning, often using questionnaires or interviews with parents, teachers, or the young person themselves.

After completing testing, we provide a detailed report explaining the results in clear, understandable terms. This report includes practical recommendations tailored to the young person’s needs, which can support learning, social skills, and wellbeing. We also offer feedback sessions to discuss the findings and next steps with families and relevant professionals.

We often work closely with schools, healthcare providers, and families to ensure that recommendations are effectively implemented, and we can support ongoing monitoring or intervention if needed.

Assessment Fees and Rebates

At Offspring Health, we aim to provide transparent information about the costs involved in neurodevelopmental and educational assessments. Neuropsychological assessments typically involve multiple sessions that usually take between 8 and 16 hours in total, depending on the complexity and individual needs.

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    At Offspring Health, we aim to provide transparent information about the costs involved in neurodevelopmental and educational assessments.

    Neuropsychological assessments typically involve multiple sessions that usually take between 8 and 16 hours in total, depending on the complexity and individual needs. Our hourly rate is $260, so the total cost typically ranges between $2,300 and $4,230.

    Fees generally cover:

    • Initial consultation and history gathering
    • Testing sessions where your child will complete various fun and interactive tasks
    • Liaison with schools or health professionals as needed
    • Comprehensive case analysis and report preparation
    • Feedback sessions with families and, where applicable, educators or other professionals

    Please note that standard neuropsychological assessments are generally not covered by Medicare. However, some assessments and therapy services may be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for eligible participants. We recommend discussing funding options with your NDIS planner or support coordinator prior to booking. Private health insurance may offer partial rebates depending on your level of coverage.

    What’s the next step?

    Please phone reception for a discussion about your needs or email psychology@offspringhealth.com

    Social and emotional functioning refers to a child’s ability to understand, express, and manage their emotions, as well as to interact effectively with others. These skills are fundamental for building positive relationships, developing empathy, and coping with the everyday challenges of growing up.

    Children who experience difficulties in social and emotional functioning may struggle with recognizing their own feelings or those of others, regulating emotional responses, or responding appropriately in social situations. This can lead to challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty making friends, or misunderstandings with peers and adults.

    In the school environment, social and emotional difficulties can impact a child’s engagement, cooperation, and overall learning experience. Emotional distress may manifest as withdrawal, irritability, or disruptive behaviour, which can further affect academic progress and peer relationships.

    Assessment of social and emotional functioning as part of a neuropsychological evaluation typically includes behavioural observations, standardized rating scales, and information gathered from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child. This comprehensive approach helps identify strengths and areas for support in emotional regulation, social skills, and adaptive behaviours.

    Understanding a child’s social-emotional profile allows for the development of tailored strategies to enhance emotional wellbeing, build resilience, and improve social communication. Early intervention and supportive environments can empower children to navigate their emotions more effectively, fostering confidence and meaningful connections.