The Assessment Process
Not all assessments are the same; some are brief and others are comprehensive. Within these assessments, a number of different tasks are selected depending on the presenting issues and the purpose of the assessment. A neuropsychology assessment usually involves interviews, assessment, and observation. There are no invasive procedures, no pain, no needles or electrodes.
Interviews
An interview with the parent/guardian or carer assists in gathering background information about the young person. Other people such as paediatricians, teachers, case managers, speech pathologists and/or psychologists may be contacted for more specific information. Yasmin also gathers all relevant reports and reviews records from previous evaluations. Information collected may cover the following areas: birth, development, medical history, education, behaviour, social and emotional functioning.
Assessment
An interview with the young person and formal testing can last from 2 to 4 hours. The time required depends on the individual's age and presenting issues. The assessment sessions may take place over the course of one full day with breaks as needed, or over a series of sessions on different days. Once Yasmin knows the purpose of the assessment, she can give you a more specific time estimate. Testing involves a wide variety of tasks, most of which are completed sitting at a table. The tasks involve answering questions, and completing paper and pencil or hands-on activities.
Observation
Dr Yasmin Baliz may request to observe the young person in the school or employment setting to facilitate an accurate description and understanding of current functioning in different environments.
An interview with the parent/guardian or carer assists in gathering background information about the young person. Other people such as paediatricians, teachers, case managers, speech pathologists and/or psychologists may be contacted for more specific information. Yasmin also gathers all relevant reports and reviews records from previous evaluations. Information collected may cover the following areas: birth, development, medical history, education, behaviour, social and emotional functioning.
Assessment
An interview with the young person and formal testing can last from 2 to 4 hours. The time required depends on the individual's age and presenting issues. The assessment sessions may take place over the course of one full day with breaks as needed, or over a series of sessions on different days. Once Yasmin knows the purpose of the assessment, she can give you a more specific time estimate. Testing involves a wide variety of tasks, most of which are completed sitting at a table. The tasks involve answering questions, and completing paper and pencil or hands-on activities.
Observation
Dr Yasmin Baliz may request to observe the young person in the school or employment setting to facilitate an accurate description and understanding of current functioning in different environments.
Preparing for an Assessment
This information is for the parents/guardians, carers, and/or case managers supporting the young person.
What should my child do before a neuropsychological assessment?
Ensure your child has a good night's sleep before the assessment day. Continue to administer medications prescribed by your child's GP or paediatrician (and please bring details of these to the appointment). If your child engages in substance abuse, please remind and encourage them to avoid alcohol and illicit drugs for at least 3 days prior to the assessment.
What should I bring to the assessment?
Please ensure that you bring the following items for your child (if applicable):
Where do I come?
When an appointment has been confirmed, you will be sent an information sheet containing the clinic address, travel information and a map.
What should my child do before a neuropsychological assessment?
Ensure your child has a good night's sleep before the assessment day. Continue to administer medications prescribed by your child's GP or paediatrician (and please bring details of these to the appointment). If your child engages in substance abuse, please remind and encourage them to avoid alcohol and illicit drugs for at least 3 days prior to the assessment.
What should I bring to the assessment?
Please ensure that you bring the following items for your child (if applicable):
- Reading glasses
- Any reports from Neurologists, Psychiatrists or Psychologists you may have
- School reports from the past 12 months
- Any discharge summaries related to recent hospitalisations
Where do I come?
When an appointment has been confirmed, you will be sent an information sheet containing the clinic address, travel information and a map.
Assessment Outcomes
What will happen following the assessment?
Following the assessment, Dr Baliz will spend several hours interpreting the results and writing a report to communicate the assessment findings and outlining recommendations for intervention and support. By comparing the young person's test scores to the scores of others of similar age and background, Dr Baliz can create a profile of his or her strengths and areas of difficulty.
How will a neuropsychological assessment help ?
The written report will be provided following completion of the assessment that can be shared with those involved in the young person's care. The report covers background history and current issues, the various tests conducted, observations, assessment results and recommendations. Information included in the recommendations may include:
A verbal feedback session will be offered to discuss the findings of the assessment and what recommendations have been made.
Following the assessment, Dr Baliz will spend several hours interpreting the results and writing a report to communicate the assessment findings and outlining recommendations for intervention and support. By comparing the young person's test scores to the scores of others of similar age and background, Dr Baliz can create a profile of his or her strengths and areas of difficulty.
How will a neuropsychological assessment help ?
The written report will be provided following completion of the assessment that can be shared with those involved in the young person's care. The report covers background history and current issues, the various tests conducted, observations, assessment results and recommendations. Information included in the recommendations may include:
- Practical strategies for supporting and further developing your child’s cognitive, behavioural, social and/or emotional functioning across settings (e.g., home and school).
- Suggestions for educational/vocational planning and support.
- Suggestions for further assessment or support (if required) from other specialist services (e.g., occupational therapy, speech therapy, counselling).
- Information to assist in knowing what is fair to expect from your child at this point in time.
- An understanding of future support needs may also be helpful so that you can prepare and plan ahead.
A verbal feedback session will be offered to discuss the findings of the assessment and what recommendations have been made.
