Assessment Process
All assessments follow a structured, evidence-based, and person-centred process. While specific tools are tailored to the type of assessment and the individual’s needs, the overall process typically includes the following stages:
-
Following referral or self-enquiry, relevant intake forms and questionnaires are completed to gather background information and current concerns. This helps determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.
-
A comprehensive clinical interview is conducted with the individual and/or parents or caregivers (for children and adolescents). This includes exploration of:
Developmental, medical, educational, and mental health history
Current functioning across home, school, work, and social settings
Strengths, challenges, and support needs
-
A range of evidence-based, standardised assessment tools are selected based on the referral question and age of the individual. This may include:
Cognitive testing
Academic achievement testing
Attention and executive functioning measures
Behavioural, emotional, and adaptive functioning questionnaires
Observational assessment (including play-based assessment for younger children, where appropriate)
-
Where available, relevant information is gathered from schools, teachers, previous assessments, and other health or allied health professionals to ensure a comprehensive understanding of functioning across settings.
-
All assessment data is carefully integrated and interpreted using a neuro-affirming, strengths-based, and diagnostic framework where appropriate. Clinical judgement is applied to ensure accurate and meaningful conclusions.
-
A detailed written report is provided, including:
Assessment results and interpretation
Diagnostic conclusions (where relevant)
Identification of strengths and support needs
Individualised, practical recommendations for home, school, workplace, and therapeutic support
-
A dedicated feedback session is held to explain the assessment results in a clear, supportive, and accessible way. This includes discussion of the findings, diagnostic outcomes (if applicable), and practical implications for learning, work, and wellbeing.
-
All assessments at Ember & Bloom Psychology Clinic are offered as comprehensive packages. Fees are based on the time required for interview, testing, scoring, interpretation, report writing, and feedback. All prices below are calculated in line with the standard $230 per clinical hour.
ADHD Assessment $1,380 (6 hours)
Cognitive Assessment $1,610 (7 hours)
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment $2,070 (9 hours)
Autism (ASD) Assessment $2,530 (11 hours)
Combined Assessments - Individually tailored (e.g., ADHD + Cognitive, Cognitive + SLD, ASD + ADHD) Quoted following intake
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Asessment
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behaviour, interests, or routines. From a clinical perspective, autism is diagnosed when these differences significantly impact daily functioning across home, school, work, or social settings.
At the same time, a neuro-affirming approach recognises autism as a natural variation in human neurodiversity rather than a deficit. Autistic individuals often bring unique strengths such as deep focus, creativity, honesty, problem-solving skills, and strong interests. Difficulties typically arise not from autism itself, but from a mismatch between the individual’s needs and their environment.
At Ember & Bloom Psychology, we honour both understandings:
We use evidence-based, clinical criteria to ensure accurate assessment and diagnosis
We embrace a strengths-based, respectful, and neuro-affirming lens that values autistic identity, autonomy, and lived experience
Our goal is to support individuals and families in gaining clarity, reducing stigma, and building environments where autistic people can thrive—not simply “cope.”
-
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in attention, focus, impulse control, energy levels, and executive functioning. From a clinical standpoint, ADHD is diagnosed when these challenges significantly impact daily life, such as learning, work performance, emotional regulation, organisation, or social relationships.
A neuro-affirming approach, however, recognises ADHD as a meaningful and valid form of neurodiversity rather than a flaw or behavioural issue. Many individuals with ADHD demonstrate strengths such as creativity, innovation, curiosity, high energy, hyperfocus, problem-solving skills, and an ability to think outside the box. Difficulties often arise when environments, routines, or expectations are not aligned with the way an ADHD brain naturally processes information.
At Ember & Bloom Psychology, both perspectives are honoured
We follow evidence-based diagnostic criteria to ensure clarity and accuracy
We adopt a strengths-focused, neuro-affirming lens that respects ADHD identity and validates lived experience
Our aim is to reduce stigma, enhance self-understanding, and support individuals in creating environments and strategies where their unique way of thinking can flourish.
-
Cognitive Assessment
A cognitive assessment is a structured and respectful way of exploring how an individual thinks, learns, remembers, and solves problems. Rather than focusing solely on scores, these assessments aim to build a clear and compassionate understanding of a person’s unique cognitive profile — their strengths, their challenges, and the ways they process information.
Cognitive assessments can help clarify why someone may be finding learning, work, or daily tasks more difficult than expected, or why certain activities come naturally. They also provide valuable insights into areas such as memory, attention, processing speed, reasoning, and executive functioning.
At Ember & Bloom Psychology, we support individuals in understanding themselves better and accessing the strategies, environments, and opportunities that allow them to thrive.
-
Specific Learning Difficulties Assessment (SLD)
A Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to acquire and use academic skills in areas such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia). These difficulties are not due to lack of effort, intelligence, or opportunity — rather, they reflect differences in how the brain processes information.
From a clinical perspective, SLD is diagnosed when learning challenges are persistent, significantly impact academic or daily functioning, and cannot be fully explained by other factors. However, a strengths-based approach recognises that individuals with learning differences often show creativity, perseverance, problem-solving skills, and unique ways of understanding the world.
At Ember & Bloom Psychology, the aim is to provide clarity, reduce frustration and self-blame, and offer practical, personalised recommendations to support learning success at school, work, and everyday life.