Psychological assessments and report writing in Dubbo
A psychological assessment can help clarify questions about learning, attention, development, memory, behaviour or everyday functioning. Harbour & Hills provides psychological assessment and report-writing services in Dubbo for children, adolescents and adults.
The right assessment depends on the question being explored and the person’s circumstances. You do not need to know which assessment to ask for before getting in touch.
Which assessment may be relevant?
The descriptions below are starting points, not a checklist for diagnosing yourself or someone else. The assessment question and appropriate next steps are clarified with the practice.
ADHD assessment
An ADHD assessment may be considered when there are ongoing questions about attention, activity level, impulsivity or organisation. The focus and information gathered depend on the person and the reason for the assessment. Contact Harbour & Hills to discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate and what information may be useful.
Autism assessment
An autism assessment may help explore questions about development and everyday functioning. The assessment approach is guided by the person’s circumstances and the question being asked. An enquiry can help clarify whether this is the right pathway and what may be involved.
Cognitive and adaptive functioning assessment
Cognitive assessment can explore aspects of thinking and learning. Where relevant, an assessment may also consider adaptive functioning: how a person manages everyday activities across settings.
An assessment relating to intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) may consider cognitive and adaptive functioning alongside interviews, observations, previous reports and other relevant information. The specific approach is determined by the person’s needs and the assessment question.
Assessment for cognitive and memory concerns
Where there are concerns about memory or changes in cognitive functioning, an assessment may help describe the person’s current profile and inform recommendations. This may be relevant in a range of circumstances, including after an acquired brain injury. The assessment does not, by itself, establish a medical cause.
Psychological assessment relating to FASD
FASD diagnosis involves a multidisciplinary diagnostic process. A psychological assessment may contribute information about relevant areas of functioning, but it is not a standalone FASD diagnosis. Please enquire so the practice can clarify the scope of its involvement and whether input from other disciplines is needed.
Educational assessments may help explore learning strengths and difficulties and inform recommendations.
Specific learning disorder
Where there are persistent difficulties with reading, written expression or mathematics, an assessment may consider learning history, academic skills, cognitive information and relevant school or intervention records. The focus depends on the referral question.
Learning and behavioural assessment
When learning concerns occur alongside questions about attention, behaviour, emotional regulation or executive functioning, an assessment may consider how these areas relate to one another. Relevant developmental history and information from home or school may be considered where appropriate.
Giftedness and school-placement questions
An assessment may help inform educational planning where there are questions about advanced abilities, acceleration or selective and opportunity-class applications. A report can provide relevant information, but it cannot guarantee a particular placement or decision by a school or other organisation.
What may be involved?
The process is shaped by the assessment question. Depending on the agreed scope, it may include an interview, assessment activities, observation, and consideration of relevant information such as previous reports or school records. For the assessment types where feedback is included, a feedback session can explain the findings and recommendations. The practice can clarify the expected steps when you enquire.
If the report is intended for a school, the NDIS or another organisation, mention this when you get in touch. Requirements differ between organisations, and Harbour & Hills cannot guarantee that a report will meet criteria set by another body.
How to get started
If you are unsure which assessment may fit, make an enquiry and explain the question or concern you would like to discuss. Relevant previous reports or school information may be useful if you already have them; you do not need to gather everything before making an enquiry.
Make an enquiryIf you are a professional referring someone, use the Harbour & Hills referral form.
Refer a clientHarbour & Hills is based at 262 Macquarie Street, Dubbo NSW. You can also call 0478 219 822.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know which assessment I need?+
No. You can describe the question or concern when you enquire. The practice can discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate and what information may be needed to clarify the next step.
Can an assessment report be used for a school, the NDIS or another organisation?+
That depends on the organisation’s requirements and the scope of the assessment. Tell the practice what the report is intended for when you enquire, and check any specific criteria with the organisation that will receive it.
What information should I bring?+
Previous reports, relevant school records, information about earlier learning support or intervention, and referral information may be useful where relevant. The practice can advise what is appropriate for your situation.