Ask The Neuro-Affirming Psychologists Gold Coast: How does a cognitive assessment work?

The Neurodiverse Network Burleigh Heads, specialises in the assessment, diagnosis, and holistic support of Neurodiversity in the Gold Coast area - including diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - while assessment and diagnosis is one of the services offered at our neuroaffirming clinic, it is not essential for you to undergo assessment and/or receive a formal diagnosis in order to make an appointment with one of our experienced, neuro-affirming psychologists Gold Coast based.

For those who are undertaking assessment at The Neurodiverse Network - the below frequently asked questions aim to provide a practical overview of what to expect during this process at our Burleigh Heads clinic.

What are the benefits of being assessed be a Neuro-Affirming Psychologist Gold Coast?

Neurodiversity as a term refers to the differences in which brains develop and function; differences to” typically” developed brains also known as neurotypicals, and differences within an individual’s brain development reflecting their strengths and weaknesses. As such, when investigating neurodiversity it is integral to explore the cognitive and learning development of an individual in order to delineate the neurodiversity.

It is common for many neurodiverse individuals to be in a chronic state of confusion; unsure why simple things seem hard, and hard things may seem simple. The results of an ADHD assessment in the Gold Coast will provide clarity to this confusion by clearly showing areas of strength and weakness which can help to maximise learning engagement, enhance areas of strength, and compensate or develop areas of weakness.

Autism Assessment results also highlight areas for targeted treatment helping individuals develop a plan for what supports to prioritise and when.

Clients often report that the assessment process helps to understand themselves better, assists with advocating for themselves or their child at school, at work, and in their personal lives.

A cognitive assessment ultimately provides accurate information surrounding an individual's neurodiverse struggles which helps to actively contradict the unhelpful beliefs that may have been established since childhood such as "I'm not smart” or “I’m just lazy”.

What tools are used throughout the process?

No two brains are the same and, as such, the assessment process may vary as a function of individual circumstances.

However, the ultimate goal of the assessment process for every client is to provide a deeper understanding and clarity surrounding their neurodiverse experiences. Every client who has completed an assessment at our Gold Coast psychology clinic will walk away with useful information to help inform support options.

While each ASD/ADHD assessment is tailored to suit the individual’s needs, the process of the assessment usually remains consistent.

The first appointment, known as the initial appointment or intake, is a one hour appointment, which can be conducted online or face-to-face in our Burleigh Heads Psychology clinic.

This session is used for information gathering on current circumstances, background history, family history and medical history.

The initial session also provides an opportunity to get familiar with the clinician, and ask any relevant questions you may have.

Following the initial appointment the psychologist may send you some psychological assessment surveys to complete about yourself or your child which aim to gather additional information on any specific concerns/challenges you’ve raised during the session.

Our neuro-affirming psychologist Gold Coast based, may also provide you with helpful resources or other recommendations/suggestions to help kickstart your understanding of neurodiversity.

The next session(s) will be used to complete relevant psychometric cognitive and/or learning assessments based upon your individual needs.

This process can take up to 2 x 2-hour sessions in duration and you’ll be advised along the way of what is required and what to expect. These sessions are conducted face-to-face in our clinic with one of our psychologists. After completing these assessment sessions you’ll be provided a brief overview of the results and be given any useful interim information or recommendations while the report is being finalised.

Our neuroaffirming psychologist will then carefully examine all the information obtained throughout the initial appointment, survey results, observations, and psychometric assessment results and finalise a comprehension report that outlines all the relevant information and data.

The final session known as the feedback session

Is a one hour appointment either online or in-clinic at which time your treating psychologist will explain the findings and results of your assessment, talk you through your report, and prepare you for the next steps on your journey.

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At The Neurodiverse Network, we’re a neuro-affirming psychology clinic based in Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, offering ADHD and Autism assessments, therapy, and NDIS supports for children, teens, and adults.

Our team of psychologists provide neurodiversity-affirming care, recognising and celebrating the strengths of every individual.

We provide a range of services including:

• ADHD assessments and therapy for adults and children

• Autism assessments and support across the lifespan

• Individual counselling and emotional regulation support

• NDIS psychology and functional capacity assessments

• Neurodiverse support groups and online workshops

  
  

Our psychologists draw on lived experience and evidence-based approaches to create a space where neurodivergent people feel safe, understood, and empowered.

Whether you’re seeking a Clinical Psychologist on the Gold Coast, a neuro-affirming therapist near Burleigh Heads, or NDIS support, our team is here to help you navigate your journey with compassion and clarity.

Located in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast — close to Miami, Palm Beach, Robina, and Varsity Lakes.

Learn more about our neuro-affirming care or book an ADHD or Autism assessment here.