What to Expect from a Psychological Assessment
At Ivy Psychology, our psychological assessments provide clarity on whether an individual meets the criteria for a diagnosis—such as Autism, ADHD, or cognitive challenges—while also identifying their unique strengths and areas for growth. Regardless of the outcome, these assessments offer valuable insights and personalised recommendations to support daily functioning and overall well-being.
The Assessment Process
Step 1: Intake & Initial Consultation
The assessment process begins before your first appointment. To get started, you will need to complete our referral form. Once submitted, a member of our team will contact you for an intake call (15 to 20 minutes). This call helps us gather preliminary information so our psychologist can tailor the assessment to your needs.
During the initial consultation, the psychologist will conduct a comprehensive interview to explore:
Your concerns and reasons for the assessment
Relevant background history
Goals for the assessment
Information may also be gathered from caregivers, teachers, or others who know the individual well to ensure a well-rounded understanding.
The initial consultation is normally 60 minutes but may be longer depending on what is being assessed.
Step 2: Standardised Testing
Depending on the concerns being assessed, the psychologist may conduct a range of standardised tests, which may include:
Cognitive testing (e.g., IQ tests, memory and problem-solving tasks)
Attention, executive functioning, and learning assessments
Autism and ADHD-specific measures (e.g., behavioural checklists, social interaction tasks)
Emotional and mental health screening
These assessments help us understand how an individual thinks, learns, and processes information, providing crucial insights into their strengths and challenges.
Step 3: Comprehensive Analysis
Once testing is complete, the results are carefully analysed and compared with diagnostic criteria to determine whether a diagnosis is appropriate.
Even if a formal diagnosis is not made, the assessment highlights key strengths and challenges that may impact:
Learning and academic performance
Work and career success
Relationships and social interactions
Daily life and emotional well-being
Step 4: Feedback Session & Report
A detailed report is provided, outlining:
✔ Whether the individual meets criteria for a diagnosis
✔ Strengths and areas that may require support
✔ Practical recommendations for school, work, and daily life
✔ Strategies to manage challenges and build on strengths
The psychologist will discuss the results in a clear and supportive manner, answering any questions and ensuring you fully understand the findings.
Why Assessments Matter
Psychological assessments are about more than just diagnosis—they provide a deeper understanding of an individual’s unique abilities and needs. Whether or not a diagnosis is made, we offer practical recommendations to improve:
✅ Learning and academic performance
✅ Focus and executive functioning
✅ Emotional regulation and resilience
✅ Social skills and relationships
If you have any questions about the assessment process, we are here to help.
Book an Assessment with Ivy Psychology
At Ivy Psychology, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based psychological assessments to support individuals in understanding their cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning.
📍 We offer in-person assessments in Sydney and telehealth assessments across Australia.
💻 Get started today! Click on the button below to access our assessment referral form.
📩 Have questions? Contact us at admin@ivypsychology.com.au
