ADHD, Autism & Learning Assessments in Perth

Psychological Assessments for Children & Teens

At Excelsis Psychology, our Perth psychologists provide professional ADHD, Autism, cognitive, and learning assessments to help families, schools, and health professionals understand a child’s unique strengths and challenges. A comprehensive assessment provides more than just a diagnosis — it helps clarify strengths, challenges, and practical next steps for home and school.

Each assessment includes a detailed written report with clear recommendations for home, school, and support services.

What’s Involved in an Assessment

Assessments are tailored to the child’s age and presenting concerns, but typically involve:

1. Intake & Parent Consultation

  • A structured interview with parents or caregivers to gather developmental, medical, and educational history.

  • Discussion of current challenges (e.g., attention, learning, behaviour, social interactions, sleep).

  • Exploration of family strengths and goals.

2. DSM-5-TR Clinical Interview

  • A diagnostic interview aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disorders (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) or other conditions.

  • Helps ensure the assessment follows international gold-standard frameworks for diagnosis.

3. Standardised Assessment Tools

At Excelsis Psychology, we use a range of evidence-based, standardised tools depending on the referral question and your child’s needs. These may include:

  • WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th Ed.) → Assesses cognitive skills such as reasoning, memory, processing speed, and problem-solving.

  • WIAT-III (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test) → Measures academic skills including reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics.

  • WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence) → Designed for children aged 2.5 to 7 years, assessing early learning, reasoning, and processing skills.

  • WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) → Used with older adolescents and adults to assess overall cognitive functioning.

  • Leiter-3 (Leiter International Performance Scale) → A non-verbal intelligence test, ideal for children with language delays, Autism, or cultural/linguistic differences.

  • ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Ed.) → A gold-standard, play- and conversation-based tool for assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder.

  • DSM-5-TR Clinical Interview & Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R, when indicated) → Comprehensive developmental history and structured interview aligned to diagnostic criteria.

  • Conners 4 or Vanderbilt Rating Scales → Structured questionnaires used to assess ADHD symptoms, attention, hyperactivity, and executive functioning.

  • Vineland-3 or ABAS-3 (Adaptive Behaviour Assessments) → Evaluate practical daily living skills, communication, and socialisation — important for NDIS and school planning.

  • CTOPP-2 (Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing) → Assesses phonological awareness and processing, essential for identifying reading disorders (like dyslexia).

  • TOWRE-2 (Test of Word Reading Efficiency) → Measures fluency and accuracy in word reading, useful in diagnosing Specific Learning Disorders.

  • School Readiness Tools (e.g., Bracken School Readiness, NEPSY-II subtests) → Evaluate pre-academic, emotional, and social skills to guide school entry decisions.

4. Teacher & School Input

  • With parental consent, we contact teachers to gather school-based observations.

  • This ensures the report reflects both home and classroom functioning.

5. Feedback & Recommendations

  • A dedicated feedback session with parents to explain results in clear, practical language.

  • A comprehensive written report with tailored strategies for home, school, and therapy.

  • Where relevant, recommendations for NDIS, school funding, or accommodations.

Types of Assessments

ADHD Assessments

Identify attention, focus, and executive functioning challenges. Our ADHD assessments combine parent/teacher questionnaires, clinical interview, and cognitive testing.
🔗 See ADHD Guidelines

Our ADHD assessments align with Australia’s national standards: We adhere to the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD, developed by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and endorsed by the NHMRC and other peak bodies.

Autism Spectrum Assessments

Comprehensive assessments using DSM-5-TR criteria, ADOS-2, parent interviews, and adaptive behaviour measures. Reports describe both strengths and support needs.
🔗 See Autism Guidelines

Our ASD assessments align with Australia’s national standards: We follow the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia, developed by Autism CRC and also approved by the NHMRC.

Cognitive & Learning Assessments

We use tools such as WISC-V and WIAT-III to evaluate memory, reasoning, literacy, and numeracy. This helps identify learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) or giftedness.
🔗 See Specific Learning Difficulties Guidelines

School Readiness Assessments

Assesses a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive readiness for school — providing practical guidance for parents and teachers.

Giftedness & Twice-Exceptional Profiles

Identify advanced intellectual ability alongside co-occurring challenges (ASD, ADHD, dyslexia), ensuring the right balance of extension and support.

Reports for NDIS, Schools & Health Professionals

All assessments include comprehensive reports that meet requirements for NDIS applications, school adjustments (e.g., Individual Education Plans), and referrals to allied health or medical specialists.

Why Assessment is So Valuable

A well-conducted assessment provides:

  • Clarity → understanding your child’s unique profile, strengths, and challenges.

  • Direction → clear strategies for home and school, plus evidence for funding applications.

  • Advocacy → professional reports support communication with schools, specialists, and support services.

  • Confidence → clearer understanding of your child’s needs and how to support them.

Bookings & Enquiries

Email: clientcare@excelsispsychology.com | Phone: 08 6115 0024
Available at Excelsis Psychology Joondalup & West Leederville | Online (Telehealth) Australia-wide