Psychological Assessments Newcastle:
Comprehensive, Individually-Tailored and Evidence-Based
Autism Assessments:
At Compass, the diagnostic autism assessment process (also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder) is designed to be thorough, inclusive, and tailored to each individual’s needs. Following the most recent clinical guidelines, our psychologists are trained to assess children as young as 2.5 years, through to adulthood. The process incorporates the use of evidence-based tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2), and the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS-2) alongside appropriate psychometric scales to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. In addition to these standardised assessments, the team values collaboration and consultation, engaging with the client and other significant individuals in their life – such as family members, caregivers, educators, or other professionals – when clinically indicated. This holistic approach ensures that our autism assessments identify areas of challenge while also highlighting individual strengths, providing a clear pathway for support and intervention. Our formal diagnostic/psychological assessment reports and recommendations are often used to access additional support, whether this be at home, school, work, or in the community, and are often used to support NDIS applicants.
ADHD Assessments:
Our ADHD assessment process, offered to both children and adults, is comprehensive, evidence-based, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. We typically commence ADHD assessments in children after they have started school, ensuring that their developmental and educational context is thoroughly considered. The assessment process includes a detailed evaluation of symptoms and behaviours using standardised assessment protocols, as well as a cognitive assessment component (such as the WISC-V or WAIS-IV) to provide insights into cognitive strengths and challenges. This integrative approach ensures that the assessment captures a full picture of the individual’s experiences and provides a foundation for tailored recommendations and support.
WPATH Assessments / Gender Affirming Letters and Forms:
While we strongly align with the Informed Consent Model at Compass, not only supporting your choice to access gender-affirming medical care but viewing it as necessary medical care, most medical practitioners require a ‘WPATH Assessment’. This requires a professional with specific qualifications and training to write a letter of support for gender affirming surgery or gender affirming hormone therapy (sometimes called hormone replacement therapy or HRT). Amanda and Tahlia have training and experience in completing WPATH Assessments, utilising the SOC8, usually spanning across 2-3 sessions. In doing so, we aim to be ‘gate openers,’ acknowledging both the historical and current role of mental health professionals as gatekeepers for accessing gender affirming medical care.
Dyslexia Assessments (now called Specific Learning Disorder Assessments):
Using industry standard assessment protocols, such as the Wechsler Intelligence and Achievement Scales, we provide diagnostic evaluations for Specific Learning Disorders (sometimes called dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia). These assessments are designed to assess an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and use specialised statistical analysis to identify weaknesses in the neural pathways responsible for the process of learning in specific areas. A thorough and accurate learning disorder assessment can change an individual’s trajectory. For example, a person with an SLD in reading (dyslexia) may discover that they are of High Average intelligence, despite underperforming in education settings. This assessment may allow them to access the necessary supports required to allow them to thrive.
Cognitive Assessments and Learning Assessments:
Commonly referred to as IQ tests, these assessments explore intellectual functioning to identify learning styles, strengths, and challenges. They are useful in diagnosing specific learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia) or recognising giftedness.
Giftedness Assessments:
These assessments identify advanced intellectual capabilities and provide tailored recommendations to nurture gifted individuals.
Behavioural and Adaptive Functioning Assessments:
Assessments explore key areas of development, behaviour, and adaptability to better understand an individual’s needs and provide effective support strategies.
Our Approach
At Compass, we take pride in adopting a strengths-based, individually affirming approach; celebrating the strengths and unique ways in which individuals learn, think, and engage with the world. We offer most psychological assessments to individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. Our service supports individuals seeking gender affirming care (see WPATH assessments above), individuals with neurodiversity, learning challenges, behavioural concerns, and related needs.
Key elements of our psychological assessment process include:
- Thorough and Personalised Evaluations: Each assessment is designed to understand your needs, combining evidence-based tools with open dialogue to uncover both strengths and challenges. This collaborative approach informs tailored strategies that promote growth and wellbeing.
- Commitment to Best Practices: We utilise industry-standard protocols and remain current with the latest clinical guidelines and research to deliver assessments of the highest quality.
- Compassionate Expertise: Our team of skilled clinical psychologists bring extensive experience in understanding neurodiversity, learning challenges, and behavioural concerns. Ongoing professional development ensures our practice reflects the most up-to-date research and knowledge.
We are dedicated to providing insightful, individualised recommendations that empower clients to thrive. Throughout the process, we ensure clients feel heard, valued, and supported. To book a psychological assessment in Newcastle please contact us.
Please note that we are NOT able to provide assessments, letters, or reports for family law, or other legal purposes.
Compass Clinical Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, Awabakal Country. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities, and thank them for allowing us to support the community on their traditional land.
Compass Clinical Psychology is committed to diversity, fairness, overcoming injustice and social inclusion: this includes Indigenous Australians, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people of all ages, people with a disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.