Services
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
child and adult ASSESSMENTS
What we do
Therapy Co can conduct a range of assessments looking into diagnosis of neurodiversity (autism/ADHD), learning disorders, cognitive capacity/profile, adaptive behaviour, functional capacity, and academic achievement testing for both adults and children.
Specific assessments include:
- Cognitive Assessments
- Learning Assessments
- Autism Diagnostic Assessments
- ADHD Diagnostic Assessments
- Functional Capacity Assessments
Assessment Types
What does an autism assessment look like at Therapy Co?
Beginning the process of an autism assessment can feel overwhelming, and it’s completely understandable to have questions or uncertainties. At Therapy Co, our approach is grounded in respect, collaboration, and a deep commitment to neurodivergent-affirming practice. Our role is not to identify what is “wrong,” but to gain a clearer understanding of how you experience the world and what might support you to live well.
Autism presents differently across individuals, and is often expressed in subtle, complex, and deeply personal ways. We take time to listen carefully, to understand your unique experiences, and to consider your developmental history, sensory preferences, communication style, and ways of thinking. Our process is flexible, and we always seek to make you feel safe, heard, and in control.
The assessment usually involves a series of conversations with a clinical psychologist, alongside structured tools, questionnaires, and observations if they are helpful. If you are comfortable, we may also speak with a family member or someone who knows you well, to help build a more complete picture of your history and strengths. You’re welcome to bring support people with you, and we always adapt our approach to suit your needs and preferences.
At the end of the process, we will provide feedback and discuss whether a diagnosis is appropriate. More importantly, we will explore what this means for you. Whether you receive a formal diagnosis or not, we focus on making sense of your experiences and considering next steps that align with your goals and values.
We strongly believe that neurodivergence is not something to be fixed. It is a valid and valuable way of being in the world. Our aim is to offer you an affirming space where you feel understood, respected, and supported.
What does an ADHD assessment look like at Therapy Co?
Deciding to pursue an ADHD assessment is often a meaningful step. Many people come to us after years of feeling misunderstood, overlooked, or frustrated by challenges that have been difficult to name. At Therapy Co, our process is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in a neurodivergent-affirming approach. We do not view ADHD as a disorder to be “fixed,” but as a different way of experiencing the world.
We begin with a conversation to understand what has brought you here. The initial sessions focus on learning about your life experiences, how you think and process information, your patterns, and any difficulties you may have faced in areas like attention, organisation, memory, or emotional regulation. We also explore your strengths and the strategies you may already be using, often without realising it.
Our assessment is tailored to the individual and guided by what feels most useful and comfortable. This might include formal questionnaires, interviews, and gathering information from people who know you well, such as family members, if that feels appropriate and helpful to you.
We are especially mindful of how ADHD can present differently across people, and how it is often under-recognised in women, adults, and those whose presentation does not fit the more stereotyped traits. We make space for all the ways ADHD can show up and take care to consider the broader context of your life.
Once the assessment is complete, we will meet to share our reflections and talk through the findings together. If ADHD is identified, we will explain what this means in a way that feels respectful and clear. Whether a formal diagnosis is given or not, we focus on helping you better understand your experiences and consider what supports or strategies might be helpful moving forward.
Our aim is to provide a safe and validating space where you feel seen and supported. ADHD is not a failure of willpower or motivation. It is a different neurotype, and it deserves to be understood with care and respect.
What does a cognitive assessment look like at Therapy Co?
A cognitive assessment can offer valuable insight into how a person thinks, learns, remembers, and processes information. People seek cognitive assessments for many reasons, sometimes to explore learning differences, identify strengths and areas of difficulty, or to better understand how cognitive functioning may be impacting school, work, or daily life.
At Therapy Co, our approach is respectful, strengths-focused, and tailored to the individual. We are mindful that all minds work differently, and that cognitive differences are not inherently deficits. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you or your child can feel at ease.
The process typically begins with an initial interview, where we take time to understand your concerns, goals, background, and any relevant history. If the assessment is for a child, we also speak with parents or caregivers to gain a broader picture of the child’s development, learning style, and everyday functioning.
The assessment itself usually involves standardised activities that explore areas such as problem solving, memory, attention, processing speed, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. These tasks are designed to understand how someone thinks and learns, not to pass or fail. We always take care to explain what is involved, to proceed at a pace that feels manageable, and to ensure that the experience is as positive and empowering as possible.
Once the assessment is complete, we will meet with you to discuss the results in clear and accessible language. We will highlight areas of strength and difference, and consider how this information can be used to guide support, both now and into the future. A written report is also provided, which can be used to inform school planning, workplace accommodations, or further referrals if needed.
Above all, our aim is to help people better understand themselves and to feel affirmed in the way their brain works. Cognitive diversity is part of being human, and we approach every assessment with curiosity, care, and respect.
What does a learning assessment look like at Therapy Co?
A learning assessment can help to build a clearer picture of how someone understands, processes, and works with information in educational or everyday settings. At Therapy Co, we often support children, adolescents, and adults who are finding learning more challenging than expected, or who suspect there may be an underlying learning difference such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or difficulties with maths.
Our approach is gentle, thoughtful, and grounded in the belief that every brain learns differently. A learning assessment is not about labelling or highlighting deficits. It’s about understanding your unique learning profile, recognising strengths, identifying areas that may need support, and offering practical recommendations to help you or your child thrive.
We begin with an initial conversation to learn more about your background, learning history, and any concerns or questions you may have. If the assessment is for a child or young person, we’ll speak with parents or caregivers, and may also request information from teachers or other professionals involved.
The assessment itself involves a series of structured, one-on-one activities that explore various areas of learning. This may include reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, memory, attention, processing speed, and oral language. These tasks are designed to help us understand how you learn, and where support might be most beneficial. We are always flexible in how we conduct the assessment, adapting to individual needs, communication styles, and energy levels.
Once the assessment is complete, we will meet with you to go through the findings in a clear and supportive way. You’ll receive a comprehensive report that outlines your learning profile, identifies any learning difficulties if present, and includes tailored recommendations that can be used at school, university, work, or in everyday life.
Our priority is to make this a positive and empowering experience. Learning differences are real, valid, and often misunderstood. We are here to listen, to understand, and to advocate for the supports that can make a meaningful difference.
What does a Functional Capacity Assessment look like at Therapy Co?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive evaluation that helps to understand how a person is managing across different areas of daily life. This type of assessment is often requested to support applications or reviews for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), or to guide recommendations for ongoing support and services.
At Therapy Co, our approach is person-centred, respectful, and neurodivergent-affirming. We recognise that functioning looks different for everyone, and that support needs can vary widely depending on the environment, access to accommodations, and individual experiences.
We begin with a detailed conversation to understand your current supports, goals, and any areas where you may be experiencing difficulty. We look at how you manage everyday activities such as communication, social interactions, emotional regulation, decision-making, learning, mobility, self-care, and community access. If you have specific goals around work, study, or independent living, we will take the time to explore those in depth.
The assessment process is flexible and adapted to your communication style, preferences, and energy levels. We may also gather information from people who know you well, such as a parent, carer, or support worker, with your consent. Where appropriate, we can work collaboratively with other professionals involved in your care.
Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a detailed report outlining your current level of functioning across key life domains, as well as recommendations that may assist with NDIS planning, goal setting, and accessing appropriate supports. Our reports are written clearly and respectfully, with a focus on supporting your quality of life and self-determination.
We understand that talking about challenges can be sensitive, and we are committed to providing a safe and affirming space throughout the process. Our goal is not to measure you against a standard, but to understand what supports you to live in a way that is meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with who you are.
BOOKING INFORMATION
To book a session, you can either:
What to Expect when Booking a Session
When an initial session is made for yourself/your child, you will receive an email inviting you to complete an online intake form, which will save time at the initial session.
Sessions are around 50 minutes. During the initial session, the aim is to develop understanding around the purpose of attending therapy as well as establish a person history and goals for treatment.
Following sessions will be a collaboration of building rapport, insight, and awareness, as well as, skills development. This may involve parental co-operation and training.