Adult Assessments
Clarity, Understanding and What Comes Next
Every person has their own strengths and difficulties, interests, experiences, and ways of navigating the world. An assessment can help bring these different pieces together, develop a clearer understanding of yourself, and provide answers to questions you may have carried for a long time.
At Brain Sprout Clinic, our approach to assessment is collaborative, neuroaffirming, and responsive to each individual. We recognise that you are the expert in your own life. Throughout the process, you will have opportunities to share your experiences, perspectives, and what matters to you.
Assessment is about more than a diagnosis
A diagnosis may provide important answers and support access to services, but it is only one part of the assessment process.
Our goal is to understand your individual profile, including your strengths, difficulties, experiences, and support needs. We consider the environments in which you live, work, study, and connect with others, as well as the strategies you may have developed to manage expectations or navigate challenges.
Rather than focusing only on areas of difficulty, we also identify your strengths, interests, abilities, and preferred ways of participating. This helps us develop recommendations that are relevant, respectful, and practical for your everyday life.
What does an adult assessment involve?
Before the assessment
Each assessment is different and will be planned according to the questions being explored.
We begin by talking with you about your experiences, concerns, and hopes for the assessment. We will explain the available assessment options and discuss what may be most appropriate for you.
Prior to the assessment you will also complete standardised questionnaires and provide information about your development, current experiences, everyday functioning, and reasons for seeking an assessment.
You will also be invited to provide relevant medical, educational, or psychological reports. With your consent, we may ask someone who knows you well, such as a parent, partner, sibling, or long term friend, to provide additional information.
This information helps your psychologist plan an assessment that is responsive to you.
During the assessment
You will participate in a comprehensive clinical interview exploring your developmental history, strengths, difficulties, current experiences, and support needs. This can sound overwhelming, but it is really just a very long conversation about you.
Depending on the purpose of the assessment, you may also complete:
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Standardised assessment measures about a specific diagnosis, mental health, or behaviour
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Questionnaires about your experiences and everyday functioning
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Puzzles and problem-solving activities
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Activities exploring attention, memory, language, learning, or how you process information
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Informal or structured observation
An assessment is not an exam, and you do not need to prepare or practise. There are no expectations that you communicate, behave, or present in a particular way. We want you to participate as naturally and authentically as possible.
You are welcome to ask questions, request breaks, use sensory supports, or let us know if something about the process is not working for you. The assessment may be completed in one appointment with breaks or across several sessions.
After the assessment
After the assessment, we bring together information gathered through interviews, questionnaires, reports, observations, assessment activities, and, where relevant and with your consent, information provided by someone who knows you well.
You will be invited to a feedback session where we meet with you to explain the findings, answer questions, and discuss what they may mean for you. This is either completed on the day of assessment, or when additional review is needed at a later date.
You will receive a comprehensive written report within four weeks. This report outlines your strengths, support needs, any relevant diagnosis, and practical recommendations for areas such as daily life, work, study, relationships, health care, and accessing support.
After you receive the report
Take some time to read and process the report. People can experience a range of emotions after an assessment, and you do not need to make decisions or act on every recommendation straight away.
Depending on the findings and your goals, you may choose to:
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Share the report with your GP or other treating professionals
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Explore recommended health, therapeutic, educational, or community supports
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Discuss reasonable adjustments with your workplace or education provider
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Use the report to support applications for relevant services or funding
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Share the findings with family members or other important people in your life
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Consider how the information may help you understand and communicate your needs
The report can provide a foundation for future decisions, self-advocacy, and support. You can return to the recommendations when you feel ready.
Taking the next step
Whether you have a clear assessment question or are unsure where to begin, our team is here to guide you. Contact Brain Sprout Clinic to tell us a little about yourself and what you would like help understanding. We will discuss the available options and help identify an assessment pathway suited to you.
