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Concerned for autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, or giftedness with your child? We’ve got you covered. Our team provides a range of comprehensive assessments that are useful to identifying learning or developmental concerns for your child. In addition to giving you a good understanding of what might be causing current concerns, these reports can go towards obtaining diagnoses, accessing funding (e.g., NDIS, inclusion support) and/or supporting requests for learning and behaviour accommodations with schools. We use the most recent and up-to-date assessment tools and follow best-practice guidelines when conducting all our assessments. All reports come with recommendations for practical strategies to help your child with the challenges they’re facing right now.
Used to identify learning differences in children/adolescents/adults who may be having difficulties learning at school, home or work and may benefit from adjustments and supports.
This assessment involves a parent/carer discussion, direct assessment using either the WPPSI-IV, WISC-V or WAIS-IV, and a questionnaire to evaluate daily living skills. A full written report of results and recommendations is provided. A follow-up appointment can be added to review the outcome and discuss steps moving forward (separate to the initial assessment process).
This assessment is undertaken when autism is suspected, based on delays or difficulties with social communication, social interactions, fixed or repetitive behaviours, and sensory seeking or sensory avoidance. This involves an extensive parent interview focused on the early developmental period, direct observation and interaction with the child/young person, and questionnaires on social behaviours and daily living skills. A referral from a paediatrician allows for Medicare rebates for individuals up to 25 years old. A follow-up appointment can be added to review the outcome and discuss steps moving forward (separate to the initial assessment process).
This assessment confirms if criteria for ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive, Inattentive, or Combined presentation are met. It involves administration of a cognitive assessment (usually the WISC-V), ADHD-specific questionnaires (the Conners-4) and an assessment of executive function using the BRIEF-2. A full written report of results and recommendations is provided. A follow-up appointment can be added to review the outcome and discuss steps moving forward (separate to the initial assessment process).
This assessment is used to provide helpful information when children are having difficulties with learning and academic progress (reading, handwriting, spelling, comprehension, mathematics, fluency) . It involves administration of a cognitive assessment using the WISC-V and an academic assessment using the WIAT-III. A full written report of results and recommendations is provided. If you have concerns for dyslexia/dysgraphia/dyscalculia, this is the assessment you need! A follow-up appointment can be added to review the outcome and discuss steps moving forward (separate to the initial assessment process).
Our psychological services aim to provide support for learning and development, understanding and managing behaviours, recognising emotions and thoughts, and maintaining good mental health through education and skill development. Our clinicians provide a caring yet comprehensive assessment of concerns and implement evidence-based practices including CBT, ACT and DBT-informed therapies.
We are experienced in supporting neurodiverse (autism, ADHD, learning challenges such as SLDs or intellectual impairment) children, adolescents and young adults with a wide range of behaviour support needs and mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, school challenges (such as school refusal), developing friendship and play skills, and emotional regulation. Our approach is engaging and individualised to the young person and their personal circumstances.
These can include communication, play skills, social interactions, self-help skills, academic and learning, and emotional recognition, and self-regulation. Parents attend an initial consultation where their child’s support needs are discussed and individual program planned.
The program is overseen by a registered psychologist/Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and implemented by our behaviour therapists who attend your home, or your child’s daycare, kindergarten, or school so that skills are taught in the environment where they can be immediately practiced and rewarded. Our early intervention programs are fun, engaging, and can achieve great results that help your child to communicate better, develop friendships, and progress academically.
Topics can include a general overview of children’s behaviour, developmental concerns, disabilities, positive behaviour support, learning concerns and intervention, supporting children with communication difficulties, mental health concerns, and developing age-appropriate play, social and self-care skills.
Our service can involve attending the daycare or kindergarten to speak with staff and observe educators, provide direct feedback on effective behaviour support strategies, and/or professional development activities through seminars, conferences or workshops.
Caterpillar Clinic specialises in diagnostic assessments and clinical interventions for children and adolescents in Cairns.
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Creating Change for Children
Private child and adolescent psychology practice in Cairns, supporting families through assessment and intervention.
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