Our diagnostic team
We are a team of professionals in the field of childhood development (cognition, communication, socialisation and behaviour), including psychiatry, psychology, speech & language therapy and occupational therapy, with extensive local and international experience in diagnostic assessments.
We strive to provide high quality services and support to families in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our approach to diagnosis
It is a holistic approach to psychological and social well-being and behavioural health of toddlers, school-age children, high school and university students and other young adults, and their whānau. We have a special interest and expertise in assessing young girls and women on the autism spectrum and related issues such as ADHD and social anxiety, peer influences and internet contagion.
Our practitioners come from diverse cultural backgrounds, and we have first-hand understanding of cultural differences between families and individuals.
Our backgrounds combine European and Asian cultural heritage.
We have a multi-lingual team, who speak several languages besides English.
What does a diagnostic assessment include?
A range of observations, interviews, and rating scales / checklists / questionnaires. We work with you as a team, including family members, other whanau, teachers, etc., to identify critical behaviours (symptoms) that might warrant a diagnosis based on DSM-5 and ICD-10/11 criteria.
The assessment process is adapted to age, following NZ Guidelines.
How long does a full diagnostic process take?
Approximately 9-14 hours (including short report writing) and on average over a four-week period. However, assessments are tailored to each separate individual case and adjusted accordingly.
Ages
From 18 months up to young adulthood, we are here for you.
What will I receive at the end?
We will discuss with you the diagnostic outcome and answer your questions around a potential diagnosis.
You will receive psycho-educational support, helping you to understand the assessment findings and what they mean.
We provide necessary information on available services and support in the community.
We offer medication advice, if necessary.
What is the diagnostic process and why is it necessary?
Diagnosing neurodevelopmental conditions can be difficult.
No medical test can diagnose these disorders and a holistic process is necessary.
We consider each person's developmental history and current ability to function to reach a diagnosis.
YOU are the MOST important member of the diagnostic team. We encourage you to actively participate in the process, ask questions or take notes and give us continuous feedback throughout the process.
The Diagnostic Evaluation does not end with a label. WHERE TO FROM HERE is as important. The process will only end when YOU feel your questions are answered.
Want to know more about proper diagnosis? Read here.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is a journey that will help you increase your awareness of how you function in relation to others. It can empower you to find ways to train yourself (behaviour/thoughts/emotions) to respond to the demands of your environment. It will also give you tools to inform your environment and help others adjust their behaviour/thoughts/emotions to YOU.
What to expect when looking for a diagnosis:
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Get prepared to share information about your own development through childhood and key events in your life. The more information you are able to offer (e.g., reports from previous specialist services, schools, and so on), the better our understanding of your history will be.
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Let us know what treatments or strategies you have tried in the past and how you benefited from those.
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Share your current worries and your successes of today.
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Let us know if you’d like at least part of the diagnostic work to be done remotely (Telehealth)