psychology
for little
humans

Our
philosophy

Neurodiversity is a part of being human. It is not an abnormality, but simply a different way the brain has wired up.

Every brain is unique - taking in and processing information from the world by its own method. This allows us to experience the world in a slightly different way from the person standing next to us, causing us to think, feel, and behave in a variety of ways. Without such diversity our world would be a boring place to live in! But sometimes these differences can cause a child to have difficulty navigating their academic, social and/or emotional worlds. When this happens, everyone involved needs a little extra support.

Dr Andrea
Murray

Andrea is a board certified paediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist who specialises in the diagnosis of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders.

She holds a combined Masters/Ph.D in Clinical Neuropsychology from the University of Melbourne, where her area of research focused on executive networks in the developing brain. She conducted a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology where she researched the etiology and management of the various neurodevelopmental disorders, before returning to Australia to start her own private practice ten years ago.

The assessment process is shaped by an in depth understanding of neurobiology and is designed to help each child and their family navigate life more successfully. There is emphasis placed on working holistically across the home and school settings to gain a deeper understanding of how each child operates. This knowledge is then used to establish innovative intervention approaches - scaffolding a child’s environment so they can learn and function to their absolute capacity.

Andrea is also a mum of two energetic kids of her own. If she has a spare moment to herself she’ll be out walking, practicing yoga, or attempting to learn how to speak japanese.

Paediatric neuro-developmental assessments

At Kidlet™ we provide comprehensive paediatric diagnostic assessments across the full spectrum of neurodevelopment disorders. We’ve detailed the most common assessments below for you.

Autism
ASSESSMENT

These assessments determine whether a child’s ability to navigate their social world is developmentally appropriate. Difficulties may arise with social interaction or communication, sensory seeking/avoiding, and restricted/repetitive behaviours, interests, or activities.

Behavioural
ASSESSMENT

These assessments determine whether a child’s behaviours are appropriate for their developmental age. Problematic behaviours may include inattention, executive dysfunction, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or defiance/aggression. A behavioural assessment can help identify if a child meets criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other similar disorders.

Educational
ASSESSMEnT

These assessments determine whether a child’s ability to learn is appropriate for their developmental age. Measured academic abilities include word reading, reading comprehension, spelling, written expression, numerical operations and maths problem solving. An educational assessment can help identify if a child meets criteria for a specific learning disorder.

COGNITIVE
ASSESSMent

These assessments determine a child’s intellectual capacity by profiling their cognitive strengths and weaknesses. A cognitive assessment can help identify if a child meets criteria for intellectual disability or giftedness.

NeuropsycH
ASSESSMENT

These assessments are more detailed than a cognitive assessment. They comprehensively profile each of a child’s cognitive domains, such as attention, executive functioning, processing speed, memory, as well as their visual and verbal functioning. A neuropsychological assessment can be used to formulate a tailored intervention plan to help a child learn and function to their absolute capacity.

Frequently asked questions

  • At Kidlet™ we offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based developmental assessments for children and adolescents between the ages of 4 to 18 years of age.

  • Assessments are conducted in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

  • The assessment involves a detailed information gathering process to determine whether or not a child meets diagnostic criteria for a developmental disorder. This typically includes the completion of questionnaires by the parents and teacher, a clinical interview with the parents (approximately 1-2 hours), and clinical assessment with the child (approximately 2-3 hours).  Results are compiled into a psychological report that includes background information, a summary of the assessment findings, and practical invention strategies for the home and school.

  • Every child is different, so each assessment varies accordingly. However, typical standardised instruments used include:

    -The Conners (Conners-4)

    -Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS-III)

    -Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2)

    -Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence  (WPPSI-IV)

    -Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)

    -Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)

    -Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III)

    -Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R)

    -Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

  • Every assessment is slightly different, so assessment price varies accordingly. Assessments typically cost between the range of $3000 to $3600. A cost will be provided to you prior to beginning the assessment process.

  • Referrals can be made from paediatricians, psychiatrists, general practitioners, school psychologists, allied health professionals, or parents themselves. However, medicare rebates can only be applied if the referral comes directly from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

  • Some private health insurers may help cover the cost of a psychological assessment depending on the level of your cover.

    Medicare rebates may also be available for some assessment types, but can only be applied if the referral comes directly from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.