Questions

A comprehensive assessment of how your child's brain functions. It measures various cognitive abilities including IQ, learning and memory, attention, executive functioning, problem-solving, language, and social and emotional functioning.

The assessment uses standardised tests, clinical interviews, and questionnaires to understand your child's cognitive strengths and challenges. This helps identify conditions like ADHD, autism, learning disorders, or other neurodevelopmental differences.

Neuropsychological testing specifically focuses on brain-behaviour relationships and provides detailed information about cognitive functioning across lots of different thinking domains (beyond a regular IQ test). Rather than just providing a diagnosis, it reveals how your child's unique mind works and guides practical strategies for support at home and school. The goal is to understand your child's neurotype so they can be better supported to thrive as their authentic self.

Neuropsychological assessment can help when you've noticed patterns in how your child thinks, learns, or interacts with the world that don't quite fit typical expectations.

Consider assessment if your child experiences:

Learning challenges

Focus, attention, reading, writing, maths, or time management difficulties

Social differences

Trouble with friendships, reading social cues, or adapting to changes

Behavioural patterns

Big emotions, impulsivity, acting out, or withdrawal

Daily life struggles

Organisation, routine tasks, or sensory sensitivities

Hidden challenges

High achievement masking difficulties, or giftedness alongside learning struggles

Common diagnoses considered include ADHD, autism, learning disorders, giftedness, or complex combinations.

I provide comprehensive assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental and cognitive conditions:

• ADHD
• Autism
• Specific Learning Disorders (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
• Intellectual Disability and Giftedness
• Cognitive changes from brain injury or medical conditions
• Memory and attention difficulties
• Executive functioning challenges

Each assessment is tailored to address your specific concerns and questions.

Yes. I assess cognitive abilities comprehensively, which includes identifying gifted profiles. More importantly, I understand twice-exceptionality (2E): when a child is both gifted and has a learning difference, ADHD, autism, or other neurodevelopmental condition.

Twice-exceptional children are often missed because their strengths mask their challenges (or their challenges mask their strengths). They might be told they're "too smart" to have ADHD, or that they "can't be autistic" because they do well academically. I look at the whole picture to understand how giftedness and neurodivergence interact in your child's unique profile.

During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your concerns and observations. If autism indicators emerge, I'll recommend the Autism spectrum assessment. Otherwise, the standard Neurodevelopmental assessment covers ADHD, learning differences, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Clinical Neuropsychologists have comprehensive training that focuses on brain-behaviour relationships and are uniquely qualified to:

• Assess complex cognitive profiles across multiple domains (memory, attention, language, executive functioning, IQ)
• Distinguish between different neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., ADHD, autism, learning disorders)
• Understand the different symptoms that can arise from co-occurring conditions
• Identify medical, neurological, or psychological factors that might mimic neurodevelopmental symptoms
• Provide detailed understanding of how your child's brain works differently

Other psychologists can also provide excellent assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders, and the assessment approach will centre around their area of expertise. It is important to find a psychologist that fits with your child's needs.

I see children from 6 years of age, teenagers, and young adults (usually up to 25 years). In some cases, I can see adults outside of this age range, especially if the concerns started in childhood. I am happy to have a chat to discuss this further.

No. Neurotype does not provide court reports, expert witness reports, custody or parenting documentation, or any documentation prepared for court, tribunal, or mediation proceedings. This includes Family Court matters concerning custody and parenting arrangements. Neurotype also does not provide capacity or competency assessments, fitness-for-work assessments, medico-legal assessments, or legal advice on any matter.

Where a subpoena or court order requires production of clinical records, those will be handled in line with our confidentiality obligations. Full details are in Sections 7 and 14 of the Service Agreement.

Yes, advocacy services are only available to families who have completed a comprehensive assessment with me. This ensures I have the detailed understanding of your child's unique profile needed to provide effective advocacy and support.

I focus on collaborative, evidence-based approaches that help schools understand the benefits of accommodations. My goal is to work with educational teams, not against them, finding solutions that work for everyone.

Yes, I can provide input into IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications based on assessment findings. I can also attend IEP meetings as a consultant to help translate clinical recommendations into educational goals.

Yes, I work with all types of educational settings including public schools, private and independent schools, and specialist education settings. The approach is tailored to each school's specific systems and resources.

This is a session-based service, and is entirely based on your needs. We will have a discussion about your goals for sessions, and work together to make a plan about how best to address them. Many families opt to have a single additional session, and others find that a few sessions are helpful to build understanding.

I can work with the whole family, just parents, or individual family members depending on what's most helpful. Many families start with parent-only sessions and then include children and siblings as appropriate.

Family support may be covered under NDIS funding for eligible participants, as long as your child's goals align with the session content. At the current time, I am able to provide NDIS therapeutic services for self-managed participants only. Medicare rebates may apply for some family consultation sessions. I can provide guidance on funding options during our initial discussion.

Yes, I can help develop strategies for specific challenges like meltdowns, transitions, sleep issues, school avoidance, and daily living skills. We focus on understanding the 'why' behind behaviours and developing positive, neurodivergent-affirming approaches.

Neuropsychology assessments do not require a referral for assessment. To start the process, simply use the contact form to provide some information about why you are seeking assessment, and I will be in touch for an intake chat so that I can determine whether I am the right fit for your child's circumstances.

Some clients are referred to me through their treating GP or specialist, and I welcome a short referral letter or summary should they think it appropriate. This can be emailed to [email protected] – you will still need to complete the contact form in addition to this so that I can arrange the intake chat.

Treatment services: Following an assessment at neurotype, some families opt for post diagnostic therapeutic sessions to help unpack the diagnoses. A referral is not required, however there may be some options for medicare rebate depending on the circumstances. I am more than happy to discuss this further with you during the assessment.

We will start with a 15-minute phone call to discuss your needs. You can book this call here.

Yes. A neuropsychological assessment is a significant health-care decision, and under Australian family law every person with parental responsibility shares in that decision. In most families this means both parents (or guardians) each complete the service agreement separately, regardless of who is paying or who attends appointments. The same principle applies when care is shared across households.

Before booking, please discuss the assessment with the other parent or guardian and obtain their agreement. If there are current Family Court orders, intervention or protection orders, current or pending court proceedings, allegations of abuse or family violence, or shared care arrangements involving step-parents, grandparents, or kinship carers, please flag these so the service can be planned in your child's best interests. Disclosure does not preclude the assessment; it lets consent and communications be planned with the full picture.

Full details are in Section 8 of the Service Agreement.

Wait times vary depending on the service. I'll discuss current availability during our initial phone consultation.

I have assessment rooms located in Mornington and Rosebud. For families who do not reside in the Mornington Peninsula, it is probably helpful to know that Mornington is not as far as you might think! It is a 60 minute drive in non-peak times from Melbourne CBD to Mornington.

Yes, I offer telehealth for certain parts of the assessment process:

Telehealth sessions use secure, encrypted video platforms and are just as effective as in-person consultations for discussion-based appointments.

Please bring the following to your child's assessment:

• Glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices
• Comfort items (if needed)
• Water bottle and snacks

Preparing your child helps them feel comfortable and perform their best:

• Be honest but positive "We're going to see someone who will help us understand how your brain learns best"
• Explain what to expect "You'll do some puzzles, games, and activities"
• Emphasise it's not a school test "There are no grades, and you can't fail"
• Address concerns "You can take breaks whenever you need"
• Plan a reward Something to look forward to after the assessment

I'll also spend time at the beginning helping your child feel comfortable and explaining everything in age-appropriate language.

Testing typically works best one-on-one, with parents nearby but not in the room. This helps ensure accurate results and allows your child to show what they can do independently.

That said, I'm flexible. For very anxious children or younger kids, you can absolutely stay if that's what your child needs to feel comfortable.

Many parents come to me with this concern, and it is helpful to have this background understanding prior to assessment. As I work flexibly, carefully, with a genuine interest in your child, I find that most kids don't mind the assessment (and dare I say that many enjoy it!).

For kids with a 'pervasive demand avoidance' profile, especially kids who have been unable to attend school for extended periods, testing can be incredibly difficult.

As I use a large range of neuropsychological testing techniques, I am able to adapt, change tests to suit their preferences, incorporate interests, and make many behavioural observations with a neuropsychological lens that contribute to genuine understanding of your child.

Absolutely! Breaks are encouraged and built into the assessment process.

• Regular scheduled breaks every 45-60 minutes
• Additional breaks whenever needed
• Snack and lunch breaks for longer sessions
• Movement breaks to stretch and refresh

The assessment is not a test of endurance - taking breaks helps ensure your child can perform at their best.

You might like to explore the neurodevelopmental assessment link, located within the services menu. This link contains information about the different steps of assessment.

Most assessments will typically follow these steps:

The process is designed to be thorough yet comfortable, with your child's wellbeing prioritised throughout.

A typical comprehensive assessment includes one clinical history interview with caregivers, two to three face-to-face sessions with your child (2–3 hours each), and a feedback session. When the autism spectrum extension is included, an additional session of around 2 hours is added. As assessments are developed around your concerns and your child's needs, the exact timing varies and I'll keep you updated as we plan your sessions.

For therapeutic support and education collaboration, the number of appointments is based on your needs and goals, and we'll work together to determine what suits you.

Yes. Audio from all sessions is recorded to support accurate transcription, observation, and scoring. Recordings stay within Neurotype's secure environment, and are securely deleted once the related report or session note is finalised. The clinical notes, scores, and analysis derived from the sessions are retained as part of the clinical record.

Your written consent to audio recording is required before services can proceed. You'll find this in the Service Agreement (Section 5), which is signed before booking.

From your first appointment to receiving your comprehensive report typically takes 6-8 weeks. I'll let you know current wait times when you enquire, as these vary throughout the year. Assessment sessions are scheduled over 2-3 appointments to ensure your child isn't overwhelmed.

Comprehensive reports are typically completed within 4 weeks of the assessment.

Your report will include:

• Detailed summary of assessment findings
• Clear explanation of any diagnoses
• Analysis of cognitive strengths and challenges
• Practical recommendations for home, school, or work
• Strategies for support and intervention
• Resources and referral information

The report is written in clear, accessible language and can be shared with other professionals involved in your care.

Yes, assessment reports are commonly used to access accommodations:

School accommodations may include:

• Extra time for exams and assignments
• Alternative assessment formats
• Access to learning support
• Modified curriculum or workload

Workplace accommodations may include:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Assistive technology
• Modified workspace
• Adjusted responsibilities

I provide detailed recommendation letters specifically tailored for schools, universities, or employers as needed.

Yes, I regularly provide documentation for university disability services and special consideration:

• Formal diagnosis letters for ongoing support
• Recommendations for specific accommodations
• Supporting evidence for special consideration applications
• Documentation for exam adjustments (extra time, separate room)

I'm familiar with university requirements and can liaise directly with disability services if needed. Where a supporting letter is relevant to your assessment, it can be included; more bespoke or extensive documentation can be arranged separately.

My assessments are comprehensive, taking many hours of my time. Face-to-face contact alone usually runs to 6–9 hours with your child for the comprehensive assessment, with an additional ~2 hour session when the autism spectrum extension is added, plus the caregiver interview and feedback session, and extensive analysis and report writing on top. Per hour, this works out well below typical hourly rates for neuropsychology services. More importantly, you're getting a complete picture of your child, not just a single diagnosis.

Every assessment includes:

• Comprehensive neuropsychological testing (IQ, executive functioning, attention, working memory, learning and memory)
• Clinical and developmental interviews with your child and family
• Teacher questionnaires
• Review of medical history and school reports
• Assessment for co-occurring conditions
• Results feedback session

You will receive a detailed diagnostic report, personalised recommendations, a school support letter, and an NDIS support letter if applicable.

Autism assessments additionally include:

• Autism-specific neuropsychological testing
• Validated autism questionnaires
• Sensory differences and social communication exploration
• Comprehensive differential diagnosis considering co-occurring conditions

Neuropsychology assessments: Medicare does not directly cover neuropsychology assessments. There are medicare based funding resources available to eligible people under 25 years for investigation of 'complex neurodevelopmental disorders'. This small rebate covers a very limited aspect of the comprehensive assessment and development of intervention recommendations. Referrals under this scheme are initiated by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist, so it's best to reach out to them for more information.

Treatment services: There are limited medicare based funding resources available to eligible children and young adults under 25 years for "treatment" (this is a medicare term) of 'complex neurodevelopmental disorders'. This service can be used for post diagnostic therapeutic sessions that directly involve the client. Medicare funding under this scheme can occur following a referral from a paediatrician, psychiatrist or GP who has developed a 'treatment and management plan' relating to your child's disability. I encourage you to get in touch with your paediatrician, child psychiatrist, or GP to discuss referrals under this medicare scheme.

If you have a whizz-bang shiny Private Health extras policy that offers reimbursement for neuropsychological assessment, that is excellent news! Each of your three milestone payments produces a receipt once the invoice is cleared, and these are what most people use to make a claim. It is always best to contact your health fund directly to check if you are covered.

A neuropsychological assessment reserves substantial pre-allocated clinician time at each stage. With at least 7 days notice, you may reschedule once across the entire assessment at no cost. All other reschedules attract the fee shown below.

If a feedback session is missed, release of the final report may be delayed until the session has occurred or alternative arrangements are agreed. The feedback session is part of the assessment itself, where results, formulation, and recommendations are explained in context.

Post-diagnostic sessions (Identity & Family Support, School Advocacy) are paid in advance, with payment cleared two business days before each session. With more than 48 hours notice, the session may be rescheduled at no cost. With less than 48 hours notice or a no-show, the full session fee is retained.

Fees retained on rescheduled, missed, or discontinued appointments are not eligible for rebates from Medicare or private health funds. The full terms are set out in the service agreement shared with you before booking.

Your first contact with Neurotype is a free 15-minute call to discuss your needs and confirm suitability. If you choose to proceed, the assessment is paid across three milestones. Each milestone is invoiced in advance and covers the clinical work to be commenced after the payment is received.

At the caregiver interview, Dr Vanessa Petersen will collaborate with you and jointly agree the assessment pathway, either the Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment or that assessment with the Autism Spectrum extension. The agreed pathway determines the amounts invoiced for Payment 2 and Payment 3.

Invoices are payable within 7 days of issue, and must be cleared before the next appointment can proceed. Payments are accepted via bank transfer. For post-diagnostic sessions ($270 per hour), payment is to be received and cleared two business days before each session.

Full payment terms are set out in our service agreement, which is shared with you before you commit to booking.