What to Expect
Every family's journey is different. Here's what you can expect when working with me, explained clearly for parents, carers, and young people.
Your Child's Assessment Journey
A comprehensive guide to the assessment process designed for parents, carers, and young people
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1
Preparing for your visit
Explaining the assessment to your young person in a positive, reassuring way and maintaining your usual routine
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2
Sharing your child's needs
Communication preferences, pronouns, medical needs, and whether a parent in the room would help
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3
Activities and assessment
Games, puzzles, and activities adapted to your young person's needs with breaks as needed
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4
Adapting along the way
Adjusting the environment, pace, and approach so your young person can show their best thinking
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5
After the assessment
Understanding next steps, when to expect results, and how feedback will be provided
Coming to See Vanessa
A fun guide just for you! Turn the pages to explore.
My Brain Adventure
with Dr. Vanessa
A guide to what to expect
Neurotype
Hello!
Hi! I'm Vanessa, a neuropsychologist. That's a big word! It means I love learning about how brains work. Every brain is unique, and yours is amazing. I can't wait to meet you!
What Are We Doing?
We're going on a brain adventure! We'll play games, do puzzles, and talk. Maybe laugh a lot too. I'm not testing if you're "good" or "bad." I just want to understand how your special brain works.
No Wrong Answers
There are no right or wrong answers here. We're exploring together, like scientists! If something doesn't feel right, we'll change it. Your ideas matter just as much as mine.
What Will It Look Like?
Before each activity, we'll practise together so you know what's coming. I'll show you a picture map of our whole adventure, so you can see what's next and when breaks are.
Our adventure is about two hours, with lots of breaks.
You Can Tell Me Anything
If something feels too hard, too easy, too loud, or just not right, tell me! You don't need words. We can use:
- Hand signals
- Thumbs up or thumbs down
- Drawing
- Feelings cards
- Just showing me
Breaks Any Time
You can ask for a break whenever you want. No reason needed. We can:
- Have a snack or drink
- Do star jumps (I'll do them too!)
- Go outside
- See your grown-up
- Sit quietly
Our Cosy Room
Our room is quiet and we can set it up just for you. Too bright? We'll dim the lights. Want music or silence? Just say. You can move, fidget, or sit however feels right, during activities, not just breaks.
Who's With You?
Your special grown-up will start with us while we get to know each other. We might play Uno or Jenga first! Sometimes they stay, sometimes they wait outside. You can always ask to see them.
Bring What You Need
You can bring your favourite toy or fidget. I'd love to see it! I also have a box full of fidgets you can use, squishy balls, stretchy toys, infinity cubes, and more.
Remember
Your brain is amazing, exactly as it is. This adventure is just about getting to know it better, together. I'm so excited to meet you!
See You Soon!
I can't wait to meet you and your amazing brain!
Neurotype
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your child's needs and find the right path forward.