Diagnostic and consultancy neuropsychology services
We provide comprehensive assessment for individuals with neurological, cognitive and behavioural disorders. This assists with diagnosis and understanding the nature and extent of cognitive difficulties and how they impact on lifestyle, relationships, and work or study. We develop treatment plans to manage difficulties, improve functioning and quality of life, and to work towards one’s goals.
Brain Injury
Brain damage can arise from a variety of causes. When there is difficulty with the way in which the brain develops in the period prior to birth or during infancy, we refer to the resulting problems as being due to a ‘developmental disability’.
Where the brain is subjected to trauma related to a blow to the head and there are resulting difficulties, we describe this as a ‘traumatic brain injury’.
We refer to other conditions as an ‘acquired brain injury’ when changes in functioning are due to brain damage related to disease processes, metabolic issues, cerebrovascular accidents (such as stroke), or drug and alcohol abuse.
Neuropsychology assessment may play an important role in determining how the impairment arose, measuring the extent of the damage, and assessing the impact on general functioning. We will also predict the extent of expected recovery and provide treatment recommendations.
Stroke
‘Stroke’ is a term used to describe a cerebro-vascular accident in which the blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blockage or by bleeding into the brain. The impact on brain function may be fleeting and mild or may be devastating and permanent.
Neuropsychological assessment is an important tool in assessing the impact on memory and thinking in the early stages of recovery. A second assessment some weeks or months later will measure the extent of recovery and aid prognosis for return to previous function. These assessments guide the rehabilitation team about the nature of any difficulties experienced and ways in which these can be managed.
Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
As our population ages, we can expect to see a large increase in the numbers of people presenting with changes in functioning related to a dementing process. The risk of developing a dementia rises considerably after age 65, however, we also see younger-onset dementias that have a devastating impact on the sufferer and their families.
There are many forms of dementia. A common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, with memory difficulties often being an early symptom. We often see older people who begin to worry about dementia when they experience memory difficulties, although memory issues can be caused by many other conditions
A neuropsychology assessment is an important strategy to see if the pattern of cognitive difficulties is in keeping with a developing dementia and to exclude other causes.
Individuals with a recent history of memory or thinking difficulties may be diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Some will later develop a clearly diagnosable dementia. However, these cognitive difficulties may be due to other causes from which recovery may be expected. We will carefully examine your history and pattern of strengths and difficulties. We can then provide you with strategies to manage any difficulties.
If cognitive difficulties persist, the results of an early assessment may be compared with results of a review about 12 months later, which may clarify diagnosis and assist with future planning as needed. We will work with your treating team to assist you and your family to manage issues that may arise.
Intellectual Disability
An intellectual disability due to a developmental disorder becomes apparent in early childhood. Children with learning difficulties are usually identified early in educational settings, enabling appropriate learning support to be provided. However, we often see adults who have never had their intellectual disability diagnosed and have not been linked with the services that can assist.
Neuropsychology plays an important role in diagnosis, particularly with identifying if the difficulties are related to a developmental disorder or to a later event. This knowledge is important to your expectations for recovery, planning treatment, and finding the right assistance.
Psychiatric Disorder
A neuropsychology assessment provides important information about how a psychiatric illness impacts on the individual’s functioning. The difficulties associated with the range of psychiatric disorders varies considerably. Information about your strengths and difficulties is valuable in guiding treatment and planning. We will work closely with your treating team to assist you towards your goals.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Our knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has grown enormously over recent years. We see many previously undiagnosed adults seeking neuropsychology assessments to assist with understanding their difficulties in fulfilling their own and other’s expectations. While only some individuals will meet criteria for a diagnosis of ASD, all are helped by gaining an understanding of their relative strengths and difficulties.
Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
While many individuals with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are diagnosed in early primary school years, we are seeing many undiagnosed adults who approach us for an understanding of their difficulties. We will provide you with a clear analysis of your strengths and difficulties and will assist you to understand treatment options. Such options include ways of managing your lifestyle and occupation to accommodate your natural mode of functioning.
Personality Disorder
Assessment of personality functioning is useful to understanding barriers that stand in the way of an individual achieving their goals. Your personality profile, together with an understanding of your cognitive strengths and weaknesses, provides a deeper understanding of your overall functioning. This enables us to assist you on a range of issues, including relationships, mental health, and coping style.