Assessments

At Puggle Psychology, we provide comprehensive psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.

We recognise that seeking an assessment can bring a mix of emotions, including relief, uncertainty, or concern. We take care to provide a calm, predictable, and supportive environment, so each person feels safe, respected, and comfortable throughout the assessment process.

Our approach is holistic, neuroaffirming, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. We aim to understand each person within the context of their individual experiences, environment, and needs, particularly when exploring cognitive, learning, and neurodevelopmental profiles.

Our assessments involve comprehensive background-taking, thoughtful selection and interpretation of assessment tools, and time dedicated to understanding how results translate into everyday functioning. We focus on identifying strengths alongside areas where support may be helpful, and provide clear, practical recommendations that can be applied at school, work, and in daily life.

Each assessment includes a written report and a feedback session, with findings explained in plain language to support understanding and confidence in next steps.

 

A note about assessment scope

Psychological assessments can vary between psychology practices in their scope and depth. At Puggle Psychology, assessments are conducted with care and clinical expertise, allowing time for thoughtful background-taking, assessment sessions, interpretation, report writing, and feedback. 

Enquire about an assessment

Assessments that we do

Insight Session
An Assessment Insight Session is a 30-minute exploratory appointment for individuals or families who are unsure whether or what type of psychological assessment would be helpful. It provides space to discuss concerns, explore assessment options, and consider possible next steps before deciding whether to proceed. A brief summary letter can be provided on request and is billed separately (30 minutes at the document rate).
Autism
We provide autism assessments using interviews, observations, and questionnaires based on the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria. Our assessments focus on communication, social interaction, sensory experiences, and behaviour. For individuals aged 4.5 years and above.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
We offer ADHD assessments using interviews, observations, and questionnaires guided by the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria. These assessments look at attention, focus, executive functioning, and self-regulation across home, school/work, and daily life. For individuals aged 5 years and above.
Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder)
We provide Intellectual Disability assessments using interviews, observations, questionnaires, and standardised testing—cognitive (WISC-V or WAIS-5) and adaptive behaviour (Vineland or ABAS)—based on the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria. The assessment explores cognitive ability and everyday functional skills, and provides practical recommendations. For individuals aged 6 years and above.
Specific Learning Disorder (in reading, written expression, and/or maths)
We provide assessments for Specific Learning Disorders using interviews, questionnaires, and standardised testing of cognitive and academic skills. These assessments help identify difficulties in reading, written expression, and/or mathematics, as well as areas of strength. Results offer clear recommendations to support learning and wellbeing. Suitable for individuals at end of Grades 1 and above.
Adaptive Behaviour
We provide adaptive behaviour (everyday functional skills) assessments using standardised tools such as the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3) or The Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System 3rd Edition (ABAS-3). These assessments look at daily living skills, communication, social abilities, and possibly motor skills to understand how someone manages everyday tasks at home, school, and/or in the community.
Cognitive (IQ)
We provide cognitive assessments using standardised tools such as the WISC-V or WAIS-5. These assessments explore thinking and learning abilities and can help identify areas of strength, learning needs, or giftedness. For individuals aged 6 years and above.
Educational
We provide educational assessments to explore learning progress and identify areas of strength and challenge in reading, writing, mathematics, and/or, where appropriate, pre-literacy skills. These assessments are stand-alone and do not provide a diagnosis, but can help guide teaching strategies, learning supports, and goal setting.
Executive Function
We provide executive function assessments using interviews, observations, questionnaires, and/or other standardised tools. These assessments look at skills such as planning, organisation, working memory, and self-regulation. For individuals aged 6 years and above.