Clinical Neuropsychology
Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialist area of psychology that focuses on the assessment of brain function. Clinical Neuropsychologists have expertise in understanding how developmental, psychological and neurological conditions affect an individual’s thinking skills, emotions and behaviour.
At the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Group, our Neuropsychologists are particularly skilled in assessing children, adolescents and young adults. While we are able to provide input for any developmental, psychological and neurological conditions that affect thinking skills, emotions and behaviour, we specialise in the assessment and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Language Disorder, Specific Reading and Learning Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tourette and Tic Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Intellectual ability
Intellectual ability reflects a person’s overall thinking skills. It includes verbal and visual intellectual skills, fluid reasoning, processing speed, and working memory.
Attention
Attention is a cognitive process which allows a child to focus their thinking on one thing and ignore others.
Working Memory
Working Memory refers to the amount of information that an individual can hold and work within their mind at once.
Learning and Memory
Remembering information starts with learning, understanding, and storing what we have learned for future use.
Academics
Includes phonics, reading, handwriting, spelling, writing and maths skills.
Executive Functioning (Organisation & Flexibility)
Executive functioning refers to complex thinking skills that are developing throughout childhood such as planning and organisation, monitoring, initiation, flexible thinking, and complex attention.
Self-Regulation
Emotional and behavioural self-regulation describes a child’s ability to independently be self-aware, manage and control their emotional and behavioural responses to their environment.
Social Skills
Social skills include a variety of abilities, such as understanding social cues, communicating clearly, navigating social situations, and building friendships.
Areas We Assess
Paediatric Neuropsychology is a specialist area of Clinical Neuropsychology that is dedicated to understanding the development of a child’s brain and how this relates to their thinking skills, emotions and behaviour.
Language
Language skills include understanding what others say (receptive language), using words to share thoughts (expressive language), and using language in social situations (pragmatic language).
Disorders We Assess
As part of the neuropsychological process, we conduct diagnostic assessments that incorporate a range of neurodevelopmental and psychological conditions.
01
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and impacts around 7% of school-aged children.
02
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
Children with DLD have difficulty developing their language skills.
Specific Learning Disorders (including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia)
Specific Reading and Learning Disorders occur when a child has persistent difficulties with learning and using academic skills
04
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis characterised by significant differences in social communication, interaction, and patterns of behavior and interests.
05
Tourette and Tic Disorder
Tics are sudden movements or vocalisations that are performed rapidly and repeatedly with no particular rhythm.
06
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to ease anxiety.
05
Tourette and Tic Disorder
Tics are sudden movements or vocalisations that are performed rapidly and repeatedly with no particular rhythm.
07
Emotion and Behaviour (anxiety and trauma)
Difficulties managing emotional responses and behaviors from overwhelming feelings, trauma, or anxiety affecting daily life.