What is a Psychological Assessment?
Psychological assessments are standardised procedures used by professionals to evaluate an individual's cognitive abilities, personality traits, emotional functioning, and behavioural patterns. These tests involve a combination of interviews, observations, and questionnaires designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of a person's mental health and well-being.
Additionally, these assessments offer valuable insights into an individual's mental state, which can be crucial for identifying underlying psychological issues or mental health disorders. Early diagnosis and intervention are key, as emphasised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which recommends non-pharmacological approaches whenever possible. Psychological assessments play a vital role in this approach, as they can assist in creating personalised plans or interventions that prioritise psychological support.
Care Alliance Counselling offers the following assessments:
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ADHD Assessment
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Autism Assessment
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IQ Assessment
How Our Assessment Process Works
Our assessment process for ADHD, autism, and IQ level involves three key steps:
Initial Consultation
We begin with a thorough consultation to discuss your concerns and the individual's symptoms, developmental history, and any relevant background information.
Assessment
We conduct a comprehensive assessment using standardised tests, observations, and interviews to evaluate cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and behavioural patterns.
Feedback Session:
Once the assessment is complete, we provide detailed feedback to explain the results and recommend personalised strategies for support and intervention.
ADHD Assessment
At Care Alliance Counselling, we offer comprehensive ADHD assessments, providing evaluation for children and adults in Singapore. Our clinical psychologist conducts thorough assessments to identify ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. Assessments can be done to identify ongoing patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that disrupt daily life and development. These symptoms aren't just occasional; they're persistent and interfere with a person's ability to function effectively at home, school, or work.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD isn't just about having trouble focusing. It presents distinctly in different people. Here are some of the key signs and symptoms of ADHD reported during assessments:
Inattention:
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Difficulty focusing on tasks or conversations
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Easily distracted
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Forgetfulness
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Difficulty organising
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Procrastination
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Losing things
Hyperactivity:
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Fidgeting or squirming
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Difficulty staying seated
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Excessive talking
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Running or climbing excessively
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Difficulty with quiet activities
Impulsivity:
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Interrupting others
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Difficulty waiting their turn
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Blurting out answers
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Acting without thinking
Assessment Tools
We utilise a variety of assessment tools in our evaluations to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and behavioural patterns. Some of the most common assessment tools for ADHD include the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS), ADHD Clinical Outcome Scale - Clinician Version (ACOS Clinician), and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1).
Autism Diagnosis in Singapore
At Care Alliance Counselling, our process of identifying autism involves a comprehensive assessment of your child's developmental history, behaviours, and communication patterns.
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual's ability to interact, communicate, and learn. It encompasses a range of behaviours, including challenges with social skills, repetitive actions, speech, and non-verbal communication. Children with ASD often behave and communicate in ways that differ from those of others, leading to unique learning and interaction styles. ASD in adults can manifest as challenges in grasping others' thoughts and feelings, anxiety in social settings, a preference for solitude, and difficulty in forming friendships. Adults may also unintentionally seem blunt or detached, struggle to express emotions, interpret language literally, and experience anxiety over changes in routine. The severity, diagnosis and types of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Autism affects social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing in both children and adults. The signs and symptoms can vary widely, depending on an individual’s developmental level and the severity of the condition. Here are some common signs and symptoms of autism described during diagnosis:
Social Communication and Interaction:
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Difficulty starting or responding to conversations.
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Limited eye contact and gesture use.
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Prefers solitary play.
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Struggles with social norms like turn-taking.
Repetitive Behaviours or Restricted Interests:
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Intense focus on specific interests.
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Repetitive movements.
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Engages in repetitive play.
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Resistant to changes in routines.
Sensory Sensitivities:
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Over-sensitive to lights, sounds, or textures.
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Under-sensitive to pain or stimuli.
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Unusual interest in sensory experiences.
Developmental Delays:
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Delayed response to name.
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Does not point to objects or people.
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No back-and-forth smiling or gestures by 12 months.
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Difficulty using meaningful words by 18 months.
Loss of Skills:
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Regression in language or social skills.
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Loss of previously acquired skills (e.g., speaking, interacting).
Assessment Tools
In Singapore, one of the tools used for autism diagnosis include the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), a standardised assessment that observes and measures social interaction, communication, and play behaviours. Additionally, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), a structured interview, can be conducted with parents or caregivers to gather detailed developmental history and information about current behaviours. For children, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) or the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS) may be used to evaluate autism symptoms based on observations and caregiver reports. For adults, assessments like the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), and Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) are utilised to gauge the presence and severity of autistic traits.
IQ Assessment in Singapore
At Care Alliance Counselling in Singapore, our psychologists offer IQ assessments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s cognitive abilities. After the IQ assessment, we prepare a report outlining strengths and areas for improvement, along with personalised recommendations for education and development.
What is the Purpose of an IQ Assessment?
The purpose of IQ assessments is to identify an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive understanding of their thinking abilities. These assessments measure various cognitive skills, such as verbal reasoning, visual-spatial reasoning, working memory, fluid reasoning, and processing speed, which influence learning and independent functioning. The goal is not solely the overall IQ score but understanding the cognitive profile as a whole.
IQ assessments are often used in the diagnostic process for evaluating giftedness, intellectual disabilities, and learning or behavioural disorders. By understanding these strengths and weaknesses, parents and educators can make informed decisions about appropriate educational or vocational programmes tailored to the individual's needs, enhancing their psychosocial development and supporting effective teaching strategies.
Benefits of IQ Assessments
IQ assessments offer valuable insights into an individual's cognitive abilities, helping to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Here are some key benefits of IQ assessments:
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Identifies Cognitive Strengths and Weaknesses
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Guides Educational Decisions
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Supports Personalised Learning
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Helps Diagnose Learning Disabilities
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Promotes Psychosocial Development
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Enhances Career Planning
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Improves Adaptive Behaviour Strategies
What to Expect During an IQ Assessment?
An IQ assessment begins with an initial consultation with the parent(s) to gather important background information and understand the presenting concerns. Based on this, relevant tests will be administered, depending on the child’s needs and capacity.
After completing the IQ assessment, a comprehensive written report is created, highlighting the child’s strengths and areas of difficulty, along with tailored recommendations for both home and school settings. Finally, a feedback session is scheduled with parents to discuss the report, address any concerns, and provide further clarification on the findings.
Assessment Tools
For IQ assessments in Singapore, standardised intelligence tests such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV), and the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition (SB5) are typically used to evaluate cognitive abilities. These assessments measure a range of intellectual functions, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed, providing a comprehensive understanding of an individual's cognitive strengths and challenges.
What Our Clients Say
Very easy to talk to, really helpful in developing insight. Also has many great strategies for coping with different issues.
Had a consulting session with Jo in Jan 24 and had a very comfortable session with her. She is definitely a consultant you can seek advise regards to your personal issue.
I had a few sessions with Ms Lily Chan, i always feel heard and respected in the sessions. She brings calming presence to each session and grateful for her non-judgemental approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism, ADHD, and IQ Assessments
How do you do an assessment for ADHD?
ADHD assessments typically involve a combination of interviews, observations, and standardised questionnaires or rating scales.
How much is an autism diagnosis in Singapore?
The cost of an autism diagnosis in Singapore can vary depending on the specific assessments used and the number of sessions required.
Can my GP do an autism assessment?
While a GP can't typically perform a full autism assessment themselves, they are often the first point of contact if you suspect you or your child might be autistic. They can then refer you to a specialist team, like a psychologist or neurodevelopmental paediatrician, who can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide a diagnosis.
How do I officially test my IQ?
To officially test your IQ, you need to undergo a standardised IQ assessment administered by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist. These assessments can measure various cognitive abilities to provide a comprehensive understanding of your intellectual functioning.
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Get Started Today
If you're seeking a deeper understanding of your child's development or your own cognitive abilities, our team is here to support you. Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment for an autism, ADHD, or IQ assessment. We offer a safe, supportive environment and personalised guidance to help you navigate the assessment process and gain valuable insights for the future.
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