FAQs
Parents/ caregivers may choose to include an assessment report in a NDIS application as evidence of the support needs and functional impairment experienced by their child. The assessment report may not be sufficient by itself to result in funding. If you have questions about how an assessment report may be used for a NDIS application, please book a FREE 10-MIN CALL so that you can discuss your questions with Cathryne.
Schools are required to meet the support needs of their students to ensure that all students have the opportunity to engage in learning. The Disability Standards for Education 2005 require that all Australian schools:
- Ensure that students with disability are able to access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability,
- Make or provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ for students where necessary to enable their access and participation, and
- Provide reasonable adjustments in consultation with the student and/or parents or guardians.
Sometimes schools will require a formal diagnosis and an assessment to identify the needs of a particular student. At other times, school staff can evaluate a student’s needs and formal diagnosis and assessment is not required.
All psychologists are registered practitioners with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). All psychologists are required to work within their scope of practice with some psychologists focusing on intervention services, some psychologists focusing on psychological assessment and some psychologists providing both services. At Through the Maze Psychology, Cathryne primarily provides psychological assessment services.
The assessment process consists of a parent interview, at least one assessment appointment, and a feedback appointment. Cathryne needs 4 weeks between the (last) assessment appointment and the feedback appointment to score and interpret the psychological tests and write a comprehensive report. If Cathryne has availability, the assessment appointment can be scheduled one week after the parent interview. Therefore, from the initial parent interview to the feedback session can take between 6-10 weeks.
Cathryne can provide therapy services at Through the Maze Psychology. In addition, the recommendations that she provides in the report and discusses with you at the feedback session will provide ideas about the kinds of supports and interventions that may be beneficial for your child.
The assessment appointments are only conducted in person in the Brighton clinic. However, the parent interview and the feedback appointment can be conducted using telehealth via Zoom to reduce your travel time.
To keep the fees as low as possible for all clients, at Through the Maze Psychology, Cathryne does not provide discounts for concession card holders. Please note that Cathryne provides services at a cost that is well below the recommended fee for psychologists. Click HERE for more information about recommended fees for psychologists.
The NDIA does not fund diagnostic assessments. However, participants of the NDIS may be able to use their Improved Daily Living budget to fund assessments for participants to assist with capacity building. Please speak with your NDIS contact, support coordinator or plan manager to confirm whether your child’s funds can be used in this way. Please note that Through the Maze Psychology is not a registered NDIS provider so fees are payable by parents and then may be claimed backed through the NDIA.
Medicare: Not all services attract a Medicare rebate. Medicare rebates are available for autism assessments with a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Private Health Insurance: Clients may be able to claim a rebate from their private health insurer after full payment is made if certain criteria are met (e.g., client’s policy covers assessment services). Parents/caregivers are encouraged to speak with their health insurer prior to completing the assessment if they wish to make a claim.