Top 10 Questions We’re Asked About Neuropsychological And Cognitive Assessments
By Dr Sophie Li
Neuropsychological and cognitive assessments can feel like uncharted territory, especially when you're unsure what to expect.
Whether you're a parent concerned about your child’s development, an adult struggling with focus and productivity, or someone looking for answers about their cognitive function, the process can bring up a lot of questions.
Here we’ve compiled the answers to the top 10 questions we hear most often to help you feel informed, supported, and prepared.
1. What is a neuropsychological or cognitive assessment?
A neuropsychological or cognitive assessment is not a quick test or a single conversation. It is a multi-layered, clinician-guided process that integrates standardised cognitive tests, developmental history, structured interviews, observation, and biopsychosocial formulation.
Each tool is chosen for its ability to shed light on different dimensions of functioning, and together they form a comprehensive picture of the individual as a whole. The tools we use will depend on the type of assessment we’re undertaking. You can find an overview specific to your assessment type below:
At Aperture Psychology, our goal is not to categorise, but to clarify. We believe assessment should be more than a gateway to answers. It should be a turning point in how someone sees themselves and how others support them.
When done well, it’s not just about assigning a diagnosis. It’s about offering a deeper understanding of how a person thinks, focuses, and responds to the world - and why.
2. Do I need a referral for an assessment?
No, a referral isn’t required to book an assessment with us. However, a referral from a doctor, teacher, or mental health professional can be helpful in validating the need for assessment and providing useful background information about your situation. If you’re under 25 and seeking an autism assessment, a referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician will also allow you to claim a Medicare rebate.
3. How should I prepare for an assessment?
A little preparation can make a real difference. We recommend:
Bringing relevant documents like medical records, day care or school reports, NAPLAN results, or any other health information you think could be useful.
Getting a good night’s sleep beforehand, as rest helps with focus and performance.
Eating a proper meal before your appointment.
Bringing any essential or assistive technologies such as glasses, hearing aids or anything you require for clear communication.
Arriving on time.
We’ll also send you intake forms in advance and may request additional reports to guide the assessment process.
4. How long does the assessment process take?
The assessment process typically spans several sessions over a few weeks. For children, this usually begins with a parent-only interview, followed by a separate testing session with the child. For adults, the interview and testing often occur together in a single, longer session.
Exactly how long the process takes will depend on the type of assessment and the individual needs involved, but we’ll guide you through each step, so you know what to expect. Every assessment also includes a final feedback session, where we take the time to walk through the results and recommendations with care.
5. Do you offer any special accommodations during the assessment process?
Yes. We know assessments can feel overwhelming, especially for children. To ensure the process is as comfortable as possible, we offer or recommend:
Rest and attention breaks – These scheduled breaks help to maintain focus and reduce fatigue.
Snacks and meals – Especially for longer assessments, we encourage you to bring snacks or meals (lunch), and we will make time for these to be consumed.
Warm-up time – To help children become comfortable within the space and with our team, we take time to help them settle in by engaging in activities like drawing or Lego, before starting the formal assessment.
Our goal is to create a supportive, low-stress environment to ensure the most accurate and helpful results.
6. Will I receive a diagnosis?
If the results from your assessment support a clinical diagnosis, it will be clearly documented in your report. Occasionally assessments may be inconclusive, for example when other diagnoses cannot be ruled out as causing the ADHD-like symptoms. In such cases, we may recommend addressing co-occurring conditions or seek further input from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Additional observation or information may be needed before confirming a diagnosis.
7. Will I receive a formal report?
Absolutely. Following your assessment, you will receive a comprehensive written report outlining the findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and personalised recommendations.
Our reports are designed to be not just technically sound, but genuinely useful, going beyond a diagnosis (if applicable) to provide the individual and their support system with:
A clear, integrated explanation of what is happening and why
A strengths-informed profile that honours capacity, not just challenges
Personalised, practical recommendations that can be used in daily life
Strategies that support learning, productivity, relationships, and emotional well-being
A shared language that improves communication across school, family, and health teams
We take time to explain the findings in a way that makes sense - and in a way that respects the person behind the profile. Our goal is to provide tools that support informed decisions and next steps, whether that’s in therapy planning, parenting, education, workplace support, or self-advocacy.
The report is confidential and only shared with the referring professional (if applicable), unless you provide written consent to share with others.
8. What follow-up support is available if I receive a diagnosis?
If you receive a diagnosis, we’ll take the time to talk you through what it means and what your options are. You might choose to begin therapy with one of our clinicians, or we can connect you with trusted referral partners if a different type of support is more appropriate. We also provide information about advocacy organisations and peer support networks, so you’re never left navigating next steps alone.
With psychoeducational assessments, working closely with your child’s school is an important part of the assessment process. With your consent, we’re happy to liaise with teachers or learning support staff to ensure our recommendations are reflected in their individual learning plan. This collaboration helps create a more consistent and supportive experience overall.
9. What’s the difference between a clinical psychologist and a clinical neuropsychologist?
Simply put, a clinical psychologist and a clinical neuropsychologist complete different Masters level post-graduate training.
Clinical psychologists typically focus on mental and emotional well-being through therapy, but are also trained to conduct neurodevelopmental assessments.
Clinical neuropsychologists are specifically trained to assess how brain function affects behaviour and cognition, often using specialised tools to diagnose conditions like ADHD, autism or learning difficulties, dementia and cognitive functioning following brain injury.
10. Can you prescribe medication?
No. As a psychology clinic, we specialise in the study of human behaviour, emotions, and mental processes. As such, we cannot prescribe medication.
If this is something you’d like to explore, you will need to consult with a psychiatrist or paediatrician to explore whether a trial of medication may be beneficial. At time of writing, no other doctors can prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD, however this will change in 2026 when select GPs will be able to manage ADHD medication. More information here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/game-changing-reforms-allow-gps-to-treat-adhd-to-reduce-wait-times-and-costs.
Final thoughts on neuropsychological and cognitive assessments
Whether you’re at the very beginning of the journey or further along, we hope this has helped make the process feel a little clearer - and a little less overwhelming.
While assessments can feel daunting, they’re ultimately about understanding, clarity, and the path forward.
If you still have questions or if you’re not sure whether an assessment is the right fit, we’re always happy to talk it through.
You can contact our friendly team here, or view our comprehensive list of assessment-specific FAQ’s here.
