Have you noticed changes in memory, thinking or everyday functioning?
A Neuropsychological Assessment helps clarify cognitive changes and supports diagnosis, rehabilitation and care planning.
What is a Neuropsychological Assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive functioning, emotional wellbeing and functional capacity. It examines how the brain is working and how any changes may be affecting day to day life.
Areas commonly assessed include:
Memory
Attention and concentration
Executive functioning such as planning, organisation and problem solving
Language and communication
Processing speed
Visuospatial skills
Mood and emotional wellbeing
These assessments are designed to clarify diagnosis, guide treatment and inform rehabilitation planning. They are often requested by medical specialists, allied health practitioners, insurers or support coordinators to support decision making and ongoing care.
What does the assessment involve?
Neuropsychological assessments at Aperture Psychology are thorough, individualised and evidence based. The process typically includes:
A detailed clinical interview and review of relevant medical history
Standardised cognitive and psychological testing
Assessment of emotional and behavioural functioning
Consideration of functional capacity and daily life impact
Integration of assessment findings with medical and contextual information
Where appropriate, results may be shared with treating professionals such as GPs, neurologists, rehabilitation teams or support coordinators.
Reporting and outcomes
Each neuropsychological assessment includes a comprehensive written report outlining:
Cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty
Diagnostic considerations where relevant
Functional implications for daily living, work and independence
Clear, practical recommendations for rehabilitation, treatment or supports
Reports are written to meet the requirements of referrers including insurers and funding bodies, while remaining clear and accessible for individuals and families when relevant.
Insurance, NDIS and funded assessments
Aperture Psychology accepts referrals for neuropsychological assessments from:
iCare
Lifetime Care and Support
NDIS support coordinators and case managers
The Aperture Psychologists are SIRA accredited and able to complete Lifetime Care and Support neuropsychological assessments.
Please note that medicolegal assessments are not currently provided.
How to make a referral
Referrals for neuropsychological assessments can be made by medical practitioners, insurers, support coordinators, allied health professionals or via self referral.
If you are unsure whether a neuropsychological assessment is the right next step, we are happy to discuss options and provide guidance before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropsychological Assessments
What are you wondering?
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Neuropsychological assessments are commonly requested for a range of clinical, rehabilitation and funding related purposes, including:
Assisting with diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia
Assessing the impact of a brain injury or cerebral event, such as stroke, and monitoring recovery to inform treatment, rehabilitation and supports
Supporting applications or reviews for funded supports, including NDIS, Disability Support Pension or Total and Permanent Disability claims
Determining whether an individual has sustained a traumatic brain injury following head trauma or recurrent concussions, such as those associated with sporting injuries or defence service
The assessment provides objective information to support clinical decision making, rehabilitation planning and access to appropriate supports.
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A neuropsychological assessment may be helpful when there are noticeable changes in memory, attention, problem solving or everyday functioning. This may include difficulties managing daily tasks, changes in behaviour or personality, or cognitive changes following illness, injury or surgery.
Assessments are commonly recommended when these changes are impacting independence, recovery, work or quality of life.
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Neuropsychological assessments are commonly used in the context of:
Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Neurological conditions including epilepsy
Cognitive changes following neurosurgery
Brain injury following accident or trauma
Stroke and related cognitive changes
The assessment helps clarify the nature and extent of cognitive change and supports informed diagnosis and planning.
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A neuropsychological assessment provides a detailed understanding of cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty. This information can assist with diagnosis, guide treatment and rehabilitation planning, and support decisions about care, supports and future planning.
Clear assessment findings can also help individuals and families better understand the changes they are experiencing.
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Referrals are commonly made by GPs, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, insurers or support coordinators. Assessments may also be requested by iCare, Lifetime Care and Support, or NDIS case managers as part of funded supports or rehabilitation planning.
Self referrals are also welcome when there are concerns about cognitive change and guidance is needed.
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No. Aperture Psychology does not currently provide medicolegal assessments.
However, the Aperture Psychology psychologists are SIRA accredited and able to complete Lifetime Care and Support neuropsychological assessments, as well as assessments for iCare and NDIS funded supports.
Got more questions about assessments?
View individual pages for FAQs on ADHD assessments, Psychoeducational assessments, and assessments in general, or give our friendly team a call - we are always happy to assist.
