FAQs

The difference is that free tests give a neurodivergent score without clinical interpretation. By having a psychologist consider a variety of questionnaires and other specific contextual information together, the diagnostic predictions are more accurate. A free test does not consider alternative explanations for symptoms, but a psychologist does.

Yes, Scope offers neurodevelopmental screening for children and teens aged 4 to 17 years. This screening is designed to identify early signs of conditions such as ADHD, autism, and learning disorders. It provides valuable insights into developmental strengths and challenges, helping you determine the next steps for further assessment or support. To book an under-18 neurodevelopmental screening, please contact our friendly client support team.

We use a broad range of questionnaires that we have selected to screen for neurodivergence as well as other diagnoses that may cause similar symptoms. By asking a broader range of questions that are reviewed by a registered and experienced psychologist, we can tell you the most likely cause of your symptoms, which might be ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, giftedness, or it could be something else, like anxiety, which can impact concentration and can make us feel restless.

We also include a selection of “free response” questions that are designed to better understand your symptoms and coping across the lifespan.

You can expect to receive your ND screening letter from one of our psychologists within 10 days.

ND Screening will appear as a one-off $80 payment to Scope Psychology on your bank statement.

Unfortunately, ND screening is not eligible for any Medicare rebates at this point in time.

If you have chosen the ADVANCED ND screening option, some private health insurers may cover you for your video consultation with one of our psychologists. As each insurer and insurance plan is different, please consult your insurance provider to find out whether you are able to get your rebates.

Watch Danielle Copplin break down the differences between psychiatrists, paediatricians and psychologists, and explains the different ways they can help manage ADHD symptoms:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ksil2rkEZo&t=26s

If your child is experiencing difficulties with learning but has only received support through standard classroom curriculum, then your psychologist will provide a provisional diagnosis. A provisional diagnosis gives appropriate evidence for your child to receive targeted intervention at school and sometimes from other professionals like a speech pathologist or tutor. Your child is still entitled to the support that they need to learn effectively in the classroom even with a provisional diagnosis.

If your child continues to struggle after six months of targeted intervention, then the psychologist can demonstrate the difficulty is persistent and confirm the diagnosis. Confirming a diagnosis typically involves another 1.5-hour assessment appointment, with an associated cost of up to $550.00. As such, we recommend waiting to commence assessment until after six months of targeted intervention (support in addition to the standard curriculum) has been provided.

You have two options when it comes to seeking a formal assessment and diagnosis—a psychiatrist or a psychologist. A psychiatrist doesn’t typically complete neurocognitive assessment, so you don’t get to learn all that much about your brain. However, they can provide medical management for your symptoms in the form of medication. A psychologist helps you to understand your brain and can also teach you ways to manage your symptoms alongside or sometimes without medication.

Medical Management (Psychiatrist)

Seeing a psychiatrist for a diagnosis can help you to access medication for your symptoms.

Pros:

• Immediate symptom reduction
• Scientifically proven
• Predictable effects

Cons:

• Possible side effects
• Doesn’t address underlying issues
• Unknown long-term effects
• Dependency and tolerance

Behavioural Management (Psychologist)

Seeing a psychologist for a diagnosis can help you to understand your differences and difficulties, and learn to support them and live well with them.

Pros:

• Addresses underlying issues
• No side effects
• Improves quality of life
• Skill development

Cons:

• Results are less immediate
• Time-consuming

Yes, all Scope reports are 100% NDIS-ready. Our team are also trained in the completion of access request forms, if requested.

Yes, all assessing psychologists at Scope have extensive experience with test administration and interpretation for individuals with every range of abilities, including those with reduced intellectual, hearing, vision and motor function. We have. comprehensive understanding of the access requirements for NDIS and all Scope reports are 100% NDIS-ready.

Yes, all assessing psychologists at Scope use the most recent edition of the DSM-5 to make formal diagnoses where applicable.

 Each psychologist uses their best clinical judgement when determining the best tools to assess an individual. We have a vast library of tools that are selected with great care based on the individual's needs and activity limitations.

Reports are typically completed within 4 weeks after the final assessment session but may be completed sooner.

Yes, further supporting documents can be completed. It is important to note that depending on the request there may be an extra charge associated.