Mapping your Unique Neurotype
Understand your unique neurotype by completing a Neuroaffirmative Diagnostic Assessment with Clinical Psychologist, Emma Pratt.
What is a Neurotype?
✦ It is your unique way of thinking, being, and communicating.
✦ It serves as an ever-evolving and adaptable framework for self-discovery and personal growth.
✦ It may come with labels such as “Autism” and/or “ADHD”
STEP 1
Clinical Intake Session
Aim
Develop an overview of your possible neurotype and the factors surrounding it.
Content
Get as much background information on your mental health, medical history, social/emotional/educational/physical development and current life circumstances.
Your role
-
Please email any relevant reports from medical or allied health professionals. If you have school reports, please bring copies of them.
-
You can choose to bring a support person to help inform this process. This is optional.
Emma’s role
Begin to develop hypotheses about what your neurotype is and to use this information to select appropriate assessment tools and questionnaires that inform Step 2 and 3.
Step 2
Online Questionnaires
Aim
Get to know you some more.
Content
Questionnaires may be on the topic of Autism, ADHD, executive functioning, mental health and functioning.
Your role
Generally, there is a 1 to 2 week gap between the Clinical Intake session and the Clinical Assessment, allowing clients ample time to complete questionnaires.
​
Emma’s role
Select questionnaires to help support the assessment of different hypotheses of what your neurotype is.
STEP 3
CLinicial assessment
Aim
To get to know you at a deeper and more focused level using relevant neuroaffirming tools.
Content
The main tools used are the MIGDAS-2 for Autism and DIVA-5 for ADHD. There may also be cause for using other assessment tools depending on the hypotheses being explored. The impact of trauma in your life will always be explored.
Your Role
-
Answer questions to the best of your knowledge.
-
Feel free to ask clarifying questions or provide corrections to Emma.
-
Depending on the complexity of the Clinical Assessment, it may be split across multiple sessions but generally, it will be completed in one session.
Emma’s role
To examine the different hypotheses and arrive at a comprehensive understanding of your neurotype (ADHD, ADHD, Au-DHD etc and the intersection of other mental health, health challenges and learning difficulties and contextual factors such as SES, gender, LGTBIQ+, cultural background etc. )
Kindly Note
Only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD and will often prefer to conduct their own assessments for ADHD.
Step 4
Clinical Report (OPTIONAL)
Aim
To summarise the clinical findings of the assessment process and give recommendations.
Kindly be advised
This document serves as a clinical report and does not qualify as an NDIS report. However, if you are seeking NDIS eligibility, this clinical report may be adequate to verify a diagnosis.
Your Role
Read the report and ensure your understanding of the content. Share it with people who you think would benefit from reading it.
Emma’s Role
To provide a succinct and comprehensive summary of the assessment process and outcomes that is both practical and neuroaffirmative.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
STEP ONE: Clinical Intake SessionOur journey begins with establishing a foundational understanding of your mental, social, and medical history. This initial session is crucial for setting the stage for a tailored diagnostic assessment, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for you to express yourself fully.
-
STEP TWO: Questionnaires and ScreenersFollowing the intake, you'll engage with selected questionnaires and screeners at your own pace. These tools are designed to delve deeper into your experiences, providing valuable insights that guide the subsequent stages of the assessment.
-
STEP THREE: Clinical AssessmentThe heart of the diagnostic process involves a thorough clinical assessment, utilising tools like the MIGDAS-2 for Autism and DIVA-5 for ADHD, among others. This step is aimed at gaining a nuanced understanding of your neurotype, considering various factors such as your background, health challenges, trauma history and personal context.
-
STEP FOUR: Clinical Report (Optional)For those seeking a detailed summary of the findings, a clinical report is available. This document summarises the insights gained through the assessment, offering recommendations tailored to your unique neurotype and circumstances. Those who do not select a report, will receive a 1 to 2-page summary letter that includes any assigned DSM-V diagnoses.
-
STEP FIVE: Merging Sessions (Optional)Beyond the diagnostic process, I provide an opportunity for further exploration and support. While not therapy, these sessions are designed to help you navigate life with your newfound understanding of your neurotype, empowering you to embrace your strengths and address any challenges. Merging Sessions are time limited to 3 sessions.