General Clinical Assessment
General Clinical Assessment
Understanding Emotional and Behavioural Challenges
A general clinical assessment is designed to evaluate concerns related to inattention, hyperactivity, anxiety, social skills, frustration tolerance, mood, and self-esteem. These assessments help parents and teachers better understand a child’s behaviours and emotions, determining whether certain challenges—such as impulsivity, aggression, or hyperactivity—are age-appropriate or may indicate underlying neurodiversity.
While this assessment can assist in signposting for potential neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it does not provide a formal diagnosis of these conditions. If a diagnosis is required, further specialist assessment will be necessary.
Consultation with a Psychologist
Psycho-Educational Assessment
Who Can Benefit From General Clinical Assessment?
General Clinical Assessment can make a significant difference for:
Children and adolescents struggling with emotions or behaviour
Those experiencing anxiety, mood difficulties, frustration, or low self-esteem.
Individuals with possible ADHD or ASD traits
Where there are concerns about attention, social communication, or impulsivity; however, this assessment will not diagnose these conditions.
Parents and teachers seeking clarity on challenging behaviour
Understanding whether behaviours are developmentally appropriate or require intervention.
Families looking for guidance and recommendations
To support their child’s emotional well-being, behavioural challenges, and social skills.
What to Expect from a General Clinical Assessment
Our General Clinical Assessment process is designed to be thorough, clear, and supportive for both the individual and their family:
Pre-Assessment Information Gathering
We gather background information from parents and, where applicable, from preschool or school settings. We also review any previous reports to build a complete picture.
Assessment Session
- Cognitive Ability Assessment (IQ Test) – Evaluates intellectual functioning.
- Assessment of Adaptive Functioning – Examines daily living skills, independence, and practical coping abilities.
- Assessment of Emotional and Behavioural Development – Investigates emotional well-being, self-regulation, and behavioural patterns.
- Observation in School (if required) – Conducted when additional insight into classroom behaviour is needed (this will incur an additional fee).
Post-Assessment Feedback
Feedback is provided to parents via Zoom or phone following the assessment. This session includes:
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- A discussion of key findings from the assessment.
- An opportunity to gather any additional information to clarify concerns.
- Recommendations for next steps, including strategies for home and school.
Comprehensive Report
A detailed written report is provided, including assessment findings, psychological insights, and tailored recommendations for home and school.
Common Questions About General Clinical Assessment
Will this assessment diagnose ADHD or ASD?
No, this assessment does not diagnose ADHD or ASD. However, it can help identify traits or concerns related to these conditions and provide recommendations on whether further diagnostic assessment may be beneficial.
How long does a general clinical assessment take?
The assessment session with the child typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, there are also a number of questionnaires and rating scales that need to be completed by parents, school staff, and the individual (when age appropriate) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the child’s emotional, behavioural, and adaptive functioning.
What types of tests are used in a general clinical assessment?
The specific tests used in a general clinical assessment are highly dependent on the reason for the assessment and the concerns being explored. However, the assessment typically includes:
- Cognitive Testing – A measure of intellectual functioning using tests such as:
- WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition)
- WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition)
- WJ-IV Cognitive (Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities – Fourth Edition)
- Assessments of Adaptive and Maladaptive Functioning – Evaluating an individual’s ability to manage daily life tasks, independence, and coping skills using:
- ABAS-3 (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System – Third Edition)
- ASEBA (Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment)
- Screening Questionnaires – Used to explore other potential areas of concern, such as:
- ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder / Dyspraxia)
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
The combination of these assessments ensures a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s emotional, behavioural, and cognitive profile, guiding appropriate next steps for support.
How can this assessment help my child?
A general clinical assessment can:
- Provide valuable insights into emotional and behavioural challenges.
- Assist in signposting for potential ADHD or ASD, guiding next steps in the diagnostic process.
- Support applications for educational accommodations, school-based interventions, or HSE services.
- Offer tailored strategies for managing emotions, behaviour, and social skills at home and in school.
Where does the assessment take place?
Assessments are conducted at our Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6W office. School observations can also be arranged where necessary (additional fees apply).
When will I receive the report?
We aim to provide a comprehensive written report within approximately 3 weeks of receiving all necessary information and completed forms, including parental and school questionnaires.
Ready to Begin?
Empower yourself or your child with a clearer understanding of cognitive strengths, challenges, or exceptional talents. Take the first step today.
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