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Adept Assessment

Cognitive and educational assessment for children and adults.
2019 Lucy torso.jpg

Dr Lucy Patston

BA/BSc(Hons), PhD
SPELD (NZ) Registered Assessor

Kia ora, I'm Lucy. I originally trained as a researcher and academic in the area of cognitive neuroscience but re-trained as an Educational Assessor through SPELD New Zealand.

 

With three neurodiverse children under my wing, I now assess children and adults who would like to identify their learning strengths and weaknesses.

 

I can diagnose Specific Learning Disabilities, such as:

  • dyslexia 

  • dysgraphia 

  • dyscalculia

  • giftedness

If you need to know what's going on with your child (or yourself) I can help!

How can I help?

I am qualified to administer the Woodcock-Johnson IV and the Key Maths 3.

These tests have been adapted and normed for Australia and New Zealand.

The individual tests are short, enjoyable and varied in their style of delivery and the type of response required. Overall, these resources provide an in-depth assessment of cognitive abilities and evidence for learning disabilities.

Why get an assessment?

If you (or your child) are having difficulty learning, understanding your unique cognitive strengths and weaknesses is empowering and helpful, whether or not a formal diagnosis is warranted.

 

Where a diagnosis can be made, support (such as Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA and tertiary studies) can be sought.

Catching learning disabilities, like dyslexia (reading) and dyscalculia (maths), early is vitally important to setting up useful strategies, mitigating ongoing stress and diminishing self-esteem in your learner.

How much does it cost?

Literacy Assessment
Reading & Writing

Full Assessment
Reading, Writing & Maths

Numeracy Assessment
Maths

$1,150 (includes GST)

$1,035 for referrals from SPELD

Cognitive assessment for the official diagnosis of dyslexia and/or dysgraphia

$1,265 (includes GST)

$1,150 for referrals from SPELD

Cognitive assessment for the official diagnosis of dyslexia, dysgraphia and/or dyscalculia

$977.50 (includes GST)

$862.50 for referrals from SPELD

Cognitive assessment for the official diagnosis of dyscalculia

What's involved and where is the testing venue?

Examinees are tested one-on-one via Zoom.

Testing usually takes between 3 and 4 hours (including breaks) and we arrange sessions as it suits.

Within a few weeks, a very comprehensive report is delivered via email that outlines the examinee's:

  • cognitive results

  • interpretation of these results

  • diagnoses (if any)

  • recommendations 

  • evidence for Special Assessment Conditions

  • resources to access

  • any suggested referrals to other specialists

Can a support person sit in on the assessment?

In most instances, yes!

If you or your learner need a support person to be nearby, we can arrange this between us. We both want the best and most accurate assessment possible, so if a support person is needed, this is fine. Some individuals, however, work better alone, and this is the preferred option.

SPELD New Zealand

SPELD NZ specialises in assisting people with specific learning disabilities. You can request Lucy as your assessor through SPELD also.

Click on the pictures below to be taken to the SPELD NZ website.

How do I book an appointment?

If you would like to book an assessment, please use the form below in the first instance and I will call you back to discuss your needs and to arrange session times.

Other Resources for Parents and Teachers

If you are interested to know more about specific learning disabilities, click on the pictures below to download brochures from AUSPELD, Australia.

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