Adept Assessment
Cognitive and educational assessment for children and adults.
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 several years ago.
I assess children and adults who would like to identify their academic learning strengths and weaknesses.
I diagnose specific learning disabilities (SLDs), such as:
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dyslexia
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dysgraphia
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dyscalculia
I can also identify giftedness.
I cannot diagnose ADHD, language disorders or autism, but if I suspect any of these I can refer you to the correct professionals.
If you need to know what's going on with your child (or yourself) I can help!
Dr Lucy Patston
BA/BSc(Hons), PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience
SPELD (NZ) Registered Assessor
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 academic material, then understanding your unique cognitive strengths and weaknesses is empowering and helpful even if a formal diagnosis is not 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?
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*SPELD NZ clients: To access the SPELD NZ rate, clients must apply through SPELD NZ, complete the required forms and fees, and request Lucy Patston as their assessor.
**Adding maths to a literacy assessment: An additional assessment for dyscalculia can be completed before or after a literacy assessment. To qualify for the add-on rate, it must be completed within 4 months of the initial literacy assessment. After this period, full maths assessment fees will apply.
What's involved and where is the testing venue?
Examinees are tested one-on-one via Zoom. I do not conduct assessments face-to-face (for lots of good reasons). If you would like to know more about the pros and cons of assessment online please click here.
Testing usually takes between 3 and 4 hours (including breaks) and we usually arrange three sessions of 1.5 hours.
Within a few weeks, a very comprehensive report is delivered via email that outlines the examinee's:
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cognitive results
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interpretation of these results
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diagnoses (if any)
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recommendations
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evidence for Special Assessment Conditions
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resources to access
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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 without having to worry about a 'watcher', and this is the preferred option for me.
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.
Please enter your own contact details below. If you’re enquiring for your child or someone else, please include their name in the message.
