Our Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr Alexandra Vakili
Alex has been assessing and diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Specific Learning Disorders (SLD; eg dyslexia) and Intellectual Developmental Disorder for over 15 years. Alex provides comprehensive diagnostic assessments with recommendations for school, home and vocational adjustments. Her career fulfilment comes from helping families prosper when life has thrown them a curveball.
​
Fees
Fees for assessment services range from $1000 to $3000 depending on the specific needs of the individual. Get in touch with us for an accurate quote based on your needs.
​
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals' social communication and behaviour. In Australia, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 70 people are diagnosed with ASD.
​
Common signs of ASD include difficulties in social interactions, impaired communication, friendship difficulties, repetitive behaviours, sensory issues, and restricted or obsessive interests.
Early assessment and diagnosis of ASD is crucial in helping individuals find the right treatment and reach their full potential. Medicare benefits are available for people under 25 years of age, undergoing an autism spectrum disorder diagnostic assessment. For the rebate, the young person must have an appropriate referral.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals' ability to focus, control impulsive behaviors, and manage hyperactivity.
In Australia, it is estimated that approximately 5-10% of children and adolescents have ADHD. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood for many individuals.
The core symptoms of ADHD include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD may struggle with staying focused, completing tasks, following instructions, sitting still and organizing activities. In adults, ADHD can manifest as difficulty with time management, organization, and maintaining relationships.
​
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis which means it emerges in childhood (before the age of 12). However, a diagnosis can be made at any life stage from approximately age 6 to 100. An accurate diagnosis requires an assessment of attention across different settings. Fortunately, there are effective supports available with an accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. Treatment options often include a combination of behavioural therapies, medication, and educational support.
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)
Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect individuals' ability to acquire and use certain academic skills. In Australia, SLDs affect around 10% of children and adolescents.
​
Common types of SLDs include dyslexia (reading disorder), dysgraphia (writing disorder), and dyscalculia (mathematics disorder). Individuals with SLDs may struggle with letter and word recognition, spelling, written expression, or understanding mathematical concepts.
​
SLDs are not related to general intelligence or lack of effort; instead, they stem from neurological differences in how the brain processes and interprets information. SLD's occur when academic functioning falls below what one would expect given a student's intellectual level. Formal diagnosis of disorders of reading, writing or mathematics require both intellectual and academic assessment. It is essential to identify and address SLDs early to provide appropriate support and interventions, including tailored educational strategies, accommodations, and assistive technologies.
Intellectual Development Disorder
(Intellectual Disability)
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), previously known as intellectual disability, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. In Australia, IDD affects about 2% of the population.
IDD is typically diagnosed during childhood or adolescence and is defined by an IQ score below 70, as well as difficulties in areas such as communication, self-care, social skills, and problem-solving. In Australia, people with intellectual developmental disorders are eligible for educational, vocational and community supports, including funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
​
IDD can only be diagnosed following a formal intellectual and adaptive functioning assessment. An IDD diagnosis will come with a severity level of mild, moderate, severe or profound. This level will guide appropriate educational placement if a specialised learning environment is required. It will also guide future planning including vocational and community supports and interventions.
Giftedness
In Australia, approximately 2% of the population displays characteristics of intellectual giftedness. These individuals demonstrate exceptional cognitive abilities, advanced reasoning skills, and a high capacity for learning and problem-solving.
Gifted children often display the following traits: early developmental milestones, rapid learning, excellent memory, advanced language skills, easy academic acquisition, intense curiosity, strong problem-solving skills, and high levels of focus and concentration. On assessment, they will typically have an IQ score over 130.
​
Assessments can only identify intellectual giftedness and unfortunately do not identify other gifts such as music and creativity. It is important to identify and support intellectually gifted individuals to ensure they receive appropriate educational opportunities that challenge and engage their intellectual abilities.
Combined neurodevelopmental assessment for differential diagnosis
Neurodevelopmental disorders have many overlapping features and also often co-occur. Having one neurodevelopmental disorder significantly increases your chances of having another.
Through a comprehensive assessment we can understand the potential overlap and co-occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, to acurately diagnose and develop appropriate treatment plans.
​
Differential diagnosis can be complex and requires expert knowledge and experience.