Paediatric Psychology
Psychology & Developmental Assessment for Children
Supporting children and families to better understand development, behaviour, emotions, learning and wellbeing through child-centred psychological support and assessment.
Understanding the whole child
Children's development, emotions, behaviour, relationships and learning are closely connected. Psychology can help families better understand what may be contributing to the challenges a child is experiencing.
A psychologist may work with a child and family to explore emotional wellbeing, behaviour, attention, learning, development, relationships and participation in everyday life.
At Spriggle Kids, our approach is centred around understanding each child's individual strengths, needs and circumstances rather than viewing a child only through a diagnosis or area of difficulty.
Areas psychology may support
The type of support or assessment recommended will depend on the individual child, the family's concerns and the clinical questions being explored.
Developmental and psychological assessments
Families may seek an assessment when they have questions about their child's development, attention, behaviour, learning, social communication or emotional wellbeing.
Depending on the reason for referral, an assessment may include conversations with parents or carers, observation, standardised assessment tools, questionnaires and information from other people involved in the child's life.
Relevant information from educators, doctors and allied-health professionals may also contribute to understanding the child's strengths and support needs.
The exact assessment process depends on the clinical question being explored and the individual child's circumstances.
Autism and ADHD assessment
Some families seek psychological assessment because there are questions about autism, ADHD or another developmental difference.
An assessment does not automatically result in a diagnosis. Its purpose is to gather appropriate information and develop a clearer understanding of the child's individual profile.
Where diagnostic assessment is appropriate, it must be completed by suitably qualified professionals and in accordance with relevant professional standards and requirements.
In some circumstances, assessment may involve information or input from more than one health professional.
Psychological support
Depending on a child's needs, psychological support may focus on areas such as emotional regulation, anxiety, confidence, coping skills, behaviour, relationships and participation in everyday life.
Working with families
Parents and carers have valuable knowledge about their child. Where appropriate, psychologists may work with families and collaborate with educators and other health professionals to support a consistent understanding of the child's needs.
What if my child doesn't have a diagnosis?
Families do not necessarily need to have a diagnosis before seeking professional advice about their child's development, behaviour or emotional wellbeing.
Sometimes the first step is simply discussing what you have noticed and determining whether assessment, psychological support, another allied-health service or a different pathway may be appropriate.
Read our guide to getting support without a diagnosisChild psychology in Balnarring Beach
Spriggle Kids provides child and family allied-health and developmental services from Balnarring Beach, supporting families from across the Mornington Peninsula.
Free Parent Resources
Learn more about development and assessment
Understanding Developmental Assessments
Learn what developmental assessments are, why they may be recommended and what families can generally expect.
Read the guideGetting Support Without a Diagnosis
Learn about possible first steps when you have concerns about your child's development but don't yet have a formal diagnosis.
Read the guideHave questions about your child's development?
Join the Spriggle Kids waitlist or book a chat with our team to discuss our psychology and developmental services.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a diagnostic tool or substitute for individual medical, psychological or developmental advice. Assessment and diagnosis depend on the individual child's circumstances and must be undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals.