• Where will the assessment occur?

We are flexible as to where the assessment will take place, although most take place at our office or the office of the person who referred you for the assessment. We also conduct assessments in custody throughout metropolitan and rural prisons in Victoria. We willoccasionally undertake an assessment in someone’s home, if they are very physically disabled and it is very difficult to get to an alternative location.

• What happens on the day?

The neuropsychological assessment consists of an initial interview to gather information about the client’s education/occupational history, medical history, substance use history, etc. This will then be followed by the administration of a range of tests to assess verbal/language abilities, visual/perceptual abilities, attention and concentration, new learning and memory and executive skills (planning, organisation, problems solving and decision making etc.).

• How do I prepare and what do I need to bring?

It is important to be functioning at you best on the day of the assessment. It is not recommended to drive for long periods prior to the assessment, so if you live a long distance away (rurally), it may be a good idea to come to the city on the day prior to the assessment so that you can get a good night’s sleep.

If you wear reading glasses, please bring them to the assessment. Similarly, please ensure that you wear your hearing aids (if required). If you have any physical or sensory difficulties, please let us know in advance so that we can modify the assessment as required.

If you take medication, please take your normal medication on the day of the assessment. It would be a good idea to write down your medications and doses (as we will ask you what you take) in case you cannot remember.

Please don’t use illicit drugs or consume excessive amounts of alcohol in the 24 hours preceding the assessment.

As it is a long assessment, you may want to bring something to eat and drink during the break (we will provide you with water)

• Can someone come with me?

Yes. Another person can usually sit with you during the interview, although it is important that you try to answer the questions. However, we will ask them to leave for the formal testing.

• How long will it take?

An average assessment takes about 3 hours, but they do vary from 2.5 up to 4 hours. Appointments are generally made for 9.30 am or 1.00 pm to allow enough time to complete the assessment. Occasionally assessments can be conducted in two parts if people suffer from significant fatigue.